As an update with info tidbits:
Small drones with camera are available under the 0.55# weight limit for registering with FAA.
They may come with 2 or 3 batteries, but I think only about ~15 min flight time per battery.
Many offer a collision avoidance option.
Some are moving beyond 4k recording for greater quality (if needed).

I decided against a drone.
It would be the editing of too much video and soundtrack adaptation that would become likely more a burden than a joy. Or I'm just lazy toward new things? Or maybe I'm not liking the buzzing.