Now I know why I own cargo shorts: That’s where I’ll carry my drone. The Mavic Pro, the newest flying camera from DJI, can stow in baggy pockets or an XL fanny pack. It also fits in less-embarrassing items, like a backpack.

The magic of the $1,000 Mavic Pro—already sold out or back-ordered in many places—is that it’s a Transformer. From a brick not much bigger than a fruitcake, it unfolds into some of the most advanced flying tech ever available without a license. I’m actually inclined to take one with me on vacation or an...