Thousands of photographers and cinematographers have fallen in love with the new technologies of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and drones. Drones are revolutionizing film and television, news, and real estate photography. They provide endless new opportunities to capture high-quality photos and video, including angles that were previously impossible or simply incredibly difficult to attain. Even better, it’s all doable at prices that you can confidently work into your budget.Let’s discuss how you can start incorporating drones into your cinematography and photography.
Why are Photographers and Cinematographers Using Drones?
When it comes to capturing aerial photographs and B-roll for filmmaking, drones offer a ton of benefits. They’re way easier to use and set up compared to crane shots and they’re far less expensive than hiring a helicopter-based camera crew. This is why some folks believe that drone photographers and videographers are the way of the future.
Let’s take a look at how professional drone pilots are bringing new opportunities to the photo and film table.
- Drones provide new aerial perspectives, enhancing visual experience and capturing new vantage points of the world.
- Camera cranes, steadicams and camera tracks all have specific physical constraints.
- Drones can replace land-based equipment — including jibs, dollies, and even cranes and Russian Arms — to capture shots.
- Drones today have “smart” features that make them safer and more stable to operate, including Vision Positioning Systems (VPS) and Obstacle avoidance sensors.
- 3-axis drone gimbals stabilize along the yaw, pitch and roll – and they’re available in all shapes and sizes.
- Drones are small, easy to maneuver and far more affordable than manned aircraft.
How are Drones Being Used by Photographers and Cinematographers?
If you’ve never considered incorporating a bird’s-eye view into your client offerings, you may wonder how to introduce aerial photos and footage into your workflow. No matter what type of photography or videography you do, from high-end weddings to real estate listings, drone photos and film can expand your creative horizons.
- Movies and Film: From new camera angles to full-speed chase scenes, flights over water or in-between trees, the sky is the limit for cinematographers on film sets.
- Real Estate Photography: Real estate agents are able to sell properties more effectively by utilizing drone photography and video, as aerial photography is quickly becoming the standard in effectively marketed real estate listings.
- Wedding Photography: Drones allow videographers to capture sweeping footage from overhead, creating an extremely dramatic effect for wedding videos.
- Advertising: Drones provide markets with the ability to capture images or display ads that are otherwise costly or difficult to obtain.
- News: Many news organizations use helicopters or planes which have higher costs and require people on-site to operate. Additionally, if a journalist is covering conflict or natural disaster, drones can remove people from that danger while still covering the story.
What to Know Before Using Drones
Although many drones are designed for beginners, there are some important factors to consider before your first drone flight. Even the best drone pilots occasionally have accidents, and you’ll need to familiarize yourself with important regulations. Make sure to do your research before you begin drone flying.
FAA Rules & Regulations
Without a waiver or current part 107 license, current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations only allow drones to be flown during daylight hours, no higher than 400 feet, and no faster than 100 miles per hour. Additionally, the aircraft must remain in the visual line of sight of the remote operator.
Costs of Setting Up a Drone Program
Flying a drone for commercial use requires training. While the benefits far outweigh the costs, it’s important for agencies and companies alike to understand their goals and create a plan before purchasing hardware.
Risk of Lawsuits
Similar to any other collision, if a drone crashes, any harmed individuals may be able to bring upon a lawsuit. This further emphasizes the importance of training and understanding the rules and regulations, so companies can fly safely and legally.
Recommended Drones for Photography and Cinematography
DJI Mavic 3 Cine
As one of the most impressive drones in DJI’s collection, the Mavic 3 Cine should be at the top of any drone photographer or videographer’s wishlist.
The onboard Hasselblad L2D-20c camera is a major upgrade from most built-in drone cameras. With a micro 4/3 CMOS sensor capable of capturing 20 megapixel photographs and 5.1K video, the Mavic 3 Cine is a content creator’s dream come true. An 84-degree field of view combined with adjustable apertures from f/2.8 to f/11 helps you create images and drone footage exactly as you envision them.
The battery life here is a major step up from previous generations, and it provides up to 46 minutes of flight time. Omnidirectional obstacle sensing, 15 km video transmission, low-noise propellers, and focus-tracking features simplify the experience of filming while flying.
Consider investing in a premium combo kit for all the accessories, backup batteries, and replacement propellers you need to keep creating.
- 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad Camera
- 5.1K/50fps and DCI 4K/120fps
- 46-Min Max Flight Time
28x In Hybrid Zoom Capabilities - 15km Video Transmission
- Apple ProRes 422 HQ Video Recording
- Built-in 1TB SSD
Autel Robotics EVO II V3 Pro
Put simply, Autel Robotics’ EVO II V3 Pro deserves every aerial photographer and cinematographer’s attention.
This model features a 20 megapixel, 1-inch CMOS image sensor by Sony for shooting up to 6K video resolution at 30fps, and image quality that rivals any DSLR. The built-in camera can shoot RAW photos in DNG format for extra flexibility in post-processing.
The built in 3-axis gimbal provides impressive image and video stabilization to let you confidently engage built-in programs like Hyper-Lapse for the smoothest possible results. Accurately track your footage and drone shots while you fly, thanks to the Smart Controller SE’s built-in 6.4-inch OLED touchscreen with real-time HD image transmission of up to 15 km.
If you’re looking for a drone that can handle flying after dark, you’ll love the included Moonlight Algorithm 2.0 for navigating successfully in low light.
- 1-inch CMOS sensor by Sony
- 6K/30fps and 4K HDR video
- 20 MP still photos
- 12-bit DNG images with 68.6 billion colors
- Hyperlapse photography in 6K
- 360 degree obstacle avoidance
- 25km max flight distance
- 40-Min max flight time
- 15 km HD video transmission
- Level 8 wind resistance
- SD card, HDMI, and USB ports
Sony Airpeak S1
As one of the leading companies in professional-grade cameras for photography and videography, Sony represents top-tier reliability for content creators. The Sony Airpeak S1 is a fully integrated drone that’s designed with Sony cameras in mind.
Instead of choosing a drone with a built-in camera that requires you to adapt your workflow for new photographic equipment, consider investing in a drone that fits with your existing gear. The Airpeak S1 is the smallest drone in the world capable of safely and nimbly carrying a full-frame Sony Alpha mirrorless camera body and lens.
Impressive features for photographers and cinematographers include retractable landing gear for unobstructed imagery, superior stability even in high winds, multi-directional obstacle avoidance, a dedicated Gremsy gimbal, and hot-swappable batteries.
Expand the capabilities of your existing Sony camera and lens collection by taking to the sky for sweeping aerial footage, subject tracking, pullback shots, and other applications.
- The Smallest Drone in its Class for Alpha Mirrorless Cameras
- 55.9mph Max Speed
- Stable in Winds Up to 44.7 mph
- Dual Operation Mode for Independent
- Control of Aircraft and Gimbal/Camera
- GBL-T3 (Gremsy Gimbal)
- 5 Cameras & 2 IR Sensor Vision Systems
- Obstacle Avoidance & Braking Function
Freefly Alta X
Professional-grade camera equipment isn’t exactly lightweight, so it helps to have a photography drone capable of a large payload. The Freefly Alta X can handle up to 35lbs of camera, lens, and peripheral equipment, so you can use the exact rig you need to get your shot.
Choose from quick-release mounting positions on either the top or bottom of the drone for added flexibility in setting up and framing each photo or take. The Freefly Alta X uses adjustable vibration isolation to let you capture vibration-free footage and minimize the wear and tear on the drone with every flight.
If you’re interested in learning to use the Alta X like a pro and taking advantage of every feature, Freefly’s support team offers onsite training, customer support help in real time, and advice from their engineers on adapting your camera rig for optimal performance.
With a drone this good, you’re well on your way to filming the next Hollywood blockbuster!
- 35lb Max payload
- Quick-release mounting system on top or bottom of aircraft
- Adjustable vibration Isolation
- Long-range data link
- Extensive accessory ecosystem
- 33-inch blades with ActiveBlade technology (1/5th the normal level of vibration)
- Flies on just 2 batteries
- 50-minute flight time with no payload, 22-minute flight with 20lb payload
- Folds to half its size with one-finger folding
- Power and data expansion ports to help you integrate just about any gear
How Can Adorama Help?
Choosing the right drone for your photo or video needs can be a daunting process. The drone you select should be able to handle either your existing equipment or provide the right on-board camera to help you achieve your vision. Fortunately, Adorama is here to assist with any product questions and to make valuable suggestions to aid your search.
Top Vendors
We have strong relationships with top manufacturers like DJI, Autel, Parrot, FLIR, Sony, Alta, senseFly, Draganfly, Nikon, Fujifilm, and many more.
Training
Numerous UAS training programs, from its in-house, ground-up drone training for Public Safety, to basic flight training, cinematography best practices, COA Development, SOP Development, photogrammetry, night and thermal operations, and more.
Subject Matter Experts
At Adorama, we employ and partner with many drone industry experts, with vast arrays of experience, to help companies begin efficiently and compliantly flying missions.
Software & Payloads
Adorama Drones carries many software solutions, and our experts can discuss the right software, hardware, cameras and sensor pairings for the job.
Elevate Your Imagery With Drones
Whether you prefer using your existing camera gear with a large payload-capable drone or are looking for a drone with a built-in camera rig to get you started, you have more options than ever before to capture high-quality aerial footage.If you’re new to the world of drones, starting with a basic model can help you get the hang of flight mechanics at your own pace. Once you’re ready to level up, be sure to check out our collection of drone photography tips. Before you know it, you’ll be capturing outstanding high-resolution photographs, sweeping tracking shots, and other impressive footage.
