Droneflyers.com

Quadcopter, Multirotor and Drones Resource Site

Drones are now a Filmmakers Tool: Can they make your video better?

by Leave a Comment

The following is a guest post by Sasha Rezvina of leading aerial cinematography company Aerobo. Originally published on DroneLife.com

Drones were introduced into filmmaking as cheaper and safer alternatives for some helicopter shots. They could pull off (1) high-and-wide shots, so long as they weren’t too high, (2) sweeping shots, so long as they weren’t out of pilot’s sight, and not much else.

But in the past 5 years, drone technology has improved, and so has the imagination of the filmmakers who are using them.

Better camera gimbals, more durable hardware, and more sophisticated software has enabled cinematographers to push the limits of aerial cinematography. We’re seeing cameras fly full-speed towards cars and sweep up seconds before collision. We’re seeing cameras launch from the ground and circle around protagonists until they expose gorgeous backdrops. And we’re seeing cameras soar above the treeline, only to dip through tree tops to expose a clandestine meeting between characters.

The drone is becoming a camera platform in its own right — and before long, drones will become part of any filmmakers’ toolbelt. Here’s how.

Better Camera Gimbals Bring Us Back To Earth

If you look at this video and this video, you might notice the shakiness of the frame when the drone is close to its subject. This trembling is imperceptible when the camera is 500 feet in the air, but up-close, it’s quite clear that the camera platform is unstable.

Both videos were taken five years ago. The first was executed by a custom-built heavylift, and the second was taken by an off-the-shelf DJI Phantom drone, neither of which had gimbals that could make up for the shakiness produced by the wind and the rotors of the drone. While the footage made for great viral content, no filmmaker would allow for this sort of trembling frame in their film or commercial.

But today, off-the-shelf drones have considerably more sophisticated gimbal systems that stabilize big and small cameras alike. 3-axis drone gimbals stabilize along the yaw, pitch, and roll– and they’re available in all shapes in sizes. The sophisticated Movi Pro can be fastened to a heavylift drone to stabilize an Arri Alexa, and the X5s camera can be stabilized by the Inspire 2 gimbal system.

The shakiness and jitters are a problem of the past. Now, as long as the camera is moving, it’s moving along a smooth path. The following shots wouldn’t have been possible just four years ago:

 

 Now that flying cameras can be used at all altitudes, filmmakers can use a drone for more than just a novelty item for aerial shots. They can be used capturing shots otherwise captured on land-based equipment, replacing jibs, dollies, and even, in many cases, even cranes and Russian Arms.

More Durable Hardware Lets You Get Closer to The Action

Early experiences with drones have turned some filmmakers off of them forever. The early systems– often built in pilot’s garages– were incredibly easy to crash, and incredibly expensive to fix. There were no off-the-shelf parts, so some pieces had to be borrowed from other industries and others had to be manufactured using cheap, readily available materials.

As a result, early drone companies had a lot of disgruntled customers. On a film set, where every minute can cost a hundred dollars, one bad experience could have been enough to set back the entire drone industry.

Today’s off-the-shelf drones, however, are nothing like their predecessors. Now manufacturers such as DJI are building drones to withstand inclement weather, heat, cold, and crashes— with off-the-shelf parts available for reasonable prices.

This means filmmakers can go, quite literally, where no filmmaker has gone before.

They can film cars falling out of a skyscraper:

 

They can capture fights on top of moving trains:

A large part of working on a movie set is just lugging equipment around as quickly as possible. This means loading and unloading cases, tossing equipment in and out of vans, and throwing a $100,000 pile of hardware in the dirt. Anything that is considered a “filmmaker’s tool,” needs to be durable enough to be tossed, dropped, and exposed to the harshest conditions.

Leading drone manufacturer, DJI, which owns over 70% market share has launched a shift upstream, to focus on enterprise use-cases. Since then, their drones’ performance has become more dependable and the hardware, more durable.

Filmmakers can throw a Mavic in the trunk of their car, right next to their backup camera and lens kit, and not have to think twice.

Better Software Gives More Filmmakers Control

When the FAA allowed for commercial drone flight in September of 2014, filmmakers were not the first in line for drone parts. Commercial pilots and engineers were. Today, there’s an entire sub-industry of drone pilots, who provide services exclusively to the film and entertainment world.

Initially, filmmakers weren’t interested in drones because they were simply too difficult to fly. And today, we’re still seeing the remnants of that time. The drone industry is distinct from the filmmaking industry, providing aerial film and photos to a number of other verticals, including agriculture, industrial inspection, and mapping. Very few serious filmmakers have invested in their own drone equipment.

But the software behind some of the most sophisticated drones is making drone flight considerably more accessible.

Today’s drones aren’t motors controlled by joysticks, the way remote-control helicopters once were. They have “smart” features that make the thing much harder to crash:

  • Vision Positioning System (VPS) which keeps a drone steady, even if your hands are off the controls (or if its a windy day).
  • Obstacle avoidance sensors which will keep you from flying a drone into the side of a building.

And each new DJI drone model that’s designed for aerial film and photo is equipped with new and simpler ways to fly the drone. The latest Spark can be controlled with a joystick, your iPhone, or your even your hands (“like a bloody Jeti”, according to one reviewer).

Drones have become increasingly sophisticated, lowering the barrier to entry for filmmakers and content creators interested in aerial film.

The Renaissance Filmmaker

The filmmaking industry was once fragmented, with people sticking to one specialty throughout their careers. You’re either an editor, a VFX specialist, or a director of photography. Today’s filmmakers and content creators are able to tap into a number of different specialties.

All sorts of cinematic tools– from editing software to cameras–  are being built with usability in mind, democratizing filmmaking. Today’s creators can wear several hats, but also have a deeper conversation about the project as a whole with their collaborators. We’ve never been better equipped to create art.

The drone is following suit. DJI drones are just like the DSLR camera, which can make anyone a photographer. Just like Adobe Premier, which can make anyone an editor. Technology is augmenting what tools creatives can implement to fulfill their creative vision. And the drone is no different.

Sasha Rezvina is a Brooklyn-based writer who explores the intersection of technology and art. Throughout her career she’s worked with over 30 tech companies to help them shape their brand stories and tell the world about their products. She’s currently the Director of Marketing for Aerobo, the largest aerial cinematography company in the U.S. 

DJI Teases new Drone “See the Bigger Picture” for July 18, 2018

by Leave a Comment

Mavic 2? Phantom 5? – The Rumor Mill says the Mavic Pro 2 is very likely, although it is possible more than one product will be introduced. The MP2 should be a significant upgrade with a larger sensor, more obstacle avoidance and other such tricks. Perhaps a CrystalSky controller would be an option for the more professional Pilot? But the main difference is rumored to be a large sensor for the camera…and perhaps basic zoom capabilities.

DJI has sent out invitations for a NYC launch event for a new product or products. The invitation promises that we will “see the bigger picture” as in the graphic below:

Unlike some other DJI products, there are not yet (as of June 17) any reputable rumors as to exactly what this could be. Our guess, here at Droneflyers.com, is perhaps a Drone with a 360 degree view to take full panoramas. Actually, that may be our #2 guess or tied for #1. Another guess is a model with various lenses (zoom, wide angle, etc.) which can be fitted to it. This has been rumored before as being a potential feature of a “Phantom 5” model.

Others have suggested it could be the Mavic Pro 2 – maybe it has a 1″ sensor and/or wide angle and other features.

Current buying advice – if you have $$ and are considering a Mavic Pro Platinum, it might pay to hold off for a couple weeks. On the other hand, the Mavic Air is quite new and up-to-date, so if this model is in your sights you can probably go ahead and purchase it.

For now we will have to guess…..and wait. We have a forum thread if you want to comment – or leave your FB comments at the bottom of this page. Thanks!

https://www.droneflyers.com/talk/threads/dji-promised-bigger-picture-for-july-18-launch-even-in-nyc.4276/

 

Editing your RAW Drone Photos in Apple Photos

by Leave a Comment

Note- A Mavic Pro was used for these photos – but the advice given will apply to most all DJI drones and to some other brands.
This article is for Beginners and Advanced Beginners – those who know their imaging will likely already have other programs (Lightroom, etc.) that process their RAW and other photos. This article involves editing with the free (included) MacOS program “Apple Photos”, formerly called iPhoto.

What is RAW?

RAW is a photographic file type – one that takes as much as possible of the information from the camera sensor and stores it in a larger (usually 5X the size in bytes) format than the JPEG (.jpg or .jpeg) that most are familiar with. Most DJI Equipment now allows you to set the Photo type as RAW…or, as both RAW and JPEG at the same time. In the later case, the Drone will take and store two photos – one processed with your JPEG settings and one RAW.

Should you use RAW as your Photo file type?

This is an open question. If you do a lot of work on your photos after you download them (this is called post-processing), then RAW is the preferred format due to it containing more actual light and color information…which then gives you more to work with. However, if the majority of your work is “as-is” or only slightly adjusted afterwards (crop, light, etc.), then the JPEG format should work fine. However, it will benefit you to check and test the JPEG photo settings on your machine before you take it into the field. DJI provides various options – I currently use “Landscape” on my Mavic Pro and the result are quite good. Reports from the field indicate that DJI has occasionally changed these settings with firmware updates, so it’s important that you check to make sure the photos are satisfactory before doing any important flights. This can be done by checking the settings in the DJI Go (4) app while connected to the Drone – and also taking a couple photos outdoors. I just hover a few feet above my house and do so, but you could also do it hand held. Make certain to touch the screen to focus and try to take a sample photo of something at a distance – then inspect it closely on your computer or any larger screen.

RAW Photos will often look “washed out” compared to JPEGS – this is because JPEGS are automatically improved inside the camera. In other words, the basic work (sharpening, brightening, colors popping) is done for you – whereas with RAW you have to do the post-processing.

Up until recently, working with RAW files often meant you needed expensive programs like Lightroom – and also the education on using them. However, the free (included) Apple Photos App on Macs now has the ability to process these files. Following is a short tutorial on editing RAW (and other) photos in Apple Photos.

Selecting a Photo in Apple Photos

The screenshot below shows part of a typical Apple Photos “Photos” screen. These Photos have been imported from the Micro-SD card plugged into an adapter on my Mac. The thumbnails which have a “J” at the upper left also show a second shadow behind that “J” – this indicates that both a JPEG and a RAW copy of the photo are in the program. If nothing is shown, that means only a JPEG exists – if the upper left only contains an “R”, that means only a RAW photo was taken. Note that RAW photos will have a .DNG (or .dng) extension.  [Read more…]

Ryze Robotics Tello – a DJI, Intel and Ryze Robotics $99 Drone

by

In January 2018 a small $99 drone was announced by DJI.  The model was called the Tello from a company called Ryze Robotics, a new startup we had not heard of before. Like many before it the Tello promised a number of intelligent features at a very low price point, small toy drones don’t usually get a lot of attention but this one was different as it has 2 very large names associated with it, DJI and Intel.

Order Tello Now for $99 

So what is Tello ?

At first look its a small $99 FPV camera drone thats designed to be flown indoors or at very low level outdoors, at this price point most would assume its in the “toy’ category however that is really not the case because unlike ones before it its packed with a lot technology and specifically DJI’s intelligent flight control system and Intel Movidius Vision systems.
This is similar to what DJI have on their own larger models and means the Tello is extremely easy and stable to fly because its fitted with a version of DJI’s Vision Positioning System its able to hold its position when flying above a well lit surface and gives GPS Mode like hold performance.

However being a fun flying drone is not Tello’s only purpose, its also an educational tool and Ryze Robotics have opened it up to support programming from Scratch and Drone Blocks, these are simple educational programming platforms that help young people learn coding and programming via number of hardware platforms such as Anki Cozmo, this is a whole new area for young people to explore and it makes the Tello an even more interesting product as a result.

A Closer Look at the Craft

The Tello its self is a hand held size quad, its compact and housed with in plastic body with the main electronics are located in the bottom of the aircraft with the battery sliding into the middle to fill the body,looking underneath you can see the Vision system that consists of a small camera and infrared sensors, these are used to measure distance from the ground as well as hold the crafts position.

Propulsion is handled by four brushed motors with small plastic push on props, these are protected by the included prop guards. [Read more…]

DJI Spark Camera Drone – Is it for You?

by

Droneflyers.com received a review model of the DJI Spark Camera Drone before the official launch. We therefore have had a few months to put the model through its paces and determine the pros and cons of this ultra-portable quadcopter. Note that we have our initial review in this article as well as a number of Spark videos at our youtube channel. These may answer many of your questions, however the below is a summary of our thoughts at the present time. We will present most of the benefits and features in the beginning of the article and list out the major “cons” (what it doesn’t do, etc.) at the end.

What is Spark and who is it for?

The DJI Spark is the first mass-market ultra-portable drone that still has most of the features of the larger and heavier models. These include a camera gimbal, front and bottom sensors, dual GPS, FPV, an advanced App and an array of photographic and other options. Up until the Spark, the closest model to this ideal was the Parrot BeBop 2 – which has many of the above features, but lacks a gimbal (mechanical camera stabilizer) – instead using Electronic Image Stabilization to remove vibrations and other unwanted movement from the video(s). Most experts will agree that the mechanical (Spark) camera gimbal results in better overall video than EIS.

The DJI Spark is available with or without an option R/C controller. When purchased without the R/C controller, the range is limited and the model must be controlled using “virtual sticks” which are on the screen. Those who have no experience with either virtual or real “sticks” will likely need a lot of practice (and reading) to become familiar with operating the Spark via Mobile Device. Still, in our opinion, the Spark represents a truly useable camera drone/mobile device combo….something that we feel is lacking with most earlier models.

Adding the R/C controller makes the Spark a much more capable device – extending the range, the control “feel” and other options enough to make it a totally different experience. The R/C controller also features a “Sport” mode – which turns the normally tame Spark into a racer/FPV model that you’ll enjoy flying around the local fields. It can also integrate with the DJI Googles – giving you the full FPV experience (our DJI goggle review is here).  [Read more…]

2013 vs. 2017 – How Much Camera Drone tech do you get for your money?

by

The advances in consumer Camera Drones have come quite quickly, outpacing similar technologies such as smart phones, computers and flat screen TV’s. As one example, an iPhone 3 in 2009 sold for a similar price as an iPhone 6 in 2016 (when inflation is considered). Of course, the newer iPhones are much more powerful and capable due to increased processing power.

When it comes to consumer camera drones, the price/performance (value) evolution is much more drastic. As an example, we will use the first Phantom/Gimbal combination to illustrate the point.

Mid-2013 Consumer Camera Drone Example

The first models of the Phantom (Phantom 1) were followed by an optional gimbal (stabilizer) – designed for the GoPro Hero 3 models. The gimbal was named “Zenmuse H3-2D” the “2D” meaning it was a 2-Axis gimbal. The Gimbal sold for $700 US, however existing Phantom owners also had to buy a PMU (power management unit) as well as the GoPro 3 Camera. A basic unit would therefore be:
$650 Phantom 1
$780 – Gimbal with PMU
$400+ – GoPro Hero 3
———
$1830

This setup required installation and tuning – the Phantom had to be opened up to install the wires and the PMU. Having this done by a dealer…plus a couple extra batteries, would bring the minimum price up to approx. 2K. [Read more…]

DJI Spark – NYC Introduction and our First Look at the Hardware, etc

by

Note – we are adding a number of videos on our youtube channel. Most are embedded in this article however the direct link is here.

We also have a “Forum Continuation Thread” where we are posting tips and hints as they are known…and where you can even ask a question and take part in the conversation. Here is the link.

DJI introduced a smaller and lighter camera quadcopter (drone) named Spark on May 24. The Event was held in Grand Central Station in New York City.
Droneflyers.com obtained a pre-production model which we will be testing and flying extensively in the weeks ahead. Here are the very basics as we know them before…and at the time of launch. Xparks should be shipping very soon (Late June, 2017)

Price: $499 for the basic unit – operated by gesture control and/or smartphone.
$699 – for a complete package with Remote Control, Case, Prop Guards, Multiple Battery Charger, etc.

The DJI Spark is a small drone that does not fold – but is smaller and lighter than the Mavic Pro. It contains a 2-axis gimbal capable of 12MP Stills and 1080 Video. The DJI Spark is positioned as a “starter” drone but I’m sure more experienced and creative pilots will be able to use it also due to its size and capabilities. If you just want to order one now – try this link at DJI. Amazon is now taking orders also for Mid-June Delivery – here is a link.

DJI Spark – click to enlarge

In terms of weight, here is what our little scale read:
Weight – 344 grams with battery and prop guards (12.12 oz.)
305.4 grams with battery – no prop guards – (10.77 oz.)
Battery only – 95.8 grams (3.38 oz)

Flight time is advertised as 16 minutes – this is a maximum without the prop guards, which add quite a bit of weight. Figure on 12 minutes when you are using the prop guards. True flight time (usable) is closer to 13 minutes without prop guards and 10 minutes with. The battery only takes a couple seconds to swap out, so this is not going to be a problem for the close-in work this drone is designed for.

The base unit will sell for $499 and is controlled by “gesture control” (your hands, palms, face, etc.) or a smart device and wireless communication protocol. Advanced control on the smart device is through the DJI GO 4 App and a similar interface as other DJI models – except that the “sticks” show up virtually on the screen when your fingers touch it. The Go App for Spark features a number of Intelligent Flight Modes as per the screenshot below:

Intelligent Flight Modes

Note – there are some fancy moves such as “palm launching” as well as new camera modes and controls – most designed for the “selfie” aspect of this model. For example, a pano mode is included as well as a option to have a shallow depth of field (DJI calls this “Shallowfocus”). Vertical and Horizontal models are included (Landscape and Portrait).

An R/C (Remote) will be available for the Spark – as an extra cost option. This greatly extends the range and height.

Remote Control for Spark – Click to Enlarge

Range and Wind Resistance [Read more…]

Dronespeak.com and Dronecoalition.net Acquired by Droneflyers.com

by

The domain names:
http://www.dronecoalition.net
and
http://www.dronespeak.com have both been acquired by Droneflyers.com.

As a result of these purchases, both domains now point to the Droneflyers.com main web site. However, most of the blog posts, articles and other information contained in those two sites now resides in our archives here and can be found in numerous ways. You can use our search box – or even use google and any result that points to those two URLs (web sites) will automatically transport you here.

We will be deleting and/or updating articles which are far out of date or contain information which is not useful today or in the future.

Of course, if you want the newest and freshest articles, reviews, opinions and links you can simply navigate using the menu links at the top of the page or click the Droneflyers logo to be transported to our front page.

We hope some of you find the content from the other web sites useful.

Sincerely,

Droneflyers.com

Note – if you have a drone web site you are no longer updating we’d be glad to speak to you about taking over the hosting of the content. It’s always a let down when good information disappears from the internet.

DJI Headset Goggles review! – Now available for Order – specs, videos and more!

by

When DJI announced the Mavic Pro, they also showed a pair of advanced FPV/VR Goggles. Unfortunately, these have not yet been available – until now! In the meantime it appears they have cut the price in 1/2 (based on original projections). The goggles are available to order for just $449.

DJI has provided us access to an early shipment of preproduction – we have now received them and are in the process of a full review. If you are interested in getting in line to order, check out the DJI order page – all of the specs are there also.

Give the price and the features, these may be the first “mass market” goggles in the camera drone world. Sure, they won’t be used by most professional racers who have customer (read that speedy) setups which fit their uses – but for everyday control and an immersive flying experience, these should do the trick!

Stay tuned…..the entire reviews will follow here as it moves along.

First, here is the owners manual. It’s nice to have – for example, I didn’t get one with my (pre-production) set, so didn’t even know how to charge the batteries!
DJI_Goggles_User_Manual_EN

USB Port on Headband for Charging Battery

[Read more…]

First Look and Review – DJI $1349 Phantom 4 Advanced with 1″ Sony Sensor & CrystalSky Monitor

by

DJI has announced a version of the Phantom 4 – like the Pro and Pro +, it features the 1″ Sony Sensor, larger lens and higher resolutions and bitrates. It is sold without the rear and side obstacle avoidance (I personally don’t use them anyway!) – the good news is that you get the top of the line camera and the other cool stuff – for less money – $1349 (bring your own device) or $1649 with the built-in Android based ChrystalSky Monitor.
Shipping NOW……you can order now at the DJI Store by using this link (info and ordering!)

DJI Phantom 4 Advanced +

DJI was kind enough to send us an evaluation (pre-release) model so we could test the new Phantom 4 Advanced + with the built-in CrystalSky Monitor.

What is CrystalSky? Simply speaking, it’s the best and brightest monitor available for consumer and prosumer level drones. DJI says it this way:
______________________________________________________________
“A maximum 2000 cd/m² of brightness means the CrystalSky monitor is more than four times as bright as typical mobile devices. On-screen details are clear and sharp, and colors are vibrant, giving the quality needed to fine tune image composition. A dedicated Sunlight Readability Enhancement mode is especially designed for processing the image in real-time to ensure more comfortable viewing under bright light.

* 5.5” / 7.85” 1000 cd/m2 7.85” Ultra Bright 2000 cd/m2
Resolution: 2048×1536 (7.85’’) / 1920×1080 (5.5’’)

______________________________________________________________

A picture I took (with iphone) of the CrystalSky Screen – taken in bright sunlight (in sunroom).

Let’s get back to the CrystalSky in a minute – first, we will describe the new Phantom 4 Advanced so consumers are clear about what they are getting – or not getting. At first glance the P4A looks exactly like the other Phantom 4 models. However, the advanced Sony 1″ Sensor means we can only compare it to the Phantom 4 Pro (and Pro+). We did an extensive review of the Phantom 4 Professional (without CrystalSky), which is located here.

Here are the differences between the Phantom 4 Pro and the Phantom 4 Advanced.

  1. The Phantom 4 Advanced lacks the rear facing optical avoidance cameras – and also the left and right side infrared sensors.
  2. The Phantom 4 Advanced uses a single frequency (2.4GHZ) for it’s R/C control and image transmission – the Pro model has the option of using 2.4 or 5.8 or both. Note – the Advanced may have less range due to this single frequency.
  3. The weight of the Phantom 4 Advanced has been shaved down by 20 grams – allowing for slightly longer flight times.
  4. The Price – as of May, 2017 – is $150 less.

[Read more…]