Whether atmospheric landscape images or brilliant snapshots of fantastic sunrises – everything looks more beautiful from a bird’s eye view. It’s not for nothing that being able to fly is one of humanity’s oldest dreams.
In the past, camera cranes or helicopters were primarily used to capture such images from the air. Not only are they expensive, but they quickly reach their limits. Fortunately, in the age of drones we no longer have to resort to these means. The small remote-controlled copters deliver images that in most cases even surpass their counterparts. You are much more flexible than a manned helicopter could ever be and can reach places that a camera crane will never see.
Even more possibilities thanks to smart features
Thanks to high-resolution camera optics, the pilot almost feels as if he were sitting in the cockpit himself. Numerous “smart” features create additional options for producing brilliant recordings. The active track, the panorama function and hyperlaps are examples of this. Depending on the model, this allows you to create scenes that are absolutely cinematic. Depending on the area of application, a thermal camera / thermal imaging camera can even be attached to a standard drone – this allows the area to be filmed James Bond style with a temperature scanner.
Gimbal as one of the most important components of the drone
In German, a gimbal is a camera mount, i.e. a mechanical system for automatic image stabilization. Depending on the situation, a gimbal can stabilize on one, two or three or rarely even on four axes. Gimbals are mainly found in SLR cameras and drones. There is a small motor in each axis of the gimbal that fixes the camera on the target object.
These days, most drone owners already have a 3-axis gimbal. In contrast to 2-axis gimbals, they also stabilize the X-axis, i.e. the horizontal. The advantage is that these stabilized axes create beautiful videos. Photos and videos are always in order, even in wind and fast flights. You have the greatest possible freedom when choosing your motif during the flight.
What else should the drone be able to do?
As a filmmaker, when buying a drone, you should make sure that the drone has a good live broadcast. Because that’s the only way you know where you’re going while filming. In addition to a good GPS, the drone should be able to stand still so that you don’t have to constantly counteract it. In difficult environmental conditions, an obstacle detection sensor makes recordings easier.
In difficult environmental conditions, an obstacle detection sensor makes recordings easier.
Drones have already almost completely replaced camera cranes, even in the film business. In most cases, helicopters also make little sense for producing aerial photographs. Drones are now mature and clearly superior in almost all disciplines – at significantly lower costs. They offer numerous features to meet every need and are more flexible than a crane or helicopter could ever be. No matter whether you are a photographer or filmmaker, a hobbyist or a professional – drones are the right choice for taking photos from a bird’s eye view.
