Posted by Jack Garrett on March 20, 2014 at 2:00 AM
I wanted to run this by the forum. Recently I bought a DJI Phantom 2 UAV>>I hate to use the word drone
Anyway, I plan to use it for aerial video and photos with a different perspective once I get a little better. I would like to know if you folks would object. I plan to keep within the concept of landscapes and would certainly share any knowledge I have...once i get some :big grin:
Here is just a test video for your thoughts...not the type of landscapes I will do in the future but just to give you an idea. Be sure to set the video to 720 or 1080P for best clarity.
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on March 20, 2014 at 6:11 AM
Looks great in HD. Yes, definitely, I'd like to see more.
How have you found the learning curve?
Are you teaching yourself, or do you have an instructor?
I LOVE shooting aerials with a DSLR from a Cessna, however, these are certainly less expensive.
And the crashes are much cheaper.
Posted by Brian Gatlin on March 20, 2014 at 10:30 AM
Be sure to know the laws in the places where you use the drone. for example, they are prohibited (and can be confiscated) at Grand Canyon National Park.
I know these are gaining in popularity, but I would certainly hate to see one in any backcountry setting.
Posted by Jack Garrett on March 20, 2014 at 1:21 PM
Brian I agree, they need to be used judiciously. Most NP's and a lot of State Parks have regulations against usage. Only point of disagreement is they cannot legally confiscate the unit. They can issue a citation or demand that you stop. Right now, all they have is regulations and not laws so therefore they can't confiscate unless the regulation so states. It'.s best to be courteous with them and most will have you go on your way
Also, there is a noise issue so it's not the greatest thing to hear when you are in a pristine location in back country.
One further point...they are banned in National Parks but not National Forests unless that has changed in the past couple months.
That being said, this is the most fun I've had in a long time!
Bill, I am teaching myself..these things are easy to fly. Just start slow and learn all the movements before trying to go too far. Also, I use goggles and a monitor so I can see exactly what the aircraft sees at all times.
I would suspect that flying one in a scenic area where other photographers are shooting would be extremely annoying to some unless you received the thumbs-up from everyone impacted by its form factor and its noise. And there in lies the biggest problem. How do you get the ok from people you don't know are in the area impacted, since some may be behind a ridge or a grove of trees, on the other side of the valley from you, etc. There will be conflicts! Does your Phantom have an anti-aircraft artillery measure on board?
.Flying one in a heavily used area where there are other noises such as vehicles and boom boxes going probably wouldn't be an issue noise-wise or form factor-wise, but increase the number of people in the area and you are sure to come across someone who will not be pleasantly surprised. Filming an athletic event would probably not cause any issues since most are used to the variety of filming that is done at pro venues.
Good luck in your new hobby!
Posted by Jack Garrett on March 20, 2014 at 1:28 PM
All points well taken Don and I agree. You have to use good judgement and common sense when doing this and consider who else may be impacted. I know that every time I fly, I get curious folks who want to know how it works. I could make millions selling these things...lol.
Posted by Karl Buiter on March 20, 2014 at 2:11 PM
Looks like a bunch of fun...
The upcoming NAB should be considered an air show. So many drones in 2013. I distinctly remember awaiting a drawing at the Adorama booth - and from above inside the Las Vegas Convention Center comes a drone from another booth flying above the Adorama crowd. Just hanging there, waiting for the drawing.
Good for the bans. I often thought what a cool shot it would be to run a drone at Toroweap - but one would motivate others and the next thing the Grand Canyon would be full of buzzing cameras. No Thank-you.
Of course here in Vegas, our nearby Nellis AFB is home to a number of drones - the ones that shoot rockets.
Posted by Arthur Lund on March 20, 2014 at 10:04 PM
Yes it is fun. No question, but it just rude, crude, and obnoxious. What have you done to protect yourself from the liability of
crashing into someone or something that you should not. This should close a lot of doors to landscape photographers.
Posted by Bob Falcone on March 21, 2014 at 11:37 PM
I'd love to see more of your videos, Jack. I am a fan of the unique perspective that "drone" shots present.
It is illegal in the US to use drones for "commercial" use, which could be extended to taking photos and/or videos that are then sold. It's not enforced (yet) but the law is on the books. One can see enforcement coming around if complaints start to rise.
Around the wrong group, a "drone" can become "skeet". Would hate to see that happen.
One on hand, I'd love to see the video shot from one of these, say flying through Mesa Arch, out to Washer Woman and over to Marlboro Point. On the other hand, I'd be PO'd if I was trying to photograph those and some pesky drone ended up in my view.
These are going to present a learning curve for everyone...
Discussion
9 repliesAnyway, I plan to use it for aerial video and photos with a different perspective once I get a little better. I would like to know if you folks would object. I plan to keep within the concept of landscapes and would certainly share any knowledge I have...once i get some :big grin:
Here is just a test video for your thoughts...not the type of landscapes I will do in the future but just to give you an idea. Be sure to set the video to 720 or 1080P for best clarity.
Thanks,
Jack
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2aolnyuo9k
How have you found the learning curve?
Are you teaching yourself, or do you have an instructor?
I LOVE shooting aerials with a DSLR from a Cessna, however, these are certainly less expensive.
And the crashes are much cheaper.
I know these are gaining in popularity, but I would certainly hate to see one in any backcountry setting.
Also, there is a noise issue so it's not the greatest thing to hear when you are in a pristine location in back country.
One further point...they are banned in National Parks but not National Forests unless that has changed in the past couple months.
That being said, this is the most fun I've had in a long time!
Bill, I am teaching myself..these things are easy to fly. Just start slow and learn all the movements before trying to go too far. Also, I use goggles and a monitor so I can see exactly what the aircraft sees at all times.
.Flying one in a heavily used area where there are other noises such as vehicles and boom boxes going probably wouldn't be an issue noise-wise or form factor-wise, but increase the number of people in the area and you are sure to come across someone who will not be pleasantly surprised. Filming an athletic event would probably not cause any issues since most are used to the variety of filming that is done at pro venues.
Good luck in your new hobby!
The upcoming NAB should be considered an air show. So many drones in 2013. I distinctly remember awaiting a drawing at the Adorama booth - and from above inside the Las Vegas Convention Center comes a drone from another booth flying above the Adorama crowd. Just hanging there, waiting for the drawing.
Good for the bans. I often thought what a cool shot it would be to run a drone at Toroweap - but one would motivate others and the next thing the Grand Canyon would be full of buzzing cameras. No Thank-you.
Of course here in Vegas, our nearby Nellis AFB is home to a number of drones - the ones that shoot rockets.
crashing into someone or something that you should not. This should close a lot of doors to landscape photographers.
It is illegal in the US to use drones for "commercial" use, which could be extended to taking photos and/or videos that are then sold. It's not enforced (yet) but the law is on the books. One can see enforcement coming around if complaints start to rise.
Around the wrong group, a "drone" can become "skeet". Would hate to see that happen.
One on hand, I'd love to see the video shot from one of these, say flying through Mesa Arch, out to Washer Woman and over to Marlboro Point. On the other hand, I'd be PO'd if I was trying to photograph those and some pesky drone ended up in my view.
These are going to present a learning curve for everyone...