As discussed in the last article, both FPV and cinematic drones continue to gain popularity. So which one is right for you. In the last article we discussed in detail what a FPV is and what type of projects it may be good for. Today though, we are going to discuss cinematic drones and why they may or may not be the right fit for you as a potential pilot or consumer looking to hire a drone for your next project.

Cinematic Drones: The term cinematic drones refers to a type of drone that is not FPV or First Person View, has a stabilized camera on a gimble, and can capture cinematic focal lengths with high dynamic range. These drones usually allow for better color grading and result in more ‘beauty shot’ style footage over the fast paced ‘action style’ shots so common on social media platforms these days.

Cinematic drones have been around for years, but ever since the first DJI Mavic Pro came out in 2016, the draw for drones has never been higher. Consumer ready packages are easily within most peoples budgets and the drones are so automated that learning to fly them has never been easier. So why not get a drone? If you are looking for a drone to start with, cinematic drones are where most people start. If you are looking to work commercially with a drone, cinematic drones offer more business options to pilots than FPV. Cinematic drones can also be used for drone mapping and different types of inspections. If you do get at drone for commercial use though, make sure you have your Part 107 license to operate legally.

Most cinematic drones today will contain several automated features that allow you to track yourself, fly from point to point, hover as a tripod, or even follow a preset course. These drones often come with omni-directional cameras to help you avoid crashing at all costs. High powered connections now allow you to fly farther than ever before and capture amazing vistas with ease. The cameras on cinematic drones are high caliber medium focal length cameras that produce a more pleasant experience to the viewer. The gimbles on the drones give the camera the ability to range from directly ahead or slightly above, to directly below the drone, giving unique perspectives at every turn. Some newer models even allow you to turn the camera to film vertically so that the footage can be filmed for social media platforms like Instagram.

Cinematic drone footage can be used for all types of video projects from vlogs to Hollywood movies. These drones produce smooth footage with brilliant color. Drone footage today is in almost every type of project. Drone footage provides a perspective that every human has always dreamed of, a birds eye view. So if you are wondering if you should add some drone footage to your next project, why not do it? It instantly takes the quality of any video up a notch.

So, whether you are looking for action shots or beautiful cinematic vistas, a drone could be the answer to how to make your video project reach the next level.