post by becckeez | | Drone Photography < on 12/2/2018 8:52 PM >
Hi all! Over the last few years, I've noticed an explosion in "drone photography".
I'm curious about possibly investing in a drone for photography (UE and non) purposes - but have no idea if it's worth the investment. Does anyone here use drones for photography or other UE purposes? What drones do you own? What's the best cost affordable options out there? What are the rules surrounding drone flying?
post by Explorer Zero | | Re: Drone Photography <Reply # 1 on 12/2/2018 10:17 PM >
I will only attempt to answer the first question from experience because I don't own one or have plans to use one for exploring.
The costs have come way down. Our sheriff's office (rural Texas just bought one and paid nearly 4 grand. But you can buy a hobby level drone with a decent camera at places like Frys Electronics for a fraction of that.
Rules for flying drones? This varies a lot from what Ive seen i.e. airspace rules, trespassing rules, flight path rules, privacy rules and very little case law (precedents). Well they are protected now so some Bubba with a shotgun can be prosecuted if he shoots yours down.
Is it worth it? Not the way finding, scouting and infiltrating a location is in my opinion but the counter argument will be it opens up areas that would be impossible to explore otherwise. That's your call.
As more and more people buy them and fly them I expect to see more regulations. The sky's the limit as it were. I have a neighbor who's son-in-law flies big drones for the USAF. has a couple of high profile kills to his credit, so there is really only your pocket book and your motive to consider.
post by Abby Normal | | Re: Drone Photography <Reply # 2 on 12/3/2018 3:55 AM >
For those of us who explore in rural areas, a drone can provide real value. We mine explore so quick flight could help located diggings that can be scattered all around an area. I can see the same value if you find an industrial site in a rural area. A quick flight over could let you know whether it's worth breaking out the gear and heading in.
I've picked up a Mavic Pro but need to spend more time with it to get better with the flight controls and shooting video.
post by intricatexplorer | | Re: Drone Photography <Reply # 3 on 12/5/2018 8:39 PM >
They're dope! I have a Mavic Air and have gotten all kinds of shots I'd never be able to get before on it. I haven't used it much in a UE setting, because that stuff is mainly indoors, but I imagine if you find a big enough complex you can.
I'd say they're probably better for video right now (most new ones shoot 4k), as most top out at 12mp quality right now just for photos. I think the Mavic Pro 2 might be 24mp now though...
NOTE: There's a pretty intense learning curve to getting shots with them. But it's fun as hell.