Have you ever wondered about the difference between FPV drone video and “regular” drones for videography?
As a leading Sydney-based aerial videography provider, Upload Media Services understands the importance of captivating visuals for your project. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the exciting world of FPV drones and compare them to standard drones, empowering you to make an informed decision for your next video project.
Commercial standard drones offer greater stabilisation and precision through various manual and automatic modes. These drones often come with software that uses waypoints, which allows the drone to use its GPS to capture the same precise shot at different times.
It allows the video editor to pan smoothly between shots, such as we did for this Indianapolis music venue to showcase their different events.
FPV drones typically do not have these automatic features and are more difficult to pilot. This means you may have more difficulty finding an FPV pilot. At Upload Media Services, we spent a significant amount of training to be able to offer FPV drone videography in-house in the Indianapolis area.
FPV stands for First-Person View. Unlike standard drones controlled by a handheld remote with a phone screen, FPV drones offer an immersive experience. Pilots wear VR-like headsets displaying the drone camera’s live feed, allowing for incredibly tight maneuvers and a pilot’s-eye view in your final video.
Standard drones excel in stability and precision. They often feature software with waypoints, allowing the drone to use GPS and capture the same shot flawlessly at different times. This enables smooth transitions between shots, perfect for showcasing a venue’s diverse event spaces.
Standard drones are generally for outdoor use, although small “toy” models exist. However, their video quality might not suit professional productions. Additionally, standard drone propellers can cause injuries, so flying indoors or near people is not recommended.
This is where FPV shines! Small FPV drones equipped with high-quality cameras (like GoPro Hero 10 Bones) and prop guards can capture captivating close-quarter or interior shots, making them ideal for unique angles in tight spaces.
In general, standard drones are designed for outdoor use only with a few exceptions, such as small “toy” models marketed towards recreational users or mini-drones fitted with prop guards.
The video capabilities of most of these drones, however, are not ideal for professional video production. It is also important to note that drone propellers, if not fitted with prop guards, can cause injury or property damage, so it is not recommended to fly a standard drone in close quarters.
Small FPV drones fitted with a high-quality camera such as the GoPro Hero 10 Bones and prop guards are a good solution for capturing difficult shots in close quarters or near people.
So, which drone is best? It depends on the type of shot you are trying to achieve. Here are some examples:
Standard drones are best for:
FPV drones are best for:
As Sydney’s leading provider of aerial videography, Upload Media Services boasts a team of highly trained and skilled FPV drone pilots. We can help you choose the perfect drone for your project and capture stunning visuals that leave a lasting impression. Contact us today for a free consultation!
