Drone beginner's question

[satimis]

Hi all,

I'll start my journey on Drone to take photos and video. Neither I have the devices. Could any folk on the forum shedding me some light.

1) Equipment I need to purchase for an amateur, not for profession
2) Where can I find the relevant forum for help

Thanks in advance

Regards

 

[Jeff1594 94]

Hello and welcome, there are lots of very good videos on Utube, good luck....

 

[RAZKY]

Hi all,

I'll start my journey on Drone to take photos and video. Neither I have the devices. Could any folk on the forum shedding me some light.

1) Equipment I need to purchase for an amateur, not for profession
2) Where can I find the relevant forum for help

Thanks in advance

Regards

Some information here to get you started:

drone photography basics - Google Search

Good luck!

 

[satimis]

Thanks for your advice.

Just went through;
The complete beginner's guide to drone photography

https://www.canva.com/learn/the-complete-beginners-guide-to-drone-photography/

I'll purchase the drone with on-board camera feature because of smaller in size. I have following questions.

1)
What camera shall I purchase ?

2)
Can I mount a smart phone on Drone as camera ?

3)
Remote control
If mounting a smart phone as camera I can remote-control it via another smart phone as controller, running "Remote Desktop" technology. The video and/or photos captured are stored on the camera-smart phone. Can I have the video and/or photos stored on the control-smart phone directly?

4)
If purchasing a camera, will the remote desktop features available on the camera.

Please advise. Thanks

Regards

 

[f64_or_bust]

Thanks for your advice.

Just went through;
The complete beginner's guide to drone photography

https://www.canva.com/learn/the-complete-beginners-guide-to-drone-photography/

That article looks very old, and pretty out-dated.

I'll purchase the drone with on-board camera feature because of smaller in size. I have following questions.

1)
What camera shall I purchase ?

The camera that comes with the drone.

2)
Can I mount a smart phone on Drone as camera ?

Yes, but don't do that. There's no need, it adds a lot of extra weight to the drone and offers no advantages. It adds a rather difficult camera control problem. Just use the camera on the drone.

3)
Remote control
If mounting a smart phone as camera I can remote-control it via another smart phone as controller, running "Remote Desktop" technology. The video and/or photos captured are stored on the camera-smart phone. Can I have the video and/or photos stored on the control-smart phone directly?

No, do not do any of that.

4)
If purchasing a camera, will the remote desktop features available on the camera.

Please advise. Thanks

Regards

The current generation of drones all include excellent cameras, with a number of advantages. First, camera control is built into the control system for the drone. You can aim the camera, adjust exposure, resolution, shutter, pretty much everything you need, and it's all built into the camera and control system.

In reality you are learing two different skills, plus some knowlege about flying and regulation. They should be learned separately, and in sequence.

1. Learn the regulations and laws that govern drone flight in your area. Learn them all, and plan to adhere to them. Do this before you buy anything.

2. Buy a simple drone that is easy to learn to fly. I would suggest the DJI Mini 3 for several reasons. It's light, flys very well, easy to control, and you can get the dedicated controller with its own screen. Do not cheap out here! That screen is a game-changer. you want that for sure.

3. Study YouTube video about learning to fly first. Then take your drone out and learn how to control the drone very well without taking risks. You want to fly in an area free of obsticles, people, and vehicles. You fly low and slow at first, practicing moving the drone in a desired path, like a circle or a square. You practice take-off and landing, and control. When you are good enough at it to gain confidence....

4. Read the manual and learn how to control the camera. There are full-auto settings, but also a lot of manual settings. You will make mistakes, but learn from them. Shoot videos at 1080p at first because the files are smaller, they are easier to manage later, and your initial shots aren't likely to be great anyway.

5. When you have a good grip on controlling the camera, put the two together, give yourself a "mission" to get a particular shot, and keep trying until you get it.

6. Watch and study YouTube videos about how to shoot good drone video, and how to take great drone photos. I put this step last because everything else will get in your way until you've mastered flight and basic camera control.

DJI offers a "care refresh" package, which is great for new pilots. It's basically an insurance policy against loss or damage. Just buy it. Even if you never use it, having it gives you confidence to learn more without risk. This is offered only on new drones, but it is possible to buy a used drone that still has some policy time left on it.

Lastly, do not get a really cheap drone. The frustration is simply not worth the savings. The Mini 3 is a good starting point, but isn't the cheapest. They are on sale now I think. The "Fly More" kit gives you a bag, extra props, extra batteries, and is worth having.

If your needs for better or just different cameras becomes real (after exploring all you can do with the one on the drone), there are options of other drones with better cameras, and drones that can carry separate cameras. But all of that is very advanced. 99% of all drone photography is done with the camera already on the drone.

 

[RAZKY]

Thanks for your advice.

Just went through;
The complete beginner's guide to drone photography

https://www.canva.com/learn/the-complete-beginners-guide-to-drone-photography/

I'll purchase the drone with on-board camera feature because of smaller in size. I have following questions.

1)
What camera shall I purchase ?

2)
Can I mount a smart phone on Drone as camera ?

3)
Remote control
If mounting a smart phone as camera I can remote-control it via another smart phone as controller, running "Remote Desktop" technology. The video and/or photos captured are stored on the camera-smart phone. Can I have the video and/or photos stored on the control-smart phone directly?

4)
If purchasing a camera, will the remote desktop features available on the camera.

Please advise. Thanks

Regards

I know little about drone photography myself - hopefully someone who does will respond. Or, you may get some good advice here:

Aerial Photography

Aerial Photography and Drone discussions and photos

www.thephotoforum.com

 

[cgw163 188]

No review will give you appropriate information on local regulations covering drone operation. You may even need a license for drones larger than cheap toy models. That's true in my area. Check that out first.

 

[satimis]

Hi all,

Lot of thanks for your advice.

I think that I'm looking at the wrong device. I'm looking for a device for self-capturing during travel abroad.

I'll start a new thread on;
Photography Equipment & Products

Regards

 

[f64_or_bust]

Hi all,

Lot of thanks for your advice.

I think that I'm looking at the wrong device. I'm looking for a device for self-capturing during travel abroad.

I'll start a new thread on;
Photography Equipment & Products

Regards

Again...the DJI Mini 3 is what you want.

I would strongly suggest reading through the Mavic Pilots forum for the latest information, and some tips on drone photography that are actually useful and current.

 

[satimis]

Hi,

Thanks for your advice and link.

It just came to my notice, certain countries having regulations on Drone. I wonder whether I can use Drone for self-capture on traveling abroad?

 

[f64_or_bust]

It just came to my notice, certain countries having regulations on Drone. I wonder whether I can use Drone for self-capture on traveling abroad?

It would help us a lot to know what countries you are planning to go to. Also...if you ask this question on Mavic Pilots you'll probably get replies from pilots in those countries, being a drone-specific forum and all.

 

[tinytmp1]

That article looks very old, and pretty out-dated.

The camera that comes with the drone.

Yes, but don't do that. There's no need, it adds a lot of extra weight to the drone and offers no advantages. It adds a rather difficult camera control problem. Just use the camera on the drone.

No, do not do any of that.

The current generation of drones all include excellent cameras, with a number of advantages. First, camera control is built into the control system for the drone. If you’re buying one in store, you can call the Best Buy phone number for your local branch to check which models are in stock. You can aim the camera, adjust exposure, resolution, shutter, pretty much everything you need, and it’s all built into the camera and control system.

In reality you are learing two different skills, plus some knowlege about flying and regulation. They should be learned separately, and in sequence.

1. Learn the regulations and laws that govern drone flight in your area. Learn them all, and plan to adhere to them. Do this before you buy anything.

2. Buy a simple drone that is easy to learn to fly. I would suggest the DJI Mini 3 for several reasons. It's light, flys very well, easy to control, and you can get the dedicated controller with its own screen. Do not cheap out here! That screen is a game-changer. you want that for sure.

3. Study YouTube video about learning to fly first. Then take your drone out and learn how to control the drone very well without taking risks. You want to fly in an area free of obsticles, people, and vehicles. You fly low and slow at first, practicing moving the drone in a desired path, like a circle or a square. You practice take-off and landing, and control. When you are good enough at it to gain confidence....

4. Read the manual and learn how to control the camera. There are full-auto settings, but also a lot of manual settings. You will make mistakes, but learn from them. Shoot videos at 1080p at first because the files are smaller, they are easier to manage later, and your initial shots aren't likely to be great anyway.

5. When you have a good grip on controlling the camera, put the two together, give yourself a "mission" to get a particular shot, and keep trying until you get it.

6. Watch and study YouTube videos about how to shoot good drone video, and how to take great drone photos. I put this step last because everything else will get in your way until you've mastered flight and basic camera control.

DJI offers a "care refresh" package, which is great for new pilots. It's basically an insurance policy against loss or damage. Just buy it. Even if you never use it, having it gives you confidence to learn more without risk. This is offered only on new drones, but it is possible to buy a used drone that still has some policy time left on it.

Lastly, do not get a really cheap drone. The frustration is simply not worth the savings. The Mini 3 is a good starting point, but isn't the cheapest. They are on sale now I think. The "Fly More" kit gives you a bag, extra props, extra batteries, and is worth having.

If your needs for better or just different cameras becomes real (after exploring all you can do with the one on the drone), there are options of other drones with better cameras, and drones that can carry separate cameras. But all of that is very advanced. 99% of all drone photography is done with the camera already on the drone.

For a beginner, I'd recommend starting with a DJI Mini series drone. They're relatively easy to fly, compact, and offer excellent photo and video quality for hobby use. The DJI Mini 3 or Mini 4K would be good starting points without spending too much. You'll also want spare batteries, a memory card, and a carrying case. Before buying, check your local drone registration and flying regulations.

 

[cgw163 188]

For a beginner, I'd recommend starting with a DJI Mini series drone. They're relatively easy to fly, compact, and offer excellent photo and video quality for hobby use. The DJI Mini 3 or Mini 4K would be good starting points without spending too much. You'll also want spare batteries, a memory card, and a carrying case. Before buying, check your local drone registration and flying regulations.

Please read the dates on these dead threads.

 

[denum163 188]

Hi all,

I'll start my journey on Drone to take photos and video. Neither I have the devices. Could any folk on the forum shedding me some light.

1) Equipment I need to purchase for an amateur, not for profession
2) Where can I find the relevant forum for help

Thanks in advance

Regards

Hello fellow drone enthusiast! I started down the same path you are heading toward a few years ago. In fact, it was the quality of pictures the drone produced that encouraged me to get back into photography. Drones have amazing cameras on them.

However, I don't drone much anymore because most of the really good spots you might want to fly in are banned for one, or more, of many reasons. Take national Parks for instance...no drone zone there, State Parks...same thing, regional parks...same thing. The entire coast of California is off limits to drones as well. There are many, many rules regulating where you can fly so be very careful about being legal in your drone pursuits.

You must register your drone with the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), in most cases. It is cheap and easy to do. You also might want to seek some drone schooling such as Pilot Institute. If you will be using your drone for business purposes you will need to get a Part 107 license. Pilot Institute can help you with that.

Finding good places to drone is getting more and more discouraging everyday. So much so where I live that I have given up on it and decided to go with regular photography instead. Sooooo much easier, and very little chance of getting into trouble with the FAA and/or other regulating agengies.

If you move forward with your plans you will want to download and use an app for drone flying such as Air Control. It will tell you where, and when, you can fly as far as the FAA is concerned. It will also allow you to sometimes get a "LANCE", which is permission to fly higher than the FAA allowed elevation for that area. There are also regulations regarding flying at night, like having the required strobe light affixed to your drone. The is also something called Remote ID, which is included on most new drones.

Flying a drone is not as simple as buying it and immediately going out to some scenic place and taking off. There are many, many rules and regulations regarding drone flying so you are highly encouraged to study up on the regulations first, then decide if you really want to make the investment in something that is many times very difficult to enjoy. To me, the allure to flying drones greatly diminished once I realized how regulated it is.

Hope this helps you in your decision making.

 

[denum163 188]

Please read the dates on these dead threads.

Oops. My bad. Didn't even notice. Waste of my own time!