With camera drones, professional photographers can shoot wide shots of remote or hard-to-reach landscapes, follow-along close-up views of sports or other action with impressive fly-throughs, fly-bys, and fly-overs, providing a level of camera motion freedom that was so far available only in animation.

By replacing spider cams, camera dollies, cranes, and helicopters, drones have drastically reduced production costs. Their versatility, adaptability, and ability to access narrow spaces and fly close to humans and buildings with fewer legal and safety restrictions compared to helicopters make them the perfect device to capture high-quality stunning aerial images from different altitudes.

Drones are generally classified based on their purpose, size, design, and area of application. Picking up the best drone depends on its purpose – logistics, surveillance, infotainment, recreational racing, indoor, and outdoor activities. If you want to buy a drone, there are plenty of varieties available in the market. The image quality, gimbal calibration, and ability to shoot in low light are some of the most important factors when buying camera drones. In this article, we look at some of the best camera drones for photographers and indoor/outdoor purposes.

1. DJI Air 3

Weight: 720g | Dimensions (folded): 180×97×74mm | Dimensions (unfolded): 183×253×77mm | Controller: Yes | Video resolution: 4K/120fps, 1080p/240fps | Camera resolution: 48MP | Battery life: 46 minutes | Max Range: 12km | Max Speed: 68kph / 42mph

The DJI Air 3 offers cutting-edge features and incredible performance for both amateur and professional photographers. Equipped with a dual-camera system that includes a wide-angle and a telephoto lens, it captures stunning 48MP photos and can shoot 4K videos at up to 120fps. This drone is perfect for those who need versatility and high-quality imaging in one compact package.

Pros:

• High image quality with dual cameras
• Extended flight time
• Advanced obstacle avoidance

Cons:

• Expensive
• Requires some experience to handle effectively

2. DJI Mini 3 Pro

Weight: 249g | Dimensions (folded): 145×90×62mm | Dimensions (unfolded): 171×245×62mm | Controller: Yes | Video resolution: 4K/60fps | Camera resolution: 48MP | Battery life: 34 minutes | Max Range: 12km | Max Speed: 57kph / 35mph

The DJI Mini 3 Pro is an excellent choice for those seeking a lightweight, portable, and powerful drone. With its 4K video capability and 48MP camera, it offers remarkable image quality. Its compact size makes it highly portable, and it’s also packed with advanced features like obstacle sensing in three directions and intelligent flight modes.

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight
• High-quality imaging
• Advanced safety features

Cons:

• No zoom capabilities
• Limited in high winds

3. DJI Mavic 3

Weight: 895g | Dimensions (folded): 221×96.3×90.3mm | Dimensions (unfolded): 347.5×283×107.7mm | Controller: Yes | Video resolution: 5.1K/50fps, 4K/120fps | Camera resolution: 20MP (Wide) & 12MP (Tele) | Battery life: 46 minutes | Max Range: 15km | Max Speed: 68kph / 42mph

The DJI Mavic 3 is a top-tier drone for those looking for the best in aerial photography and videography. Featuring a dual-camera setup with a Hasselblad 4/3 CMOS sensor for the wide camera and a telephoto camera, it delivers exceptional image quality and dynamic range. Its long flight time and range make it ideal for extensive shooting sessions.

Pros:

• Exceptional image quality
• Long flight time and range
• Advanced safety and obstacle avoidance

Cons:

• High cost
• Complexity for beginners

4. Autel Robotics EVO Lite+

Weight: 835g | Dimensions (folded): 210×123×95mm | Dimensions (unfolded): 429×425×95mm | Controller: Yes | Video resolution: 6K/30fps, 4K/60fps | Camera resolution: 50MP | Battery life: 40 minutes | Max Range: 12km | Max Speed: 68kph / 42mph

The Autel EVO Lite+ is a strong contender in the camera drone market, offering a 6K video resolution and a 50MP camera. Its low-light capabilities are particularly impressive, making it a great choice for photographers who often shoot during dawn or dusk. The drone’s robust build and long battery life further add to its appeal.

Pros:

• Excellent low-light performance
• High-resolution video and photos
• Long battery life

Cons:

• Slightly heavier than competitors
• High price point

5. Skydio 2+

Weight: 775g | Dimensions (unfolded): 280×330×110mm | Controller: Yes | Video resolution: 4K/60fps | Camera resolution: 12MP | Battery life: 27 minutes | Max Range: 6km | Max Speed: 58kph / 36mph

The Skydio 2+ stands out with its autonomous flying capabilities, making it perfect for those who need to focus on capturing the perfect shot without worrying about piloting the drone. Its advanced AI-driven obstacle avoidance and subject tracking systems ensure smooth and safe flights even in complex environments.

Pros:

• Advanced autonomous flying
• Excellent obstacle avoidance
• High-quality imaging

Cons:

• Shorter flight time compared to some competitors
• Limited manual controls for experienced pilots

6. Parrot Anafi

Weight: 320g | Dimensions (folded): 244×67×65mm | Dimensions (unfolded): 175×240×65mm | Controller: Yes | Video resolution: 4K HDR/30fps | Camera resolution: 21MP | Battery life: 25 minutes | Max Range: 4km | Max Speed: 55kph / 34mph

The Parrot Anafi is a versatile and portable drone that excels in capturing high-quality photos and videos. Its 4K HDR camera with a 21MP sensor delivers stunning image quality, and the unique 180-degree tilt gimbal allows for creative shooting angles. It’s lightweight and easy to carry, making it a great travel companion.

Pros:

• Excellent image quality
• Unique tilt gimbal
• Portable and lightweight

Cons:

• Limited obstacle avoidance
• Shorter battery life

7. Holy Stone HS720E

Weight: 495g | Dimensions (folded): 173×104×57mm | Dimensions (unfolded): 337×240×57mm | Controller: Yes | Video resolution: 4K/30fps | Camera resolution: 12MP | Battery life: 23 minutes | Max Range: 1km | Max Speed: 50kph / 31mph

The Holy Stone HS720E is an affordable option that doesn’t compromise on essential features. With a 4K camera and electronic image stabilization, it offers good video and photo quality. It’s user-friendly and suitable for beginners, featuring GPS-assisted flight and a long control range.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Good image stabilization
• User-friendly features

Cons:

• Limited range
• Average battery life

8. Potensic Dreamer Pro

Weight: 765g | Dimensions: 350×320×75mm | Controller: Yes | Video resolution: 4K/30fps | Camera resolution: 16MP | Battery life: 31 minutes | Max Range: 2km | Max Speed: 40kph / 25mph

The Potensic Dreamer Pro offers a good balance between cost and performance. Its 4K camera with a 16MP sensor ensures decent image quality, and the long battery life allows for extended flight sessions. The drone also features intelligent flight modes like follow me, orbit, and waypoints, enhancing the shooting experience.

Pros:

• Long battery life
• Good value for money
• Intelligent flight modes

Cons:

• Limited image resolution
• Bulky design

These drones provide a variety of features catering to different needs and budgets. Whether you’re a beginner looking to start with aerial photography or a professional seeking high-quality footage, there’s a drone on this list for you.

The post Best camera drones for amateur photography at affordable prices [2024 Edition] appeared first on RoboticsBiz.

You’re likely having trouble deciding what’s worth downloading or paying for with so many options. We at RoboticsBiz did all the research for you and made a list of the best smartphone apps for drone photography.

1. PhotoPills

PhotoPills is a powerful new smartphone app for everything related to photography, or a true Swiss knife for photographers, as some might put it. As you are probably aware, it has an inexhaustible number of tools. It has a cool Drone view where you can scout the map (similar to Google Earth) and select your drone to see the exact field of view, altitude, and other details. It enables you to plan your drone shots quickly and intuitively from the comfort of your own home. You can save the locations you’ve marked in the app and use it to navigate to them and take photos. You don’t waste time scouting and calculating with PhotoPills, and you spend as much time shooting as possible. PhotoPills is available on iOS and Android.

2. DroneMate

DroneMate is a live map of recreational drone laws for every country. Many countries (including major tourist destinations) will not allow you to bring a drone into the country, so it can save you time at customs. Color codes are used to categorize countries into four groups:

• Green: Drones are generally permitted.
• Yellow: Drone use is restricted or may necessitate registration.
• Red: Importing or using this item is prohibited or severely restricted.
• Grey: There are no data or UAV laws that are defined or applicable.

DroneMate can be used without an internet connection because the map is available offline. DroneMate is available on iOS and Android.

3. UAV Forecast

Checking the weather forecast for that specific location is important for planning a drone flight and a shooting session. You want to make sure that the sky is as clear as possible. UAV Forecast is a free app that allows you to check the weather to ensure that the skies are in the best possible condition. It gives you a clear breakdown of everything you need to know about your location, including wind speeds, rain chances, cloud cover, visibility, and local temperature. UAV Forecast is available on iOS and Android.

4. Windy

You can use Windy in addition to UAV Forecast to double-check weather conditions at the shooting location, such as wind (direction and speed), rain, snow, temperatures, clouds (at various heights), and waves (direction, strength, and water temperature). In addition, the bar at the bottom of the screen can display a wealth of extremely detailed information. It provides a 7-day forecast of these elements, webcam links, and Airfield Satellite photos in various displays (basic, meteogram, and airgram). Windy also allows you to create custom maps based on your color preferences. You can also track the progress of the forecast as the days pass. The Windy app is available for both your smartphone and tablet. However, you can use it on your laptop or desktop via the website. Windy is available on iOS and Android.

5. Google Earth

Google Earth is a fantastic tool for researching potential photography locations in any given area. You can put yourself in any landscape on the planet and see how the topography looks in that particular location. You can use Google Earth to search a specific area from a bird’s eye view, just like a drone. You’ll be able to cruise along the landscape with the in-ground view, seeing perspectives that are as close to a live camera as possible. You can also alternate between 2D and orbiting 3D views. This tool is especially useful because it allows me to create a 3D model of an area or location before visiting it. Google Earth is available for download on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, and desktop computer. Google Earth is available on iOS and Android.

6. Hover

Hover is a simple but effective app that uses your smartphone’s GPS to project your current location onto an up-to-date map. You can look around the area to see where flying is legal and where it isn’t. Standard No-Fly zones, such as airports, are highlighted on the map, as are temporary flight restrictions, such as those over sporting events. The information provided by the map tools built into native apps from the major drone manufacturers is more helpful, accurate, and extensive than the Hover map. This is because it makes use of data from Airmap. Hover also shows you all the information you need to decide where to fly, including the most up-to-date weather and wind forecasts for your current location. This important information appears on a summary page and determines whether your drone is “ready to fly.” Finally, Hover goes a step further by allowing you to keep track of your flights digitally.

To put it another way, you can save information about your flights. You can enter information such as where you’ll be flying, how long you’ll be flying, and how much battery power you’ll need. Hover will then generate a report for you to email and save as a database. Hover is available on iOS and Android.

7. Airmap

Airmap is the most comprehensive source of information on where you can and cannot fly. In other words, it displays any flight restrictions in your area, such as controlled airspace, airports, heliports, and caution zones (such as Temporary Flight Restrictions, prohibited and restricted airspace, wildfires, national parks, and marine protected areas). It also tells you how to get in touch with any nearby airports. It’s extremely useful because it allows you to quickly locate information without conducting a series of time-consuming Google searches to locate a phone number. Airmap is available on iOS and Android.

8. Flightradar24

Flightradar24 is a fantastic global flight tracking app that gives you real-time information on thousands of planes worldwide. It ensures that you are not exposed to any potential dangers while flying your drone. Before taking off, check Flightradar24 to see if any helicopters or airplanes are flying nearby. If there is a low-flying aircraft nearby, you can either wait to launch your drone or bring it down to a very low altitude to avoid confusion. Flightradar24 is available on iOS and Android.

9. Litchi

The DJI Go app has several intelligent flight modes to choose from. Before leaving home, you can plan your drone flight path on Google Earth. Allow your drone to do all of the work once you’ve arrived on-site. Panorama, Orbit me, Follow me, Ground station and Waypoints, VR Mode (Virtual Reality), and Focus are some of Litchi’s flight modes. This app has one of the most powerful waypoint mission engines on the market, and it syncs seamlessly across all of your devices. Litchi is available on iOS and Android.

The post 9 best apps for drone pilots for drone photography appeared first on RoboticsBiz.

The growing popularity and affordability of drones and quadcopters have provided a level playing field for aspiring photographers to get shots and angles previously unattainable.

However, before you get started with drone photography, you should be aware of tons of things. This post covers nine mistakes to avoid while using a drone for aerial photography.

1. Not having a flight plan

It is important to have a flight plan beforehand for two reasons: planning your flight allows you to maximize the chances of capturing awesome pictures, reducing the chances of crashing your drone. It also helps you spot any potential hazards such as power lines, buildings, trees, or any other large object.

2. Not shooting in RAW

Not shooting in RAW format is another big mistake in aerial photography. As you may be aware, shooting in JPEG, a compressed format, prevents you from correcting aspects of the image, such as exposure and white balance. No matter the purpose, it is best to shoot in RAW because it avoids lots of constraints to post-process it or print it in a large format.

3. Forget to check the weather forecast

You should always check the weather twice to ensure the skies are in the best possible conditions. Don’t rush out in a hurry with your drone if a storm is about to start, and the sky looks spectacular. Avoid flying your drone if it’s windy, raining, or snowing. Ignoring the weather can result in a drone crash, or even worse, losing it for good!

4. Ignore the local regulations

You should learn as much as possible about your country’s drone regulations before even considering purchasing a drone. Also, because laws change frequently, make sure you are up to date on the current ones. If you ignore the local regulations, the chances are that you’ll get into trouble one day or another.

5. Not shooting in Manual mode (M)

Always shoot in Manual mode (M). There are many situations where the drone camera cannot automatically set the exposure triangle values you need to get a particular photo. Some drones don’t tell you if your image is under or overexposed. Therefore, it is important to correctly choose the shutter speed and the ISO settings according to the light conditions after a few tests.

6. Not calibrating your drone compass

Before flying your drone, calibrate the drone compass if you’re in a new location or if you’ve moved since the last time you flew it. It’s the most effective way to keep your drone from acting strangely. To stay in place, most drones have an internal GPS and compass. Both tools also provide information about the drone’s current location and direction of travel. Verify that the GPS and compass are correctly set so that your drone knows where it is.

7. Forget to bring extra batteries

A battery allows you to fly for up to 30 minutes in most cases. That’s not a lot if you think about it. As a result, you’ll probably need more than one battery for a shoot. Remember to bring extra batteries, especially if you plan to shoot in a remote location without access to electricity. Make sure all of the batteries are fully charged before leaving the house.

8. Fly over crowds or animals

Most drone laws prohibit flying above people. Flying over people should be avoided as a general rule, especially in places you know there will be crowds (for instance, popular monuments or natural highlights such as waterfalls). It’s crucial to respect these people’s privacy and your safety. You will be held liable for any damages caused by your drone if it injures someone. Animals are no exception. They may be disturbed by the drone propellers’ noise.

9. Not carrying a basic drone repair kit

It’s relatively simple to lose control of your drone. The propellers are usually the first parts to be damaged. Always keep a few extra propellers on hand, and while you’re at it, bring some basic drone repair tools. After a minor collision, a basic repair kit can be invaluable. Extra propellers, a couple of small screwdrivers, duct tape, hot glue sticks, and a lighter should all be included in your kit.

The post Aerial photography using drones – 9 mistakes to avoid appeared first on RoboticsBiz.

Drones have revolutionized photography and cinematography in a significant way, democratizing angles previously reserved for expensive crane cameras and helicopters. However, these drones aren’t limited to aerial photography or videography.

There is a big category of underwater drones available in the market today, capable of moving and operating in the water autonomously and remotely with 360-degree panoramic cameras and state-of-the-art features like object recognition, obstacle avoidance, GPS, and low-light sensors, path, and track planning that allow both professional and amateur photographers to capture stunning underwater photographs and videos in HD quality.

In this post, we will explore the top 7 best underwater drones for photography in 2021.

1. Blueye Pioneer

Blueye Pioneer was designed by blue eye robotics to be the world’s best professional underwater drone. It’s a remotely operated vehicle capable of exploring depths of 150 meters providing crystal-clear images and video with the help of a 1080p 30 frames per second HD camera. It was first developed for marine biologists, engineers, and welders. Due to its relative ease of use and the fact that it is such a fun piece of technology, it has begun to see some use by hobbyists and amateur users. Designed to be durable enough to stand up to the worst the ocean has to offer, the Pioneer can explore the depths of the sea no matter the conditions for as long as two hours on a single battery charge. You can have the blue-eyed pioneer at prices starting from $9878.

2. PowerDolphin

PowerDolphin makes use of a dual joint rotating camera with an ultra-wide shooting angle to give you the best possible shooting experience. Developed to provide as much as 132 to 220 degrees shooting angle as well as the field of view ranging from 150 to plus 70 degrees and an incomparable above water and underwater shooting experience, the power dolphin is truly the king of the ocean. It is powered by a 5800 milliamp-hour IPX8 battery, which provides up to two hours of battery life as well as a power seeker and the innovative Vision Plus to act, which gives it a unique path and track planning function with a mapping and development of an underwater topographic map. The power dolphin represents the best chance of success in your filming efforts. But qualities that make the power dolphin is suitable for FPV racing as it is for fishing mapping include its ability to obtain and relate highly accurate scientific information. It is highly water-resistant and can travel at speeds of up to 10 miles per hour. This amazing device can be yours at prices starting from $799.

3. FIFISH V6

FIFISH V6, as the name implies, has not one but six thrusters offering a stunning direction and freedom of movement. The importance of this is particularly significant in underwater filming, where you want the best possible maneuverability to reach the most inaccessible places. As if this was not enough, the FIFISH V6 also comes with the ability to combine different movements, such as bow, dive, nose, or spiral, without compromising rotational stability. It also comes with an impressive total power of 4000 lumens granted by two powerful headlights of 2000 lumens each.

Images and videos are captured in 4k quality with 30 frames per second and in 1080p with an impressive 120 frames per second to achieve excellent slow-motion. For those who need an extra leg up, the FIFISH V6 also uses an underwater image algorithm that improves color rendering as well as different modes with which to control it. Attitude mode for beginners who need help with death stabilization, sport mode for more advanced divers, and the ability to use head tracking mode utilizing a pair of VR goggles for better maneuverability. You can purchase the fish v6 at prices starting from $1,599.

4. BIKI

BIKI bionic underwater drone was developed to be the best option for underwater photography showing unparalleled automated balance, obstacle avoidance, and return to base features that help you get the best possible shot. Armed with a 4k camera, the BIKI provides crystal-clear pictures and videos even in low-light and high-speed scenarios, as well as the capability to last for as long as 120 minutes at depths of up to 196 feet.

BIKI can swim along with you on your underwater journey providing stable videos with the use of a high-definition movement camera and an anti-shake camera platform that is based on an eccentric kind until head. It also comes with 150-degree wide-angle lenses as well as 2/114 lumens lights guaranteed to give you the best possible view of the underwater landscape. Bionic sonar echolocation and built-in GPS module provide the BIKI with the edge over the competition and make it well worth the 700 $29 price tag.

5. iBubble

iBubble makes use of innovative underwater localization technology to track and automatically record your underwater experience. It is a smart wireless drone with diving and recording capabilities that can reach depths of 60 meters and speeds of up to 2.2 miles per hour, all powered by a long-lasting rechargeable battery. You can create professional shots of yourself and other underwater sites, make crystal-clear recordings of your underwater experiences, and light up the dark with the use of powerful LED lights, which automatically adjust brightness to allow you to capture the true colors of your surroundings. The iBubble is powered by seven propellers, which provide direction and stabilization, and it comes in two models – the standard model, which costs $5400, and the freemium model, which goes for $1,400.

6. Navatics MITO

Navatics MITO is a remotely operated vehicle with a difference. Designed to provide one of the most responsive devices in underwater photography, the MITO makes use of a unique active stabilization algorithm in a four thruster design for depth until guarantee stability and control. Armed with a 4k camera, the MITO captures underwater footage with crystal-clear quality and the fight as possible detuned at 30 frames per second.

You can also stream live footage at 1080p to the Navatics app, which features built-in tools for color correction and lets you share your underwater moments directly on social media. Adequate lighting is ensured with the use of two by 1000 lumen LED lights powered by a four-hour swappable battery, and control of the MITO is provided with the use of a Navatics remote control, which uses low radio frequency to connect with a waterproof wireless communication. With the above functionality in a top speed of 4.5 km/h, it’s easy to see why the Mito commands a price tag of $1999.

7. Gladius

Gladius underwater drone is capable of amazing underwater feets diving to depths of 100 meters with a horizontal range of 500 meters being submerged for as long as three hours and taking ultra HD 1080p 4k quality photos and videos even in low-light settings. The Gladius can be used by a range of people, including professional scuba divers, underwater photographers, or just hobbyists, and is guaranteed to give you the best results every time.

It boasts of easy to operate piloting controls low-light sensors and image quality algorithms along with to 1200 lumens headlines which ensure that you get clear and distortion-free imagery even at the depths of the ocean. The Gladius weighs a manageable three kilograms and measures 16.9 x 10.3 x 3.7 inches for easy portability and gets around with the use of quad presses which ensure four degrees of freedom and gaming light controller. It is available for purchase at prices starting from $599.

The post Top 7 best underwater drones for photography in 2022 [Updated] appeared first on RoboticsBiz.