rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

Wouldn't a so-called "drone" (*) be especially useful when you're snowbound, since it can get out even when you cannot?

(*) I've been told that strictly speaking the term "drone" should be applied to a self-directed vehicle only {in other words, you would program it, and then it would go off on its own} - but common usage seems to apply the term "drone" to a vehicle which is remote-controlled in real-time

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

Back in 1997 or so, I heard EXACTLY THE SAME THING said about digital photography.

windshoppe Loc: Arizona

rjriggins11 Loc: Colorado Springs, CO

Although there are many websites dedicated to the multi rotor enthusiast, It is a good idea to have a source dedicated to "Drone Photography". I personally enjoy building and flying them and, with todays technology, you can see for miles and miles with an "Aerial Camera Platform".

Toby

This one of the greatest things I like about drones. It seems that no matter how high I reach, even standing on my tip toes I can't get the same photos that you can get. I think there is a great big new world out there that drones can help explore.

rjriggins11 Loc: Colorado Springs, CO

I see a lot of the UHH members have bought RTF, *Ready To Fly), models like the Phantom models. These are great for leaning to fly and actually serve there purpose well. The only problem is the choice of cameras available to use.

A good, professional aerial photography platform is a little more expensive but can use much better cameras like the Sony mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses or even a Canon 5D. They run $2,000 to $10,000. They're a great investment for the professional photographer or even the enthusiast who is really into aerial photography.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

I absolutely agree. I think drone photography will become a big part of photography in the future. Photographers will now be able to capture images that until recently, could have only been accomplished by use of a manned helicopter or glider, very tall ladder, or with camera attached to a tethered balloon. (Try fitting any of those things into your camera bag!) Drone photography opens up a whole new world of possibilities, and I strongly believe future photographers will discover exciting, creative uses for drones we haven't even thought of. Perhaps this will include related tasks such as metering subjects remotely or locating a good spot to set up a tripod.

After all this thinking about drones, now I want one too!

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

During our recent city elections, one of the candidates used video that must have been taken by a "drone". It had some breath-taking scenes of soaring over local locations. That kind of video is where "drones" will shine.

10MPlayer Loc: California

Land surveyors are slowly beginning to make use of true drones in the US. (flight paths are programmed pre-flight and the drone returns to base automatically when it's finished with its work) They've been using them for surveying in Europe for several years now because they lack the government regulations we have. Here, you need a pilot's license to fly a drone commercially. That's very limiting and very expensive.

In surveying, drones are able to map large areas in minutes to an accuracy of +/- 0.5 ft vertically and about +/- 0.1 ft. horizontally using high resolution cameras, overlapping flight paths, etc. This compares to days if done with conventional surveying equipment. If I were to un-retire I think that's the direction I would go. These comments, I realize, are off topic but it's fascinating to see where this new technology is taking us.

gary m Loc: Cincinnati, ohio

I agree on drone photography interest

Enclosed is a picture of Silver Oaks Vineyard Napa Valley California early morning taken with the DJI Phantom 4 drone....love the different perspective flying provides to my photography. My other cameras are Canon 5DS and Canon 5D Mark III.

Gary

nikonboy Loc: Apple Valley, MN and Pine Island, Florida

[quote=10MPlayer]Land surveyors are slowly beginning to make use of true drones in the US. (flight paths are programmed pre-flight and the drone returns to base automatically when it's finished with its work) They've been using them for surveying in Europe for several years now because they lack the government regulations we have. Here, you need a pilot's license to fly a drone commercially. That's very limiting and very expensive.


Actually, to fly a drone commercially in the United States all you need is a FAA Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot Certificate. The exam for the license consists of 60 questions covering such things as rules and regulations, airspace limitations, etc. They charge $150 to take the exam. If you don't have an aviation background and don't feel like reading books covering the applicable subjects there are several providers who offer courses that prepare you for the exam at costs ranging from $150 to $300. That is a lot less than the cost of obtaining any other pilot license.

krl48 Loc: NY, PA now SC

[quote=nikonboy]

There currently are drone regulations in most European countries, and in the next year or two, they expect to reach agreement on a standardized set of regulations for the continent.

https://www.dronethusiast.com/easa-sets-out-drone-regulations-for-europe/

krl48 Loc: NY, PA now SC

Gary, a Drone Video and Photography section was created on UHH in June 2017.

EdJ0307 Loc: out west someplace

I searched for your video but this is what came up.

(Download)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swMlaJRliz8