AVG Loc: Pittsburgh

I just bought a drone for aerial photography for personal enjoyment only. Before I start down that path I must admit I edit photos all the time sometimes using Photoshop Elements 2020 but have never attempted a video with that software.

Is there a better product to learn the process? Should I try "freeware" as part of my education? Any suggestions?

Lucian Loc: From Wales, living in Ohio

What drone did you buy? I've been flying drones for the past several years and am fine with editing still images, however, I am still learning to be a video editor. I have the Mavic 2 Pro with the Hasselblad camera fitted. You will love the new world that a drone opens for you, as a photographer, for stills and video.

As to your question, I would strongly suggest getting the free, yes free, editing software call Da Vinci Resolve. They make a paid one too, however, the free one will do all that you could possibly currently require. There are tons of excellent videos about this editing software available on YouTube. I would also strongly suggest you buy the fast-editing keyboard they sell.

You can find it for a very reasonable price on ebay used or new. Go to their website and take a look and you'll see why I suggest you buy this to help you with your editing. It is amazing how it can help ease and speed up your editing. Plus, it is a rechargeable Bluetooth device, so you can have it on your lap and not have to worry about a cable being attached.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions on drones. I am assuming you have passed the required T.R.U.S.T. test and registered it with the FAA, $5 for 2 years and attached your FAA number to your drone. These are all things you must legally do, to avoid being fined and possibly having your drone confiscated.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

I assume you have both versions of Elements, the one for stills and the one for videos. I don’t have the video version but it would likely have an easy learning curve like the stills version has.

AVG Loc: Pittsburgh

Thanks for your input. I bought a DJI Mini 3 Pro with the "kit" and the upgraded controller and spare batteries. I immediately got the Trust certification and registered the drone. I will label it soon and before the 2nd flight. The first one was just up and down a football field and then UP and DOWN for landings.

I'm very close to finishing (1 chapter left) the Pilot Institute course and will soon take the commercial test. Not sure if I'll need it but thought it was a good education in itself. My reasoning was simple - get the highest accreditation available so if I get pushback from some stranger while flying I can be prepared for an on-site debate about the FAA rules.

I have a few other questions but I don't think the UHH world would care reading about. Maybe I'll make a private message to you later today.

Thanks again.

AVG Loc: Pittsburgh

Yes I have both PS versions but honestly, I've not even opened it. I've been taking videos for years but that wasn't my main focus in photography so I never used the software.

Thanks for your reply

stogieboy Loc: Marlboro, NY

As a novice drone pilot myself, I appreciate the suggestion on Da Vinci Resolve, it is currently downloading as I type this. I have the DJI Mini 2, but really want to upgrade to the Mini 3, specifically for the obstacle avoidance ability. The Mini 2 does not have that, and I found out the hard way how easy it is to crash this thing. Fortunately, I had already purchased the protection plan, and they shipped a new one to me very quickly.

I am hesitant to fly because of the unknowns, but I also realize that the more I practice, the less stressed I get. I just passed the TRUST training, and my card arrived a couple days ago.

Mike

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Not to brag too much, but I have been a pilot for 50+ years, bought a DJI Mini 2 two years ago, taken the Pilot Institute course with Greg and passed the test. I started video editing a dozen years ago with Adobe Premiere Elements, use Adobe Premiere Pro and tried DaVanci Resolve. I'm currently teaching a video editing class in my retirement community.

You are doing the right thing getting your Remote Pilot Certificate. The FAA is clear that recreational flying is determined by your intent at takeoff. I must be for selfish pleasure. As soon as you gain some confidence someone will ask you take take a picture or video of something. For that, the FAA says you need the 107 certificate.

Since you have it, Premiere Elements is very good and the learning curve is more gentle. Among other things, adding a background music track to a drone video clip is much easier than with DaVinci Resolve.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

"I have a few other questions but I don't think the UHH world would care reading about."

What questions do you have? I may be able to help.

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

I use the free version of Openshot. It has a fairly simple interface.

Busbum Loc: 85367

Could someone please post a link to the free Davinci Resolve program...
TIA
Larry

Lucian Loc: From Wales, living in Ohio

Greg offers free stickers for your drone with your FAA reg. number and info printed on them, in case you were not aware of that.

You are going about it the right way, which I'm pleased to see. Fly responsibly and you should never have a problem but if you do get some Karen etc. approach you, you will have all the official backup to put them down and quiet. Nice drone choice too. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. I have Premier Pro video editing but after looking at all sorts of places and listening to others, I found DaVinci was the best route to take for editing, plus it's free.

You really should look into the Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve Speed Editor. They are about $395 new, but I see a few on ebay refurbished or used for about $200, which is a good price. If you bid on a few, you might even get one cheaper than that. Go to the BlackMagic website and watch a video demo of how to use it and you will feel like you can edit already, by using the deck.

Lucian Loc: From Wales, living in Ohio

Larry, just go to the Blackmagic website and you'll find the free version there to download. Sometimes they offer the Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve Speed Editor free if you buy their paid version of the editor. That would be the best deal if you see it.

Lucian Loc: From Wales, living in Ohio

Just fly in beginner mode for a little while. That won't let you fly fast or far or high. It keeps you no higher than 50ft or lower and keeps within about 150ft of take off point. Practice basic flying skills until you get comfortable. Then take it out of beginner mode, but not into sport mode, just stay in the standard mode P and go easy.

If you crashed early on, everything becomes frightening. Just go to a wide open place and make yourself do various flying maneuvers, such as flying in a square, then reverse that pattern. Then in a circle and fly around yourself at varying altitudes and before long you will get comfortable with it again. Any fears, just release the sticks and it will stop and hover in place until you get yourself together again, then continue.

Lucian Loc: From Wales, living in Ohio

Wish you lived in my neighborhood.

Busbum Loc: 85367

Lucian,
Very interested in what you are instructing, good to know...
I copied and pasted what you wrote and bingo, went right to a download page and have it installed on my iMac, thank you...
I want to get a drone also and I have quite a few videos I can practice with prior to buying a drone...
Another question, can you get all the testing done before actually owning a drone???
TIA
Larry