Hi Everybody,

After some time to determine a new career, I've decided I want to be a drone videographer. I'd like to work on showcasing people's businesses whether it's new avenues in real estate, new business, op-ed for media outlets etc.

I want to buy something that's suitable for that caliber of use. I'm a film/media guy and would love to eventually find ways to work in more high-level broadcast media through agencies or production hubs. However, for now I'd like to build a production package that's more...locally/regionally used. So I'm trying to figure what I should buy for this level of basic professional application, like fly-throughs w/ voice-over etc.

What drone camera set-up would be the most prudent while being the most professionally effective and versatile at this level of use?

If anybody has any feedback, as there's a lot to explore, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks!

Well come on in.

Yes, the Inspire 2 is right for you.


Its quality build is for professional uses.


RedHotPoker

It would be hard to go past the Phantom 4 pro.
That would give you the most bang for your buck and still be able to handle most asignments in an easily transportable size.

Labroides Posted at 2018-3-24 21:54
It would be hard to go past the Phantom 4 pro.
That would give you the most bang for your buck and still be able to handle most asignments in an easily transportable size.

How does the Phantom 4 handle indoor environments? I was wondering too if there's like any kind wide-angle option. Landscape shots look wonderful but I plan on doing a lot of interior fly-through work.

If there's any samples of indoor shots/reference that'd be great.

Wide-angle is for action cameras, not photography drones. But, you can add a variety of different options to the Inspire 2, not so much a P4P. Also, DJI drones do not do the best inside, especially if GPS signal gets weak. You're far better off with a boom and a gimbal if you want interior work, unless you have some extremely high ceilings.

steadyfreddy Posted at 2018-3-24 22:47
How does the Phantom 4 handle indoor environments? I was wondering too if there's like any kind wide-angle option. Landscape shots look wonderful but I plan on doing a lot of interior fly-through work.

If there's any samples of indoor shots/reference that'd be great.

It sounds like you need to learn a bit more before diving in.
The P4 pro (and most drones) have wideangle lenses as standard equipment.
Don't plan on any interior flying for real estate work.
You'd cause more trouble than it's worth and there are much better ways to shoot interiors.

Labroides Posted at 2018-3-24 23:10
It sounds like you need to learn a bit more before diving in.
The P4 pro (and most drones) have wideangle lenses as standard equipment.
Don't plan on any interior flying for real estate work.

Good to know. Overkill was kind of my initial concern, but I like the reach and programmatic possibilities with a drone. I don't really need like 4k rez, granted, wow, that's nice but...rendering etc.

I have a nice gimbal already so that's also nice to know.

Real estate - gotcha. Trying to learn as much geometry as possible before jumping in. Thanks!

steadyfreddy Posted at 2018-3-24 23:15
Good to know. Overkill was kind of my initial concern, but I like the reach and programmatic possibilities with a drone. I don't really need like 4k rez, granted, wow, that's nice but...rendering etc.

I have a nice gimbal already so that's also nice to know.

Also, I imagine using a drone is tantamount to asking about using a crane indoors, but are there drone models that might work satisfactory under a roof? (primarily for creative purposes here of course)

Having the ability to program an in-house flight would still be cool (even if it's not really possible).

steadyfreddy Posted at 2018-3-24 23:28
Also, I imagine using a drone is tantamount to asking about using a crane indoors, but are there drone models that might work satisfactory under a roof? (primarily for creative purposes here of course)

Having the ability to program an in-house flight would still be cool (even if it's not really possible).

Forget indoor flying.
There are 100 things you need to learn before even trying it.

Labroides Posted at 2018-3-24 23:40
Forget indoor flying.
There are 100 things you need to learn before even trying it.

Yes, I do have a lot to learn. I've been looking into licensing, insurance and other considerations.

If forget indoor flying what would be your first steps advice to a noob who's serious about this approach?

Thanks for your response, Labroides.

I would purchase a P4Pro and a Spark. If you try to fly the P4Pro inside, ie. office building, home, etc. the downward wind wake wi

I would purchase a P4Pro and a Spark. If you try to fly the P4Pro inside, ie. office building, home, etc. the downward wind wake WILL blow papers, dust and small items around. P4Pro is better suited for outdoor or large interior spaces. The Spark will work better for you inside. Its smaller to get around with and doesn't create a big blow!

An Inspire 2 with a Zenmuse X7 is the best option but very expensive. A P4P would be a good place to start.

Whilst you may want to look at the showcasing businesses arena have you actually looked at preparing a business case, if for no one else other than yourself? What area do you want to cover? What competition is there? How much money have you got to keep you going until business picks up? Remember you will need two drones, as you should always have a backup up system. You will need a good computer and screen, as well as lots of storage and backup up systems. Whilst not really answering the direct question about which drone to buy I really would think looking at those things first may tell you a lot. Getting Part 107 is going to be a must though as well as insurance.

The P4P will give you all the video quality you need, an OSMO or OSMO mobile will give you all the interior shots you need (even 360 interior pano's & VR tours), before you spend all this money check your market, the real estate market is flooded with agents that have bought their own drone for that, If you buy one consider it a hobby until you think you can make some money. I have been doing this for a couple of years now and the best I can do is cover my operating expense, and the new drones and accessories I purchase through the year.

DO NOT QUIT YOUR DAY JOB, there are far too many large drone companies out there that offer everything from real estate, land mapping, GPS surveying, wedding supplemental, infrared inspections, the list goes on.

QuadKid Posted at 2018-3-25 03:44
The P4P will give you all the video quality you need, an OSMO or OSMO mobile will give you all the interior shots you need (even 360 interior pano's & VR tours), before you spend all this money check your market, the real estate market is flooded with agents that have bought their own drone for that, If you buy one consider it a hobby until you think you can make some money. I have been doing this for a couple of years now and the best I can do is cover my operating expense, and the new drones and accessories I purchase through the year.

DO NOT QUIT YOUR DAY JOB, there are far too many large drone companies out there that offer everything from real estate, land mapping, GPS surveying, wedding supplemental, inferred inspections, the list goes on.

Great advice there mate!     

Lots of good advice for you.  Only you knows where you are in photography or business though. Baby steps in the drone part of it. There is a lot to learn.

No one has mentioned the Mavic pro. Several pros use them successfully.  Below is a link to one. His use of one in and outdoors when doing real estate work is really good. Most just walk inside with the drone instead of actually flying.

https://www.usaerialfilming.com/property-marketing/

Good luck!

steadyfreddy Posted at 2018-3-24 23:53
Yes, I do have a lot to learn. I've been looking into licensing, insurance and other considerations.

If forget indoor flying what would be your first steps advice to a noob who's serious about this approach?

1st Step: Get your FAA license.

A CW Posted at 2018-3-25 03:20
An Inspire 2 with a Zenmuse X7 is the best option but very expensive. A P4P would be a good place to start.

But then he mentioned the desire of flying indoors. ;-)

So our suggestions are moot. Haha


Unless inside a major cathedral or indoor stadium. Haha


Go figure...


RedHotPoker

RedHotPoker Posted at 2018-3-25 12:50
But then he mentioned the desire of flying indoors. ;-)

So our suggestions are moot. Haha

I guess that Tello thing would be best for that then LOL or an Osmo

A CW Posted at 2018-3-25 12:55
I guess that Tello thing would be best for that then LOL or an Osmo

Or learning to fly, directly after he RTFM.  Hahaha

Flying indoors is sweet for Tareq, after 10,000 hours of practice... Wicked grin


RedHotPoker

RedHotPoker Posted at 2018-3-25 13:16
Or learning to fly, directly after he RTFM.  Hahaha
https://youtu.be/Kjd0gtuehXM
Flying indoors is sweet for Tareq, after 10,000 hours of practice... Wicked grin

OMG - thats some serious skill mate! How low to the floor - amazing!

A CW Posted at 2018-3-25 13:18
OMG - thats some serious skill mate! How low to the floor - amazing!

Did you hear the prop tick the floor, near the beginning?

Yes, magnificent skill level. That's why he is the RC heli King. No better.

& he does yard work. Chuckles

RedHotPoker

RedHotPoker Posted at 2018-3-25 13:22
Did you hear the prop tick the floor, near the beginning?

Yes, magnificent skill level. That's why he is the RC heli King. No better.

yeah, at 1:27 - still very impressive

A CW Posted at 2018-3-25 13:25
yeah, at 1:27 - still very impressive

He did that on purpose not an accidental touch.

Here's some more indoor fun..


RedHotPoker

This is great you guys. Thanks a bunch for all the perspective! I saw a video of somebody with P4P in their living room. Good God man, it was like having a flying lawnmower inside the house. Scary if that thing gets away from ya. Something smaller, quieter, less engine would be preferred if wanting to take dynamic shots with high ceilings etc. Otherwise, yeah, gimbal would probably do the trick and be much safer. I have one already but would have to check the rez specs to match what I would use for exterior shots, or at least come close. I wouldn't want sequences to shift rez a whole lot.

I plan on getting my 107, remote PIC and whatever else for qualifications and learning experience. I'm in this for the long haul so there's no rush in quitting my day job. After all, this is a major investment. Gotta pay the bills.

Again, all great info y'all. I appreciate it!

RedHotPoker Posted at 2018-3-25 13:29
He did that on purpise, not an accidental touch.

Here's some more indoor fun..

That does look like great fun and after mastering that a GPS drone would be even more ridiculously easy to fly - ideal for new pilots to learn on too

A CW Posted at 2018-3-25 13:34
That does look like great fun and after mastering that a GPS drone would be even more ridiculously easy to fly - ideal for new pilots to learn on too

The problem with DJI drones is they all but fly themselves.
So the "pilot" is only controlling, directing flight.

Let go of the RC sticks on most other RC models and they crash.


RedHotPoker

RedHotPoker Posted at 2018-3-25 13:37
The problem with DJI drones is they all but fly themselves.
So the "pilot" is only controlling, directing flight.

So true. It's all about the camera with our drones

A CW Posted at 2018-3-25 13:39
So true. It's all about the camera with our drones

Oh, Yes, plus the birds and the bees.

We are entering their air space.
Never seen a bat buzz my drone during night flights... ;-)


RedHotPoker

Dead insects on the drone and props after an evening flying in the summer! Can’t wait

RedHotPoker Posted at 2018-3-25 13:16
Or learning to fly, directly after he RTFM.  Hahaha
https://youtu.be/Kjd0gtuehXM
Flying indoors is sweet for Tareq, after 10,000 hours of practice... Wicked grin

I’m replying to this because I wanted to tag it. I was telling someone about it yesterday but couldn’t find the link to it. Great timing RHP.

Jeff

Jeff Millard Posted at 2018-3-25 15:04
I’m replying to this because I wanted to tag it. I was telling someone about it yesterday but couldn’t find the link to it. Great timing RHP.

Jeff

I too really enjoy watching Tareq go through these routines and putting his heli's through their paces.


RedHotPoker

A CW Posted at 2018-3-25 14:51
Dead insects on the drone and props after an evening flying in the summer! Can’t wait

Windex is your friend. Haha

But sometimes it takes a few drops of isopropanol... Sticky buggars. ;-)



RedHotPoker

RedHotPoker Posted at 2018-3-25 15:30
Windex is your friend. Haha

But sometimes it takes a few drops of isopropanol... Sticky buggars. ;-)

I'll try that

A CW Posted at 2018-3-25 23:15
I'll try that

I often wonder if a few if those Rainex wipes would solve the buildup?

Otherwise, I just rinse it down, when I get home...


RedHotPoker

RedHotPoker Posted at 2018-3-26 08:42
I often wonder if a few if those Rainex wipes would solve the buildup?

Otherwise, I just rinse it down, when I get home...

I use baby wipes and a micro fibre cloth. Works a treat

A CW Posted at 2018-3-26 09:36
I use baby wipes and a micro fibre cloth. Works a treat

Yeah, me, I try to avoid anything with Baby in it.  ;-)

I draw the line at Honey... Haha

How about a Magic Eraser?

I use micro cloths on my camera front elements. After the rocket blower. ;-)

RedHotPoker

RedHotPoker Posted at 2018-3-25 13:29
He did that on purpose not an accidental touch.

Here's some more indoor fun..

That's a whole new meaning to try before you buy !!!  lol

DEUCEDOG Posted at 2018-3-26 12:18
That's a whole new meaning to try before you buy !!!  lol

Yes, & never a dull moment. Since those mini heli's can perform well, while in confined spaces. Ha



RedHotPoker