This has to be one of the best episodes to date and Eric's enthusiasm for the subject is truly infectious, so much so it's just gone midnight here and it's a blizzard outside but I have a great urge to go out and start practicing what he preaches. I for one would love to see more of this, with both Flitetest's and Eric's schedules permitting. I was signed off work due to illness in 2013 and started to get into building multirotors to stave off cabin fever. I now fly a fully self built Hexacopter with lots of bells and whistles. I'm now retired due to my ill health and despite what my doctors think I'm not dead yet and it's this kind of content that inspires me to take my flying and photography to the next levels. Regards Nidge
After I learned to fly RC in the later 90's I always found ways to put a camera on a plane. The cameras then were always low pixel and poor quality video. Now with all the newer cameras and the introduction of Multis I am learning to fly UAV and FPV. I have never came across a well done instructional on flying and filming anywhere that could compare to this one. I learned a lot watching this video. Thank you guys for the best ever instructional I ever saw on aerial filming anywhere. Please come back with more.
I've made my own identical props and put it on a small quad and put a lg phone recording *I don't remember the name but the screen sided up and revealed the keypad
The first time I put a camera on my plane, it was a disposable 110 camera and I rigged a servo to depress the shutter. I could only take one picture per flight because I had to manually wind the film. I had to put it on the top of my plane so I flew inverted to take the picture. I still have the pictures somewhere. The plane was a Tower Hobbies Fun Fly with a 46 OS glow motor.
The first time I sent a video camera up I used an Army surplus weather balloon. The camera was a Hitachi 8mm that weighted about 5 lbs. I kept the rig attached to a very long heavy monofilament fishing line. The problem was the camera would start spinning. Also as the morning got later a breeze picked up. The balloon was blown over some giant oak trees and the string got caught in a branch and I was so panicked because I knew the line could snap and my 1,000 camcorder would fly away. I managed to pull the line free of the tree and real the balloon and camera back in to safety.
Been watching for years. This is one of the best episodes yet in my opinion. Great content and advice. Loved the focus on safety as always. Eric does a wonderful job and is obviously a huge bank of knowledge. Thank you!
What an awesome addition to the onscreen team is Eric! Knowledgeable, affable, entertaining, genuine. I'd very much love to see more of him, he fits perfectly in the onscreen role. It goes without saying he's clearly worked very hard at his craft - his RC and AP knowledge is obviously very comprehensive. A request for the team, but specifically directed at Eric, because it's really very much in his domain - please show us a simple and effective way of uploading videos to RUclips. Whatever I do, I just can't get it right with the quality of the online video matching the offline quality. Yes, I know YT "does things" to videos we don't like, that's a given. However, it's their system we have to work within, so like it or not there's clearly a right way and a wrong way. When I click on FliteTest videos, they load perfectly every time - smooth, crisp and watchable. All my attempts at YT uploads end up choppy, grainy and load very poorly. I'm obviously missing something basic - could Eric or someone else please show a reliable way to upload your videos, whether they be those beautiful 4K shots he's been getting recently, or really basic 720p stuff from a Mobius on the front of a mini-quad?
You need to wait after uploading a video. The lower resolution videos are processed first, 720p or 1080p take longer to process. The video also has to be synced all over the distribution network before it can be loaded from a server close to you (for a fast download). That might take a while. Sometimes people complain about FT videos being choppy, having audio sync problems, etc. That's usually right after the video was uploaded and released. Give it a few hours and that usually fixes itself.
Cheers, thanks for that Balu. I think part of the problem was that I was uploading directly from my editing software (iMovie) which gives the option of "Share to RUclips" when you've finished editing. Seems problematic. For my most recent upload, I opened RUclips Creator Studio and hit Upload, and let it do its thing. Seemed to work much better.
Eric has provided more practical, unpretentious, valuable advice in this video than countless other YT vids I've seen on this topic over the past year. Every point made was either something I'd learned the hard way, or need to remind myself of. Capturing great video (...and stills) is my goal and each point made here, if the viewer listens carefully and practices will eventually get you there. being a knowledgeable videographer, photographer and RC pilot doesn't come quickly or easily. I say this as a former professional photographer who is now attempting to adapt his skills to the aerial realm. Thanks again, and I'm now subscribed as a result of this vid. Keep up the great work!
As a viewer with a degree in illustration it was nice to hear "the rule of thirds" on an RC video. Things I never thought I'd hear and another reason I love you guys.
Another great production. I'm glad I subscribed. I haven't got any hardware yet, still researching and learning. Your vids are a great help to getting me in the air for a way that fits my needs as I perceive them at this time, at a budget I can live with. Thanks for the effort. I'll be back for more. My grandfather built a real, fullsize monoplane in 1932 (that's right, a monoplane in 1932) using a model T engine for power. I had a black and white picture of it on the main street of Hazenmore Sask., dated Kodak '32. My grandmother told him not to fly it, but how could he not? So after she caught him, she made him sell it. His son, my uncle Frank, built model RC aircraft since the sixties. When I went to his house as a kid and looked at all the planes in the basement on the walls and hanging from the ceiling, jets, multis, floats, you name it, and I asked him the cost? He said he got into the hobby because it cost less than the real thing, but if you totalled up all the stuff, he could have bought the real deal. I've had a few hours with stick or yoke in hand. My best man had a Super Cub and my brother in law had a Skyhawk. I've also flown a Mooney 201. I'm entertaining the idea of an electrohub tri-copter with six engines for FPV. I see David did that. Any chance of a vid of the build and flight of that? Keep on keepin' on. I like the format.
Eric emphasizes 'dynamic' shots for effective aerial video. My thoughts after watching numerous videos: 1) Shoot many scenes from multiple angles, without lingering too long on a scene. This conveys action. 2) Use foreground objects for rapidly changing perspective and depth of field.
That "parallax effect" with different speeds in foreground / background makes shots a lot more interesting. High altitude looks more like a static picture compared to that. Also it's harder to grasp the speed of the moving camera.
Good stuff as always guys. Thank you for reminding people that this hobby is not evil and is about bringing people together and sharing all the wonders of flying!
Yes please! More of this! I'd like to hear about post production, editing etc. and anything Eric feels like talking about. I'm just starting to get into this and am absorbing anything I can right now. Hard to fly right now in the New England winter, so I'm trying to learn stuff.
Great episode and perfect timing for me! I've flown helis and planes for a couple years now (started with a scratch-build baby blender). I'm now building a tricopter from 3D printed parts and plan to put a camera on it for FPV and aerial video. This was by far the best produced and most helpful video on the subject I've found so far. Top notch, as usual from the flitetest guys. Keep it up!
Thank you. I am a beginner in this field. This video helped me a tons. I didn't know what to do at all, but now I have some ideas of what should I be doing. Thank you so much for spending time putting this video together and help new pilots like myself. Thank you.
This is such a good episode... I for one would love to see more on aerial filming editing and all the components that come together to make a great bit of film.
I simply want to say THANK YOU for this amazing video. I'm just getting into UAV's as a business venture and I have not found one video as good as this one. This will be THE video I will always have on hand to learn from and to teach others in my circle. I have always been into this technology as a kid for fun and now, because of gentleman like you opening up this world, I can now pursue my ultimate dream. Keep it up, and hopefully one day, Ill be at a level in which I can collaborate and meet with you guys. Thanks a lot. Keep up the good work.
I've pretty much am going through the exact process these gentlemen say throughout this video. Wanted to get into aerial cinematography. Started with a dx6 and a blade nano copter. Got real flight Simulator 7 Became a comfortable & confident pilot Meet and try to socialize with different flying groups. watch a whole lot of aerial youtube videos and practice shots. Bought DJI inspire 1 and lovin it. It would have been a scary and horrible time if I didn't go through this process first. Thank you Eric & Josh! Your making me feel I'm on the right track!
I'm in college majoring in professional piloting but am also an RC enthusiast. It is very true that your are the pilot in command. You are the one that make the final decision, in full scale and RC.
i absolutely agree with Eric, the DIY route is the best way to go, you will learn so much and have more respect for the hobby and safety precautions that must be taken with it. also he brings a good point that if you bought a ready to fly machine and something failed/broke and you had absolutely 0 experience with DIY and repairs, you now have a very expensive paper weight on your hands, thanks flite test for bringing these issues up and addressing them :)
Surprised they didn't mention omitting the drone shadow. Thats a big problem sometimes that can be easily avoided during a shoot just by changing your shooting angle or altitude. :-)
Not in post. During the shoot. Like dont fly with the sun behind the drone and subject in front because the shadow gets cast right onto the subject. You can see that most of their shots are side lit but they dont mention it as a tip :-)
You always say your production quality is okay. I think it is amazing. However just as chad said a few years back you aren't extremely particular such as if there's a mic boom in the shot you won't scrap and restart. I love that. Keep doing it. Also, longer intro again maybe? I miss it! Awesome episode and advice from an always enthusiastic and energetic Eric. Keep up the good work guys
I just got the big brother to the Blade 350, the Yuneec Q500 4k. The Q500 4k is simply amazing! Phenominal neutral color pallet, accurate sharp image, super easy to fly and if you want to just go fast, you just turn off the GPS and rocket away at 40MPH. I've so far gotten a hand full of flights and its been nothing but perfect. If your worried about noise, at about 30 feet away its dead silent. I do plan on getting the aero-nut carbon fiber blades as they are better balanced than the stock blades which leads to MUCH less shake which is easier on the motors. You can get the Q500 4k kit with extra props, 2 batteries, the Q500 quad, ST10+ controller, Cgo3 4k camera, steadygrip (hand held grip for the Cgo3), charger, screen shade and carrying case for $999 at BestBuy.
I would love to hear more on what to do to prepare my footage before and after flying, especially tips like that about frame rates and how they affect the look of your footage. I'm currently waiting for parts for my first build with a naza lite. I would also be interested in more tips for gopro users as I assume a lot of people like me might have them anyway, thats whyI'm building a quad to fly my gopro so I can get more into aerial photography.
Nice one guys, Eric, Josh, I love your enthusiasm! I'd like to see more videos like this, definitely. I'm getting into property surveying, and will be getting my licence in the next few months. The more advice the better! Keep up the good work, Richard, from Tooting in London.
I've been flying for years and I can't agree more, get a nano if you want to learn. I bought one for my son and love flying it myself. It's such a great platform and you'll never outgrow it. Even when you've moved on to bigger and better things, you'll still have a ton of fun flying the nano. Best of all, it's nearly impossible to break.
FliteTest great video on A/P introduction. I've been flying RC for almost 40 years now and really enjoy mixing photography with RC. I'd love to see Eric provide more of his knowledge and experience in additional A/P videos. More about composition, editing, and processing would be excellent. FliteTest keep up the great work. *Subscribed*
I know this has already been said, but this has to be one of the best episodes you guys have made :) Keep it up :D (On a side note, I can't see anything in this that would cause anybody to click the 'dislike' button. People are strange lol)
It would be great to see and hear more in depth info regarding aerial photography! I started using my Gopro Hero 4 on board with my QX3 350 and recently into my new dji Inspire 1. I have retired from my past career and this type of photography is and has been something I would like to get into as a whole new adventure that I do not just love, but could also have as a new career! Thank you both for this insightful video. Todd
Thanks, guys. Throwing in my vote for an episode on the editing software you mention at the end. Would also be helpful to point out what can only be done from a mac. Thanks again.
I really enjoyed the episode, thanks! I would love to see more about aerial photography and another episode about post production on aerial photography would be good. Another thing I'd love to see is tips on how to turn something like this into your job - how to get gigs where people pay you to actually film while flying and doing what you love. That'd be awesome to get some insight on!
Yeas, please more of this stuff would be great. Would like to get tips on DIY builds and good suggestions for sizes as far as frames, motors and props. Really great stuff!
That was a great episode. Definitely want to see more. I love my 350qx3. I didn't buy the CGO2 because I already had a gopro 2. What kind of flight time were you getting? My longest flight yet was eight minutes with my gopro. Also after about four minutes when I go full throttle the low battery warning lights come on. I have two of the 3000mAh 30C batteries it comes with and it does it on both. The gopro 2 doesn't fit in the case they give you so I have to use the skeleton case. So the hole thing weighs 170.4g. which is 7g heavier then the CGO2.
Thanks for this video. I was just re-watching it this morning and I see that it was shot a year ago. Now you can pick up a yuneec Q500 4K for 699$. And that includes the ST10+ controller with screen! It is amazing how fast this technology is moving, and becoming more affordable. Thanks Guys and Gals for all you do at flight test. -Bill
Wow, so many good tips for aereal photography! I used to work as a camera crane operator but job got scarce for me and now I'm working as a studio cameraman, not that exiting, now I'm considering stepping in the aereal video field to get a healthier flow of cash, hope I can get there with the information I can find in your videos, thank you.
I've been flying copters since I was a little kid when they were literally almost impossible to control, and I love them. I've probably owned 6 different copters. However, I've decided to go with a plane instead, an AXN floater-jet to be specific. I just like how you can fly them for longer periods of time and cover more ground. I plan on recording some frozen lakes and snow covered tree-lines this winter in Canada, should be fun.
Hey guys, I am a pro photographer , I have little experience in flying quads, but for a year or so have been wanting to get more in to videography/aerial footage... I must say your input is awesome.. I have subscribed and will follow with anticipation. I am looking at adding aerial for wedding work etc, that is when I am happy to do so competently and safely. Good work :)
Hi guys, well done on an excellent article. Aerial photography is something that is getting me into the RC flying scene although I am taking the easy route with an off the shelf package. Hopefully this will give me the confidence in doing a self build project in the future. Certainly your beginners guide links are saved on my laptop as reference material. I also have a super cub bought for me for Christmas & am waiting for a nice day to have my first flight although this being Scotland will probably be in May! Keep up the good work.
Very nice episode to give an overview of aerial photography. I would be interested in seeing an episode about working on the videos you make , like different softwares one can use , different types of editing , different formats to save it in . Also interesting was the info on the new blade 350 , the swede did a great show on it , it seemed interesting and now it seems even more interesting. For now I am building a 400 size to gain experience in flying and building , with hopes to learn enough to build my own fpv/video machine. It is time consuming to learn and build . altho very much fun !!! I think at times , that once I learn more , I may go for a aerial unit like the blade or a dji , to have less building/researching time, so i enjoy your reviews of both of these units, as well as it teaches me about things I need to utilize if I do build one in the future. I think the thing that turns me away from building my own aerial unit , is the complicated flight control boards , where one has to learn how to program and decide which software to use , etc , i dont enjoy any of the computer stuff like that. Building with wood and metal and basic electronics ,learning about all of these things , flying and learning to fly , all of these things I enjoy very much . Computer programming and software and all that is confusing to me , I am over 50 now , dont really even want to learn much about that , my time is limited , I want to keep it fun and NOT overwhelming. So Thanks for this video and thanks for showing me new and improved products , I need and want this info , which is why I come to Flitetest, which is why I support you when and where I can.
Hey Josh, I have been watching for a few months now, and always look forward to your videos. I have been looking at the 3DR electronics and I would enjoy a video on the IRIS+. It has one of the most advanced gps systems that I think a lot of the viewers would enjoy seeing. Thanks.
U recently bought a dji phantom fc40 and before that, I had no experience of any type of drone, and it was unbelievably easy. For £350, you don't worry that much about crashing it and is has a decent 720p WiFi video camera with it. It is so easy to fly and I get some really good footage which I have put into compilations, which look pretty good. I don't think that you need to spend the extra money for a trainer drone. This is amazing. Also I would get a dji phantom vision plus as a step up as it is smaller than the blade, and in my opinion is better. Flight test you are amazing and you were the people to introduce me to the world of flight. Thanks!
Great episode Guys, I too would love to see more on the subject. i've been obsessed with aerial video for years but never was able to get beyond putting a cheap camera on one of my planes and hoping for a decent shot. Been building and flying since 1985 and finally have the time and good fortune of current technology to be able to pursue my long time obsession more feverishly. I'm a greenhorn at aerial video with multi rotors at the moment but look forward to improving with each flight and with each instructional video. Thanks for all your videos, You guys really need your own TV show.
"You guys really need your own TV show." YOU ARE SO RIGHT. A TV show that operates as a bigger-budget version of the youtube series, keeping the same look and feel, would be a fabulous boost to the hobby, and portray to a much wider audience everything about it in a much more positive light than the unfortunate press of recent events has created. There's a channel for everyone these days - there's got to be one that would welcome FliteTest.
Thanks guys, I really enjoyed this video, and I want to get into this drone photography business. I have had drones before but they were never as sophisticated as the new generation of drones that can attach a GoPro to them. So I'm really going to get back into this hobby, and hopefully start a business of it. Thanks again ! Cheers.
Hey guys, please tell me you have more features on Eric and his equipment and setup! Super curious about his builds, what/how he flies, the content he shoots etc.Very interested to know about his custom builds, seems like a very interesting guy with a wealth of knowledge. Thanks so much, absolutely love everything about FliteTest!
Thank you, thank you, finally someone who knows how to do it well, talking about the art of making aerial videography and photographs instead of the wonderfulness of the equipment. More please.
It is so refreshing to have a video on arial imaging. Thank you for putting this together. Can we expect a whole new channel for this subject? I particularly like the footage of Peter and the cat walking together.
@5:46 this is only on the one you get/bay as a all in one (DX4) . If you buy it as a BNF aka bring your own controller, you can have a controller that does not have that spring.
I fly DIY and a hobbyking quanum nova quads. I have to say that the quanum nova comes RTH for 270 euro, 320 USD with free shipping and has a DJI gps flight controller. It flies great, better than my DIY with HK 2.1.5 modified. I'm not getting anything from Hobbyking but I would suggest the quanum nova to anyone who is starting to fly (GPS too!). It's really so easy and they also have unexpensive gimbals for gopros.
Excellent video, thanks. The question I have is how do you control the camera while flying? On the video it looks like it points to preset direction and gimbal only keeps it stable. The option I see is to have another "stick" on the controller for camera's vertical movement. In this case I can turn camera left and right by turning the whole quad, and up and down by that new stick attached to a knob on the controller. Second option is to have another transmitter and camera operator. This is not always possible.
This. THIS! This, is now my most anticipated, most appreciated, you better know the wait is already excruciating (and even at the risk of making that Steeler hat inflated) caused all other channels to be negated, and relegated to mere youtube idle masturbation, and I think I will call this Aerial Video Tutorialgate because it is the best thing Flitetest has ever done (and yes I am biased mates) bodacious, and most excellent upload- and it is because I have made a mandate. Now- haters gonna hate, so go ahead and berate... me. *throws the gopro and 3 axis gimbal down and walks off stage- but keeps the mic
5 yrs later and some old guy tryin to make his own film wants to thank you for keeping this on the web, So Thanks!!! Also Im a lil late to the Tricopter game and some websites that sell parts are gone, so if ya have any news bout the Tricopter, let me kno
This has to be one of the best episodes to date and Eric's enthusiasm for the subject is truly infectious, so much so it's just gone midnight here and it's a blizzard outside but I have a great urge to go out and start practicing what he preaches.
I for one would love to see more of this, with both Flitetest's and Eric's schedules permitting. I was signed off work due to illness in 2013 and started to get into building multirotors to stave off cabin fever. I now fly a fully self built Hexacopter with lots of bells and whistles. I'm now retired due to my ill health and despite what my doctors think I'm not dead yet and it's this kind of content that inspires me to take my flying and photography to the next levels.
Regards
Nidge
After I learned to fly RC in the later 90's I always found ways to put a camera on a plane. The cameras then were always low pixel and poor quality video. Now with all the newer cameras and the introduction of Multis I am learning to fly UAV and FPV. I have never came across a well done instructional on flying and filming anywhere that could compare to this one. I learned a lot watching this video. Thank you guys for the best ever instructional I ever saw on aerial filming anywhere. Please come back with more.
I have the same obsession. I started off mounting an iPod 3 on my bixler, now I'm flying gopros. Ah, the obsession of putting a camera on a plane!
I've made my own identical props and put it on a small quad and put a lg phone recording *I don't remember the name but the screen sided up and revealed the keypad
The first time I put a camera on my plane, it was a disposable 110 camera and I rigged a servo to depress the shutter. I could only take one picture per flight because I had to manually wind the film. I had to put it on the top of my plane so I flew inverted to take the picture. I still have the pictures somewhere. The plane was a Tower Hobbies Fun Fly with a 46 OS glow motor.
The first time I sent a video camera up I used an Army surplus weather balloon. The camera was a Hitachi 8mm that weighted about 5 lbs. I kept the rig attached to a very long heavy monofilament fishing line. The problem was the camera would start spinning. Also as the morning got later a breeze picked up. The balloon was blown over some giant oak trees and the string got caught in a branch and I was so panicked because I knew the line could snap and my 1,000 camcorder would fly away. I managed to pull the line free of the tree and real the balloon and camera back in to safety.
Been watching for years. This is one of the best episodes yet in my opinion. Great content and advice. Loved the focus on safety as always. Eric does a wonderful job and is obviously a huge bank of knowledge. Thank you!
What an awesome addition to the onscreen team is Eric! Knowledgeable, affable, entertaining, genuine. I'd very much love to see more of him, he fits perfectly in the onscreen role. It goes without saying he's clearly worked very hard at his craft - his RC and AP knowledge is obviously very comprehensive.
A request for the team, but specifically directed at Eric, because it's really very much in his domain - please show us a simple and effective way of uploading videos to RUclips. Whatever I do, I just can't get it right with the quality of the online video matching the offline quality. Yes, I know YT "does things" to videos we don't like, that's a given. However, it's their system we have to work within, so like it or not there's clearly a right way and a wrong way. When I click on FliteTest videos, they load perfectly every time - smooth, crisp and watchable. All my attempts at YT uploads end up choppy, grainy and load very poorly.
I'm obviously missing something basic - could Eric or someone else please show a reliable way to upload your videos, whether they be those beautiful 4K shots he's been getting recently, or really basic 720p stuff from a Mobius on the front of a mini-quad?
You need to wait after uploading a video. The lower resolution videos are processed first, 720p or 1080p take longer to process. The video also has to be synced all over the distribution network before it can be loaded from a server close to you (for a fast download). That might take a while.
Sometimes people complain about FT videos being choppy, having audio sync problems, etc. That's usually right after the video was uploaded and released. Give it a few hours and that usually fixes itself.
Cheers, thanks for that Balu. I think part of the problem was that I was uploading directly from my editing software (iMovie) which gives the option of "Share to RUclips" when you've finished editing. Seems problematic.
For my most recent upload, I opened RUclips Creator Studio and hit Upload, and let it do its thing. Seemed to work much better.
Eric has provided more practical, unpretentious, valuable advice in this video than countless other YT vids I've seen on this topic over the past year. Every point made was either something I'd learned the hard way, or need to remind myself of. Capturing great video (...and stills) is my goal and each point made here, if the viewer listens carefully and practices will eventually get you there. being a knowledgeable videographer, photographer and RC pilot doesn't come quickly or easily. I say this as a former professional photographer who is now attempting to adapt his skills to the aerial realm.
Thanks again, and I'm now subscribed as a result of this vid. Keep up the great work!
As a viewer with a degree in illustration it was nice to hear "the rule of thirds" on an RC video. Things I never thought I'd hear and another reason I love you guys.
Another great production. I'm glad I subscribed. I haven't got any hardware yet, still researching and learning. Your vids are a great help to getting me in the air for a way that fits my needs as I perceive them at this time, at a budget I can live with.
Thanks for the effort. I'll be back for more.
My grandfather built a real, fullsize monoplane in 1932 (that's right, a monoplane in 1932) using a model T engine for power. I had a black and white picture of it on the main street of Hazenmore Sask., dated Kodak '32. My grandmother told him not to fly it, but how could he not? So after she caught him, she made him sell it.
His son, my uncle Frank, built model RC aircraft since the sixties. When I went to his house as a kid and looked at all the planes in the basement on the walls and hanging from the ceiling, jets, multis, floats, you name it, and I asked him the cost? He said he got into the hobby because it cost less than the real thing, but if you totalled up all the stuff, he could have bought the real deal.
I've had a few hours with stick or yoke in hand. My best man had a Super Cub and my brother in law had a Skyhawk. I've also flown a Mooney 201.
I'm entertaining the idea of an electrohub tri-copter with six engines for FPV.
I see David did that. Any chance of a vid of the build and flight of that?
Keep on keepin' on. I like the format.
Eric emphasizes 'dynamic' shots for effective aerial video. My thoughts after watching numerous videos:
1) Shoot many scenes from multiple angles, without lingering too long on a scene. This conveys action.
2) Use foreground objects for rapidly changing perspective and depth of field.
That "parallax effect" with different speeds in foreground / background makes shots a lot more interesting. High altitude looks more like a static picture compared to that. Also it's harder to grasp the speed of the moving camera.
Good stuff as always guys. Thank you for reminding people that this hobby is not evil and is about bringing people together and sharing all the wonders of flying!
Yes please! More of this! I'd like to hear about post production, editing etc. and anything Eric feels like talking about. I'm just starting to get into this and am absorbing anything I can right now. Hard to fly right now in the New England winter, so I'm trying to learn stuff.
Great episode and perfect timing for me! I've flown helis and planes for a couple years now (started with a scratch-build baby blender). I'm now building a tricopter from 3D printed parts and plan to put a camera on it for FPV and aerial video. This was by far the best produced and most helpful video on the subject I've found so far. Top notch, as usual from the flitetest guys. Keep it up!
Another great video, lots of good info and tips! Fantastic addition to the flitetest family. Hope to see more videos in the future with Eric!
Thank you. I am a beginner in this field. This video helped me a tons. I didn't know what to do at all, but now I have some ideas of what should I be doing. Thank you so much for spending time putting this video together and help new pilots like myself. Thank you.
I have watched this about 5 times. More Aerial Photography Tips would be awesome. Maybe some tips on Post Editing as well. You guys rock.
This is such a good episode... I for one would love to see more on aerial filming editing and all the components that come together to make a great bit of film.
I simply want to say THANK YOU for this amazing video. I'm just getting into UAV's as a business venture and I have not found one video as good as this one. This will be THE video I will always have on hand to learn from and to teach others in my circle. I have always been into this technology as a kid for fun and now, because of gentleman like you opening up this world, I can now pursue my ultimate dream. Keep it up, and hopefully one day, Ill be at a level in which I can collaborate and meet with you guys. Thanks a lot. Keep up the good work.
I've pretty much am going through the exact process these gentlemen say throughout this video.
Wanted to get into aerial cinematography.
Started with a dx6 and a blade nano copter.
Got real flight Simulator 7
Became a comfortable & confident pilot
Meet and try to socialize with different flying groups.
watch a whole lot of aerial youtube videos and practice shots.
Bought DJI inspire 1 and lovin it.
It would have been a scary and horrible time if I didn't go through this process first.
Thank you Eric & Josh!
Your making me feel I'm on the right track!
I'm in college majoring in professional piloting but am also an RC enthusiast. It is very true that your are the pilot in command. You are the one that make the final decision, in full scale and RC.
i absolutely agree with Eric, the DIY route is the best way to go, you will learn so much and have more respect for the hobby and safety precautions that must be taken with it. also he brings a good point that if you bought a ready to fly machine and something failed/broke and you had absolutely 0 experience with DIY and repairs, you now have a very expensive paper weight on your hands, thanks flite test for bringing these issues up and addressing them :)
+1 for a series on advanced concepts and such, thinking of getting into aerial videos myself
Some great tips in here, Thanks Eric and Josh. I think FliteTest should consider making Eric a regular feature, please do consider that :)
Surprised they didn't mention omitting the drone shadow. Thats a big problem sometimes that can be easily avoided during a shoot just by changing your shooting angle or altitude. :-)
Eight Miles from Home Like Eric said, that's a whole other episode :) Which I hope they do.
Not in post. During the shoot. Like dont fly with the sun behind the drone and subject in front because the shadow gets cast right onto the subject. You can see that most of their shots are side lit but they dont mention it as a tip :-)
Very cool guys! Would love to see more on this subject... techniques, post production, all of it! Great job and instructor.
You always say your production quality is okay. I think it is amazing. However just as chad said a few years back you aren't extremely particular such as if there's a mic boom in the shot you won't scrap and restart. I love that. Keep doing it. Also, longer intro again maybe? I miss it!
Awesome episode and advice from an always enthusiastic and energetic Eric.
Keep up the good work guys
More of these instructional/tip videos from Eric would be awesome!!
Thank you for this episode, but now I really want more episodes with Eric! :)
Definetly get more videos on tips. Great help. Specially as I just started serious filming.
Would help everyone I'm sure. Thanks for that.
I just got the big brother to the Blade 350, the Yuneec Q500 4k. The Q500 4k is simply amazing! Phenominal neutral color pallet, accurate sharp image, super easy to fly and if you want to just go fast, you just turn off the GPS and rocket away at 40MPH. I've so far gotten a hand full of flights and its been nothing but perfect. If your worried about noise, at about 30 feet away its dead silent. I do plan on getting the aero-nut carbon fiber blades as they are better balanced than the stock blades which leads to MUCH less shake which is easier on the motors.
You can get the Q500 4k kit with extra props, 2 batteries, the Q500 quad, ST10+ controller, Cgo3 4k camera, steadygrip (hand held grip for the Cgo3), charger, screen shade and carrying case for $999 at BestBuy.
An excellent introduction to what could have been a complicated but intriguing hobby! Thank you.
I would love to hear more on what to do to prepare my footage before and after flying, especially tips like that about frame rates and how they affect the look of your footage.
I'm currently waiting for parts for my first build with a naza lite. I would also be interested in more tips for gopro users as I assume a lot of people like me might have them anyway, thats whyI'm building a quad to fly my gopro so I can get more into aerial photography.
Nice one guys, Eric, Josh, I love your enthusiasm! I'd like to see more videos
like this, definitely. I'm getting into property surveying, and will be getting my licence in the next few months. The more advice the better!
Keep up the good work,
Richard, from Tooting in London.
Would love to see Eric as a regular on FT reviewing multicopters and fpv equipment. Also camera tips like go pro settings or reviewing gimbals.
I've been flying for years and I can't agree more, get a nano if you want to learn. I bought one for my son and love flying it myself. It's such a great platform and you'll never outgrow it. Even when you've moved on to bigger and better things, you'll still have a ton of fun flying the nano. Best of all, it's nearly impossible to break.
Do a podcast with eric, answering viewer questions about all of this. That would be incredibly helpful.
FliteTest great video on A/P introduction. I've been flying RC for almost 40 years now and really enjoy mixing photography with RC. I'd love to see Eric provide more of his knowledge and experience in additional A/P videos. More about composition, editing, and processing would be excellent.
FliteTest keep up the great work. *Subscribed*
I know this has already been said, but this has to be one of the best episodes you guys have made :) Keep it up :D
(On a side note, I can't see anything in this that would cause anybody to click the 'dislike' button. People are strange lol)
It would be great to see and hear more in depth info regarding aerial photography! I started using my Gopro Hero 4 on board with my QX3 350 and recently into my new dji Inspire 1. I have retired from my past career and this type of photography is and has been something I would like to get into as a whole new adventure that I do not just love, but could also have as a new career!
Thank you both for this insightful video.
Todd
Thanks, guys. Throwing in my vote for an episode on the editing software you mention at the end. Would also be helpful to point out what can only be done from a mac. Thanks again.
Another awesome episode guys!! Loved it!!!
I would love more of Eric. This was perfect for me. thanks!
Love this video. Great information and videography. Looking forward to more stuff in this area of the hobby as well in future episodes! Thank you!
Fantastic video. I'd love to see more like these regarding aerial photography, be it taking videos or post production. Keep up the great work, guys.
Great episode!! I really hope to see more on Arial videography.
I really enjoyed the episode, thanks! I would love to see more about aerial photography and another episode about post production on aerial photography would be good. Another thing I'd love to see is tips on how to turn something like this into your job - how to get gigs where people pay you to actually film while flying and doing what you love. That'd be awesome to get some insight on!
Just found this video and really enjoyed it . Would like some more videos on aerial photography please.
I really like the new RUclips theme!
Yeas, please more of this stuff would be great. Would like to get tips on DIY builds and good suggestions for sizes as far as frames, motors and props. Really great stuff!
That was a great episode. Definitely want to see more. I love my 350qx3. I didn't buy the CGO2 because I already had a gopro 2. What kind of flight time were you getting? My longest flight yet was eight minutes with my gopro.
Also after about four minutes when I go full throttle the low battery warning lights come on. I have two of the 3000mAh 30C batteries it comes with and it does it on both. The gopro 2 doesn't fit in the case they give you so I have to use the skeleton case. So the hole thing weighs 170.4g. which is 7g heavier then the CGO2.
thank you... appreciate everything you guys are doing ,especially when it comes to educating the newer pilots.
Thanks for this video. I was just re-watching it this morning and I see that it was shot a year ago. Now you can pick up a yuneec Q500 4K for 699$. And that includes the ST10+ controller with screen! It is amazing how fast this technology is moving, and becoming more affordable. Thanks Guys and Gals for all you do at flight test.
-Bill
I WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU GUYS PUT TOGETHER A MILLENNIUM FALCON QUADCOPTER!!
Love to see more on ariel cinematography! Looking foward to it!
Great how to. Please keep updating when the opportunity exists. love it, thanks!!
M 👖⌚⌚⌚
yea Eric! I learned much and confirmed some of the stuff i learned the hard way. We want more! Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Wow, so many good tips for aereal photography! I used to work as a camera crane operator but job got scarce for me and now I'm working as a studio cameraman, not that exiting, now I'm considering stepping in the aereal video field to get a healthier flow of cash, hope I can get there with the information I can find in your videos, thank you.
I've been flying copters since I was a little kid when they were literally almost impossible to control, and I love them. I've probably owned 6 different copters. However, I've decided to go with a plane instead, an AXN floater-jet to be specific. I just like how you can fly them for longer periods of time and cover more ground. I plan on recording some frozen lakes and snow covered tree-lines this winter in Canada, should be fun.
I love this! Please some more. Eric is great.
Hey guys, I am a pro photographer , I have little experience in flying quads, but for a year or so have been wanting to get more in to videography/aerial footage... I must say your input is awesome.. I have subscribed and will follow with anticipation. I am looking at adding aerial for wedding work etc, that is when I am happy to do so competently and safely. Good work :)
Please continue with the aerial videography tips. Much appreciated.
Hi guys, well done on an excellent article.
Aerial photography is something that is getting me into the RC flying scene although I am taking the easy route with an off the shelf package. Hopefully this will give me the confidence in doing a self build project in the future. Certainly your beginners guide links are saved on my laptop as reference material.
I also have a super cub bought for me for Christmas & am waiting for a nice day to have my first flight although this being Scotland will probably be in May!
Keep up the good work.
I got this for 3 days and this is the best Quadcopter I ever have
Great episode. Keep up the good work.
Very nice episode to give an overview of aerial photography. I would be interested in seeing an episode about working on the videos you make , like different softwares one can use , different types of editing , different formats to save it in .
Also interesting was the info on the new blade 350 , the swede did a great show on it , it seemed interesting and now it seems even more interesting.
For now I am building a 400 size to gain experience in flying and building , with hopes to learn enough to build my own fpv/video machine.
It is time consuming to learn and build . altho very much fun !!!
I think at times , that once I learn more , I may go for a aerial unit like the blade or a dji , to have less building/researching time, so i enjoy your reviews of both of these units, as well as it teaches me about things I need to utilize if I do build one in the future.
I think the thing that turns me away from building my own aerial unit , is the complicated flight control boards , where one has to learn how to program and decide which software to use , etc , i dont enjoy any of the computer stuff like that.
Building with wood and metal and basic electronics ,learning about all of these things , flying and learning to fly , all of these things I enjoy very much .
Computer programming and software and all that is confusing to me , I am over 50 now , dont really even want to learn much about that , my time is limited , I want to keep it fun and NOT overwhelming.
So Thanks for this video and thanks for showing me new and improved products , I need and want this info , which is why I come to Flitetest, which is why I support you when and where I can.
Well done guys. Good explanations with matching examples.
I'd love to see the post processing part. Thank you for the great video!
We use the Blade 350 QX3 in our business. It is a fantastic piece of equipment!
Great tips. Will come in handy when flying my P4 ! - Thanks
I'd love to see more of these types of videos. Great job guys.
Hey Josh,
I have been watching for a few months now, and always look forward to your videos. I have been looking at the 3DR electronics and I would enjoy a video on the IRIS+. It has one of the most advanced gps systems that I think a lot of the viewers would enjoy seeing.
Thanks.
I would love to be able to afford to get into aerial photography someday! Its great to see its becoming more of a mainstream hobby!
Great episode as always guys! I would love to see an episode about color correction in FCPX or similar
Thanks for this video it is an excellent tutorial with lots of common sense pointers for shot making and flying. Perfect.
U recently bought a dji phantom fc40 and before that, I had no experience of any type of drone, and it was unbelievably easy. For £350, you don't worry that much about crashing it and is has a decent 720p WiFi video camera with it. It is so easy to fly and I get some really good footage which I have put into compilations, which look pretty good. I don't think that you need to spend the extra money for a trainer drone. This is amazing. Also I would get a dji phantom vision plus as a step up as it is smaller than the blade, and in my opinion is better. Flight test you are amazing and you were the people to introduce me to the world of flight. Thanks!
what a amazing pilot well done Eric and flite test
Eric is great! Thanks for your advice. Would love to see a video about post production.
Great episode Guys, I too would love to see more on the subject. i've been obsessed with aerial video for years but never was able to get beyond putting a cheap camera on one of my planes and hoping for a decent shot. Been building and flying since 1985 and finally have the time and good fortune of current technology to be able to pursue my long time obsession more feverishly. I'm a greenhorn at aerial video with multi rotors at the moment but look forward to improving with each flight and with each instructional video. Thanks for all your videos, You guys really need your own TV show.
"You guys really need your own TV show."
YOU ARE SO RIGHT. A TV show that operates as a bigger-budget version of the youtube series, keeping the same look and feel, would be a fabulous boost to the hobby, and portray to a much wider audience everything about it in a much more positive light than the unfortunate press of recent events has created. There's a channel for everyone these days - there's got to be one that would welcome FliteTest.
Thanks guys, I really enjoyed this video, and I want to get into this drone photography business. I have had drones before but they were never as sophisticated as the new generation of drones that can attach a GoPro to them. So I'm really going to get back into this hobby, and hopefully start a business of it. Thanks again ! Cheers.
This advice is golden! I love it.
Hey guys, please tell me you have more features on Eric and his equipment and setup! Super curious about his builds, what/how he flies, the content he shoots etc.Very interested to know about his custom builds, seems like a very interesting guy with a wealth of knowledge. Thanks so much, absolutely love everything about FliteTest!
love this video and I would love to see more of these tips on Aerial Photography Love your show
Thank you, thank you, finally someone who knows how to do it well, talking about the art of making aerial videography and photographs instead of the wonderfulness of the equipment. More please.
Really awesome episode, so much info.
I am really keen to hear more about video post production from Eric ;)
It is so refreshing to have a video on arial imaging. Thank you for putting this together. Can we expect a whole new channel for this subject?
I particularly like the footage of Peter and the cat walking together.
I would love to see more videos like this. I know it's a year old, but it was very helpful.
Great video. Really appreciate the info you provided. I hope you will share more videos about multirotor videography.
Thanks.
Please Please Please make an in-depth video on this. It's fascinating and could really help me with my new multirotor
@5:46 this is only on the one you get/bay as a all in one (DX4)
. If you buy it as a BNF aka bring your own controller, you can have a controller that does not have that spring.
very informative and enjoyable video. great work guys! Thank you.
I fly DIY and a hobbyking quanum nova quads. I have to say that the quanum nova comes RTH for 270 euro, 320 USD with free shipping and has a DJI gps flight controller. It flies great, better than my DIY with HK 2.1.5 modified. I'm not getting anything from Hobbyking but I would suggest the quanum nova to anyone who is starting to fly (GPS too!). It's really so easy and they also have unexpensive gimbals for gopros.
Excellent video, thanks. The question I have is how do you control the camera while flying? On the video it looks like it points to preset direction and gimbal only keeps it stable.
The option I see is to have another "stick" on the controller for camera's vertical movement. In this case I can turn camera left and right by turning the whole quad, and up and down by that new stick attached to a knob on the controller.
Second option is to have another transmitter and camera operator. This is not always possible.
Great video, nice color and emotion on the aerial video, well done and thanks for sharing.. keep it up !!!
Do show us camera settings and some post production. This was good info thanks!
Great tips, would love to see more episodes on post production.
Great episode and amazing tips. Keep up the good work
Thanks you for this informative video, hope for many more of this type of show please.
Thank you for this great Tips.
That what you do is great.
We want to create so beautiful photos too.
Greetings from Germany
this should be the basis goal for everyone starting off in aerial cinematoghy, mimicking these shots
This.
THIS!
This, is now my most anticipated, most appreciated, you better know the wait is already excruciating (and even at the risk of making that Steeler hat inflated) caused all other channels to be negated, and relegated to mere youtube idle masturbation, and I think I will call this Aerial Video Tutorialgate because it is the best thing Flitetest has ever done (and yes I am biased mates) bodacious, and most excellent upload- and it is because I have made a mandate.
Now- haters gonna hate, so go ahead and berate... me.
*throws the gopro and 3 axis gimbal down and walks off stage- but keeps the mic
Outstanding ..... great information. I am early on in my aerial videography journey.
5 yrs later and some old guy tryin to make his own film wants to thank you for keeping this on the web, So Thanks!!! Also Im a lil late to the Tricopter game and some websites that sell parts are gone, so if ya have any news bout the Tricopter, let me kno
Very professional. I am impressed ! Thank you. It is quite a subject.