The Best Drones For Aerial Photography and Filming Some of the most spectacular sights on Mother Earth can only be truly appreciated from the high skies. Drones are providing people with the tools necessary to enhance their photographic creativity. Going into the skies has never been as easy as it is today: we now believe the skies can be your eyes. We’ve all seen those stunning movie scenes where the camera skews across breath-taking landscapes. How do they capture these photos and videos? None other than the use of 21st-century drones. Once upon a time the only way to take stunning aerial photos was to hire a small plane for hundreds of dollars per hour. However, with the help of modern technology we’ve hit a stage where humans are expressing images in ingenious ways. Like every other new technology innovation; the cost of the product lessens over time. Allowing more people to own one of these unmanned aerial vehicles every year. What to look for when buying a drone: The first thing any photographer or videographer should be analyzing when purchasing a drone is the camera. There are not that many drones in the market that are equipped with high-resolution cameras, so that narrows down the search results substantially. Depending on your budget, you may be looking for the cheapest drone with a quality camera. After doing intensive research on drones in the market. We concluded that drones with quality photo and recording capabilities are upward of $500. The price of the drone normally correlates with the quality of the camera. If you buy a drone for under $100 expecting it take spectacular photos of the Himalayas. Please be aware that, it's hardly got the functionalities to do so. Thirdly and probably most importantly for aerial photography and filming is camera quality. Although depending on your intended use for the drone, realistically a 2MP isn’t going to get the job done. Look for drones with at least 1080p recording capabilities and a 12-megapixel camera. When your drone reaches high altitudes, wind play becomes a major factor. It will determine whether you are going to have a good or bad photo. Fortunately, you can combat this issue by utilizing a gimbal. A gimbal is a component that comprises of rings which rotate at right angles. It keeps the camera flat whilst attached to the drone. The gimbal is a must-have component for your drone. It will enable the camera on your drone to stay still and upright despite the drones movement. Setting up a Failsafe flight option on your drone can prove vital when it comes to the lifespan of your drone. It is not unheard of for drones to go missing after losing radio signal. Ensure the drone you purchase has a failsafe flight option and is turned on before you fly off. If your drone ever does lose signal with the radio or receiver. It will return to you automatically.

Before taking your drone into the skies: This may seem like a no-brainer, but make sure your battery is near enough fully charged before flying. You don’t want to fly over amazing scenery; seconds before taking stunning photos, to find out there is only 1% of battery remaining. Check your weather forecast for your area ahead of flying. Different weather will produce different types of photos. Never forget the time of day. You may want to catch the beautiful sunset at 6 PM. If you have just purchased your drone and you are struggling to find places to take photos. Use google maps or google earth to find some sweet locations. Make sure you read the manual thoroughly before you even think of taking your drone out for flying. Know everything you need to know about the drone you just purchased. And finally; practice, practice, practice. Here are 3 top drones that will give you the best quality, flexibility and longevity for photography and filming: #3 3DR Solo

Image Source Although the 3DR solo doesn't come with a camera, they have partnered with Sony to create a 20 megapixel still camera. Designed specifically for the drone. It is supported by a custom-made gimbal that orients the camera 360 degrees and stabilizes it during flight. The 3DR solo is truly a smart drone. It can fly itself. Using the Sitescan feature a flight route is calculated automatically. The drone will take off and land by itself. Simply Amazing. Check Price

#2 DJI Phantom 3

Image Source The DJI Phantom 3 is a people's favorite, with over 800 reviews on Amazon. It boasts its 4k UHD camera for videos and its digital streaming allows live viewing of 720p video. Meaning you can view the spectacular landscape, from the eye of the camera, live in high definition. DJI drones are known for the ease of use. The Phantom 3 is a great example. Right from departure off the ground, you have complete control of the Phantom 3. The mechanics even allow stable indoor flight, for any indoor shoots you might want to take. Check Price

#1 DJI Inspire 1

Image Source The DJI inspire is arguably the most powerful drone for photography and filmmaking at present. The carbon fiber arms have been carefully designed to give you a full, unrestricted 360° view of the scenery below. Enabling you to create images that a human cannot even imagine. Most importantly, you can shoot videos in 4K and capture 12-megapixel photos with the Inspire 1 camera. Check Price

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