The hottest new trend in drone video is FPV footage. FPV stands for “First Person View,” meaning each FPV drone contains a video camera that broadcasts live footage back to the pilot on ground. By wearing FPV goggles, the pilot gets the immersive experience of flying his or her drone as if floating in the sky next to it, rather than looking above from on the ground. You may have seen the viral footage of the Dallas Cowboys Frisco training facility from HBO’s Hard Knocks.
There are three major types of FPV flying: Freestyle, racing, and aerial photography. Freestyle focuses on exploring new places and performing tricks without much external pressure. Racing tests your speed and maneuverability as you try to finish a course before other pilots. Finally, aerial photography uses that bird’s eye perspective to get the perfect photo or video footage.
Popular FPV Drones
If you’re interested in FPV flying, luckily there’s a wide range of models on the market for you to choose from. You can buy a drone and FPV goggles separately, or purchase a “kit” with all components included. If all the choices are overwhelming, here’s a few of the most popular ones to start checking out:
This model prides itself on easy operation, a powerful battery, and a 120° wide-angle scene shot, 90°adjustable, 4K FHD camera. It retails for $199.99 on Amazon.
A smaller model, users have praised EMAX Tinyhawk 2 for its durability, speed, and responsiveness. Its cost and value also gained high marks, as it sells for $119.99 on Amazon.
EMAX Tinyhawk RTF Micro Indoor Racing Drone
If you’re just starting out, this one might be for you. With its easy flying ability, size, and no need for purchasing extra equipment, it helps simplify the process for someone new to FPVs or even UAVs overall. Goggles and a controller are included with purchase, for $164.99 on Amazon.
Benefits and Drawbacks of FPV Drones
Since the pilot has a much clearer view of the drone’s flight, it’s easier to fly higher and further than if one was using a third-person perspective. Whereas some obstacles, such as trees or buildings, are harder to navigate from a fixed position, FPV allows you to get up close and personal with anything blocking your drone. Aerial photography can also be aided greatly by FPV drones, as there’s no guessing game of what a shot will look like. Others also find FPV flying to be an exhilarating experience and see it as the closest thing to truly flying aside your drone in the sky. Some would even describe it as awe-inspiring. Generally, if precision is something you strive for, FPV flying may be for you.
However, every pro has its con. Most notably, you’ll need to master how to fly an FPV drone without crashing. Especially if you’re using a racing drone, as their nimble build typically means less sensors. If your learning process is full of trial and error, you may also have to look into drone repairs as well – which can be an unwanted cost. Also, the VR-like experience can make some pilots nauseous or disorientated, especially because of the goggles.
Overall, while FPV may not be for everyone, it holds a range of opportunities both technically and entertainment-wise.
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We’d love to hear from you if you want to learn more about the benefits of aerial drone photography for the real estate industry. If you’re interested in obtaining your Part 107 Commercial Drone License or other drone training courses, please contact us at Dronegenuity today! We offer professional aerial photography services, performed by FAA licensed drone operators for customers of all sizes. All of the work that we do is completely customized and we make the process simple and convenient.
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