Precision Aerial Filmworks utilizes multiple types of DRONES, so what is the right drone for YOUR project?
It all comes down to the right tool for the right job. Each category of drone comes with pros and cons and we will break them down here.
FPV DRONES
FPV stands for First Person View. This is because the Drone Pilot wears goggles that give him a "cockpit" view and allows him to fly as if he were actually in the aircraft. This makes it easier to fly around objects, people, and vehicles where he couldn't normally see by looking at the Drone. These drones are usually smaller, and faster than traditional Drones and carry a smaller camera package. These Drones usually do not have the same flight characteristics and limitations as other Drones and can fly through small spaces, dive, flip, and roll.
MICRO FPV
Under 250 grams carries very small fixed minicam with limited cmos sensor resolution but can fly where larger aircraft cannot. Mostly used for indoors. Very short flight time. Can be flown over people with blade protection. Manufactured or in house built.
CINEWHOOP FPV
3"- 5" props that have prop guards installed and can be flown indoors or out. Used for slower cinematic shots in tight areas, or around talent. The prop guards protect people and structures from damage or injury while still allowing close proximity flights. These usually carry a fixed GoPro or action camera, or utilize a built in camera that can shoot up to 5k.These are always fixed lens and focal length. Medium flight time. Manufactured or in house built.
FREESTYLE FPV
5"-7" open props. High speed acrobatic flight that is utilized for its speed to chase vehicles, dive buildings and capture intense action sequences. Still limited to fixed GoPro or action camera but can be fitted with a stripped down, "Naked" Black Magic Pocket cam or similar that can record in RAW. Short flight time In house built.
CINELIFT FPV
6"-10" open prop in quad, hex, or x8 motor configuration. These Drones have the characteristics of the Freestyle FPV but can lift heavier camera payloads like a fixed DSLR or RED Komodo cameras. The benefits are the better camera package but the trade off is size. These Drones cannot fly in as tight of an area or near talent. Short flight time. In house built.
CINEMA DRONES
MINI LIFT CINEMA DRONE
We utilize the DJI Mavic 3 Cine for this category which has a built in Hasselblad camera system that shoots in 4K Pro Res RAW. The camera and focal length are fixed but has a 2 axis gimbal for tilt and roll. This is a single Drone Operator system. (see Dual Operations) This system is primarily used for real estate, music video's, scouting, and streaming content. Very long flight time. Manufactured.
LIGHT LIFT CINEMA DRONE
We utilize the DJI Inspire 2 with X7 camera for this category. This is the workhorse of the industry. Very versatile aircraft with longer flight times and has a 3 axis gimbal for Tilt, Pan, and Roll. The camera houses a super 35 sensor that shoots up to 6K RAW CGNG and ProRes formats, as well as interchangeable lenses at various focal lengths. Used for Television and even Feature Films. This is a dual operator system. Long flight time. Manufactured.
MEDIUM LIFT CINEMA DRONE
We utilize the Sony Airpeak A1 in this category. This is a newer system developed by Sony to carry their Alpha DSLR and FX3 cameras. It has a 3 axis gimbal and can be fitted with most of Sony's FX3 or Alpha lenses. Used primarily for Television, Photography and low light filming. This is a dual Drone Operator system. Short flight time. Manufactured.
HEAVY LIFT CINEMA DRONE
We utilize two different models in this category.
Freefly Alta X. This aircraft is a Quad, four motor configuration with 33" props and has a maximum take of weight of 76 pounds. This Drone uses the Freefly Movi Pro gimbal that can be bottom or top mounted and carry cinema camera packages including ARRI, RED, SONY, and Canon with an unlimited choice of lenses. This is a dual Drone Operator system. Short flight time. Manufactured.
XM2 Tango. This aircraft is a Hex, 6 motor configuration with 28" props, and has a maximum take off weight of 76 pounds. This Drone uses the Freefly Movi Pro gimbal, that can be bottom or top mounted. It can also use the DJI Ronin2 gimbal and carry cinema camera packages including ARRI, RED, SONY, and Canon with an unlimited choice of lenses. This is a dual Drone Operator system. Short flight time. Manufactured.
Although there are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the right Drone for your project, that's why we are here! Contact Precision Aerial Filmworks and have a professional Drone Crew member go over the options that are best for you!