Aerial drone at the wedding DJI 3 Phantom

MichaelV

Check this out...

Trev

Wow, getting permission alone to fly it inside a church would be humungous, let alone avoiding all the hanging lights (btw, did you see at the end of the church the last 2 lights on either side were not working....

Neil vN

Pro:

This is very cinematic and unusual. I would even say that this is ground-breaking. 

Con: 

The noise! You can hear a drone - so imagine the intrusive noise in the church. 

Con: 

This is an accident waiting to happen. 

Trev

Yikes, I bet the 'pilot' lost his licence. At the very end when other videos come up, I watched the Shotgun v's Drone, that was fun.

penndragonn2001

REALLY REALLY BAD idea as Neil stated. An Accident waiting to happen. One small mistake, and imagine the lawsuites. I'm not one much for goventment intervention, but this is an acception. These things need to be banned for public use. If they don't get a handle on who and where these drones are allowed to be used, the inevitable step will be some idiot strapping you know what to one of these, and causing all kinds of havoc. Forgive the soapbox, but I felt it needed  to be said.

Trev

Ron,

You are 100% correct my friend. You can have a 'toy' one but strict conditions apply here (Australia), but, if you use one like he did for commercial gain, there is a $10,000 Annual Fee from CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) here which controls what/who/when/why all things fly here in Oz.

penndragonn2001

Like that idea of the CASA TREV...

MichaelV

I was just thinking there are some practical concerns not demonstrated in the video.  First, there is a constant buzzing made by the propellers of the drone.  The drone is not completely silent, but sounds just like a small table fan.  In this case, it would sound like 4 high speed table fans.  Second, there is no one in the audience looking at the drone.  If you have this thing flying around the church its going to cause some distraction certainly.  Third, in the first two versions of the Phantom I heard cases of the entire contraption flying off or getting out of control.  Im sure those issues have been fixed in the 3rd version, but I have personally never had a piece of equipment work just right so I still have my suspicions.  Lastly, the battery only has approximately 23 minutes (give or take) of flight time.  So the ceremony will have to go pretty quickly.

So the video makes it look very easy, but its not quite as easy as that.  I can imagine it being used for a wedding like in the video, but I think it would take quite a bit of practice and rehearsal.  I do believe it would disturb the typical wedding and if not flown by the right pilot may cause injury or destruction of property if it gets out of control.  However, it could be done in the right circumstances.  I dont think there is any venue manager who would let you fly it about their premises especially with a good crowd below.  Just this last weekend I was being scolded for standing in the aisle.  The venue manager would go completely nuts with this thing buzzing in the air.  So this might be more appropriate for outdoor events.   

I was thinking of getting a drone myself, but the first two versions of the Phantom had too many bugs.  My experience with equipment is a bit more troublesome and I could imagine it just flying away for me.  This third version looks a bit more tempting.  I have only seen good reviews about this 3rd version.    

If I was going to use something like this I would tether it with a long kite string so that if it did get out of control I could pull it down and I would only use it for outdoor events.  I would also carefully rehearse and practice with it.  

In the video, you can hear the narrator with a foreign accent so I think it takes place outside of the United States where liability laws may not be as strict.  

MichaelV

Here is the worst nightmare come true where a drone flies into the bride and groom.  This was with an earlier version of the drones a few years back I believe.  We shall see with the newer version.  All the various bugs might be out of it by now.  Im wondering what the 4th version will look like.;)  

If this flight move was successful, I imagine he wanted to go right over the bride and groom, the video seemed a bit too shaky and flat.  Not sure how that would have made for good video anyway.  There are "steady" contraptions out there which would have made this move much better.  The camera coming in and then around the couple.  I suspect thats what they intended to do, but it didnt quite work out.

MichaelV

Finally, here is the uncut version of the original video with the sound of the drone.  Still I think this is obviously staged.  There are no small kids running into the aisle wondering what that thing flying around is all about.  Everyones attention is squarely on the wedding and we all know someone would be looking right at the drone.

julieo

I agree, this is way over the top! I also agree that this was staged. If you look at the uncut video at 0:15 you can see that 3/4 of the guests are sitting alone and looking very uncomfortable. Weird.

dbruno

Geez, I worry about being annoying and/or intrusive when photographing a fundraiser. But this? I can't imagine being someone getting married agreeing to have this thing hovering right next to me and my bride as we say our vows, first kiss .... Wow.

MichaelV

Inside during the ceremony or inside anywhere might be a bad idea, but I think it has its place for outdoors.  Lets say you do a video and get some amazing outdoor video of the church or have someone operate the drone for the outdoor ceremony...that is well away from the crowd flying around outside on the perimeter.

Usually the videographer will just follow the bride and groom down the aisle and so there is no need for a drone to follow them down.  

You would have to be a very experienced pilot to get just the right video.  In the video above, I think probably one of DJI's pilots are operating the drone and not the videographer you see in the interview.  At 23 minutes per charge, that will take quite a while to really nail down the pilot aspect.

I would certainly have an issue flying the drone over the lava pit which is in the introduction video.  Flying the 1200 dollar quadcopter over that takes a good bank account.  Outdoor sports on the other hand might be more ideal for this sort of thing.  

MichaelV

Here is a picture of what I believe the drone is ideal for.  So you are outside and want to get an aerial picture.  The on-board Sony camera is probably decent for a compact camera although it may not cut the mustard for the more discriminating photographer.  

The on-board camera?  Its a Sony, typical compact camera specs.  Not quite the earth-shattering full frame or even the APS-C configuration.  No RAW and there seems to be a bit of distortion in the picture below to be worked out.  Dont think it can zoom, can it?  So the camera, lets say, has a ways to go.  Good for a few good snaps and posts to the web, but for the professional who demands high quality...well...  Sony EXMOR 1/2.3” Effective pixels: 12.4 M (total pixels: 12.76 M)

Trev

If you had a good quality GoPro on board as in video, that could be loaded into Photoshop (as long as you have 'Extended' versions or CC version) and you can grab 'stills' from that video.

I have done it before and you can get really great quality stills even up to 12x18, way more than enough for albums or even hanging on the wall.

PDH7981

He says he flew right up to the couple as they kissed.  Well, there goes the still photographers shot.  Now his/her images will have a drone in the shot.  I hope you're really good at Photoshop. :-)

Trev

Dave,

Yep, I'd be *really* pissed.

I get pissed when the stupid Videographer actually walks right up to them, happened to me twice, and even the Priest said something to him, in one shoot, then got him to move back and asked me to get shots again. Switched on guy he was.

But karma is a bitch, this one dude had left leads lying across the damn floor also and when he was walking back, he tripped, and his 'pro' gear (a Canon 5D MkII) and him went flying.... onto the floor, of course everyone laughed and I got great 'kissing' shots so all's well that ends well - except for the Videographer.

MichaelV

From my research, I am finding there are quite a few competing drones out there.  There are the more affordable type of drone and then there is the more expensive 3-5k variety and one particular I found called the Typhoon looks like they got a Lumix attached to it:

http://www.yuneec.com/products/aerialuav/h920

No watch this video of a drone:

In a few years, I can only imagine what will be available in the drone world.  The youtube video above is amazing.  Im debating about getting the DJI Phantom 3.  It does look tempting.

ranythebard

Cool stuff. But, Oh! the price tag.

MichaelV

...and what if the 1k+ drone gets into an accident.... I think now they are at least a bit more stable than earlier versions.

Neil vN

http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/05/25/drone-crashes-hits-2-people-during-marblehead-parade/

Neil vN

http://www.wired.com/2015/04/age-drone-vandalism-begins-epic-nyc-tag/

Neil vN

With more and more stories like this, we can expect more stringent legislation unfortunately. 

Trev

Yep, and that last one on vandalism, do they know the identity of that prick other than KATSU, should be made to clean it up with a toothbrush.

ranythebard

...hanging from the roof?

Trev

yep, and by dental floss only.... fuck I hate graffiti...

penndragonn2001

Sometime I really hate being right...

ranythebard

Last Sunday, first time I see a drone in action. The crowd was pretty hyped for it. It didn't crash though. I would happily shot that.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/131645075@N03/17923057848/in/album-72157652983015000/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/131645075@N03/17921849360/in/album-72157652983015000/

MichaelV

The drone in the news article appears to be a DJI Phantom 2 series. The 3 series is much more stable. Also, the operator should have been using prop guards. The props are plastic and break easily if they bump into a solid object. The prop guards stop that from happening. Many new safety mechanisms in the new 3 series. However, the quad copter does not operate on rails and cant stop on a dime so an unskilled operator piloting in close spaces is not advisable.

Also there have been radio controlled planes and helicopters around for decades. The main difference is no one would dare attempt to operate those over a crowd or close in spaces. It was mainly very skilled enthusiasts operating them over open fields. These new series of radio controlled quad copters are operated by inexperienced operators over crowded areas.

MichaelV

Here is an even better one where they crash a drone on live television.

http://petapixel.com/2015/02/08/man-crashes-camera-drone-live-fox-segment-talking-drone-safety/

This is the Phantom 2 series drone which is prone to these types of crashed. The 3 series might be different.  In any event, only very skilled and experienced operators should operate these indoors or around people.  One slip of the joystick can have it flying into someone or something.

Trev

Here is something:

http://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/lily-camera-personal-cameraman/

http://www.cnet.com/au/products/lily-camera/

MichaelV

I could not help myself and so I ordered a Phantom 3.  I had previously wanted to buy a drone but felt the technology was too early to jump in.  There were lots of accidents reported with the 1 and 2 series.  The reason why I jumped in on the Phantom 3 was mainly because it has the longest distance controller out of all the other drones.  Yes it would be nice to have the Go Pro Hero 4.  I looked at the camera of the Phantom 3 and thought well...good enough!  There quite a few other drones out there.  I also noted there is some type of RAW photo option onboard the Phantom 3.  Not sure exactly the specs, but jpg and HD video would be good enough for me.  

On other drones, like the Solo drone there is a bay to install devices as they develop and you can update the firmware.  You can also buy the gimbal and put on there the Hero 4.  I didnt get that because I wanted a longer distance controller and I wanted the drone to fly right out of the box.  I dont think Im going to upgrade this thing in the future.  Looks like it has enough features that I want.

MichaelV

Take a look at this shot with the DJI Phantom 3.  I did my research and the camera on the DJI Phantom 3 is comparable to the GoPro Hero 4 Black.  The DJI Phantom 3 uses a Sony Exmor type camera.  I found out you can shoot in DNG which is a type of RAW file that can be converted in Lightroom and other programs.  The reality is the GoPro and other similar action cameras are about as good as the compact snapper you might get from Canon or Nikon.  1/2.3 sensor, etc.  They will all do good enough for the daylight.  I imagine many wouldnt risk their pricey quadcopter out in the dark.

There are 2 other drones which are notable.  The Solo 3dr and the Yuneec U500+.  The Solo 3dr is interesting because it uses a GoPro Hero camera and has a device bay for future upgradability.  It will also accept firmware updates and the engines can be changed.  The Yuneec U500+ camera is removable and so if a better camera is developed it can be placed on the drone.  In comparison, the DJI Phantom is a smaller platform and much easier to stow in a backpack or case.  The DJI Phantom has the longest range claiming nearly 2000 meters.  The other drones and their controllers have nearly half that range.  

The DJI Phantom 3 cannot be upgraded at all.  The engines, camera, etc cannot be removed.  No firmware updates.  However, from what Im reading its the smoothest and most advanced out of the other offerings.  Right out of the box it has everything needed to fly and take video.  However, lets say in 2-3 years there are more advances like more powerful engines, battery, camera, software, etc.  You are left with the same Phantom you purchased whereas the Solo can be upgraded across the board.  New cameras come each year, software updates every month, new engines probably every 1-2 years, etc.  Basically in 2-4 years you will be buying a new Phantom to get upgraded and for the Solo maybe buying a new camera or new engines.  I guess we cant have everything can we;)

It might even be worth it to wait for version 4 of these quadcopters, but version 3 looks like its pretty advanced.  I noted that its as possible to get a Phantom 3 right now as it is to get the Canon 5SDR...you are going to have to wait a while.

certacito

I fly quads and fixed wing aircraft using line of sight flying and first person view (FPV). To use any aircraft in the vicinity of people or a public place, irrespective of how stable they are is utter madness, it's an accident waiting to happen (there have been quite a few already). The regulations for flying these aircraft in the UK are strict, it is idiots who abuse the regulations who ruin this hobby for the majority, I can see FPV being banned or licences in the near future in the UK as it has been in some other countries.

MichaelV

There are car accidents all the time, but I dont anyone wanting to ban cars.  People die from smoking related diseases.  Where is the ban? 

penndragonn2001

Agrred certacito.. 

Mike, the Car comparison doesn't hold any water, You're on the road with other vehicles who all knowingly or not, agree that that are operating a motor vehicle and that all precautions should be taken. Yeah, I know, in a perfect world that would be great. Non the less, in a Wedding scenario, there is only ONE person operating these things, no one else. But, We could eliminate any confusion and have ALL guests and Participants, along with service staff sign waivers in the event of an accident or collision.  THESE THINGS NEED TO BE BANNED, recreational or otherwise. If not, then Really REALLY expensive and ungodly time consuming permits granted. If not, we'll see these damn things everywhere. As I stated originally, not long before someone straps you know what to one of these and fly's it into a crowd...intentionally. YOU KNOW IT'S GONNA HAPPEN ..Okay, I' get off my soap box..Warning issued..

MichaelV

I dont see anyone operating a drone at a wedding over here any time soon.  No one would be willing to risk their reputation.  The proficiency to fly something around a room like the guy is doing in the original video has to be at a very high level.  The 4 propellers sounding like high pitched bees would be a no-go for the wedding too.  No one is going to tolerate that sound.  

About someone strapping something to the drone and flying it into a crowd.  These things have a payload capacity of about 3-4 lbs max.  There are some heavier lift versions with multiple engines but those are very expensive.  If you want to cause trouble, flying your $1000 3 lb drone into a crowd isnt the most efficient way to do it. 

You might be thinking of the military versions which carry missiles, bombs and guns at high speeds.  These versions sold to the public are nothing more than lightweight toys.  Maximum speed they can go is anywhere from 35-55 mph, fly for 20 minutes before needing a recharge and weigh no more than 3lbs constructed of very lightweight material easily crushed/broken.  The controller distance is about 2000 meters in the desert with no obstructions for the new DJI, others are more like 800 meters.  A good distance away, but no one is going to fly their Phantom to Europe.  These wont be carrying 500 lb bombs anytime soon.  

MichaelV

I just received my Phantom 3.  My initial feeling is that it seems light and very toy-like.  Hard-plastic just like a toy.  I noticed no case or extra battery is included with the contraption unlike other drone makers which include a case and an extra battery.  I know from experience with my photography equipment that damage is likely to occur even with great care.  Hard cases are the best for equipment like this, however, they are also the least convenient to tote around.  I know with my photography gear when items are packed into a soft case sometimes things still get damaged especially when packed into a trunk.  A hard case with foam divider would be best to protect this toy-like device.  In fact, Im debating whether I should go back to the hard foam packed case with my photography gear.  Soft-cases do not offer the degree of protection a hardcase provides.

Another thing I noticed was a total lack of instructions.  Instead, they give you a quick setup guide and point you to some online instructional videos.  I would be a lot more comfortable with a detailed instructional manual especially when Ive never flown one of these things before.  Ill go over what literature they did provide and watch the videos.  My first few flights will be in an open field.  I notice there are warnings in the quick setup guide that this device is intended for open fields and not narrow urban areas.

MichaelV

Here is the video of me taking the Phantom 3 up in the air for its first flight.  Just a short flight to test it out and get used to the controls.  On Sunday will be a more extensive flight.

penndragonn2001

Imagine that noise at  even an outside wedding Michael. All the guests would have to be told not to look up!  LOL

But seriously, I stated it earlier. someone with bad intentions COULD strap some (letter after B, and before D) and the number (4) along with a cell phone detonator. Don't want to get into trouble with any governmental agency for even mentioning such a thing, but ya kinda have to put it out there. I'm really surprised it hasn't happened yet. Hope it NEVER, EVER gets to that point. I'll say it again, these things should be banned. They'll only get bigger and pose even a greater threat. Sorry Michael.

Mods: if you think for even a second the above statements could get the site into trouble, please delete it by all means.

Trev

Ron,

It would be a sad state of affairs if we could not voice our concerns on a site for fear of 'government' intervention, so I personally don't have a problem, but I am in Australia after all and not so concerned with mentioning this whatsoever.

The thing is it does not have to be a heavy payload, think of 'talcum' powder and you have a really serious situation.

penndragonn2001

Government agencies watch for Red flag Words....when people do internet searches, So I'm told. Makes one pause before posting anything they'd deem suspect.  On a lighter note... How the heck are you Trev?  

Talcum Powder:  Love the reference

Trev

Good thanks Ron, battling our winter here at the moment, it's now: 74.3F or 23.4C

MichaelV

Nah, no one will strap anything heavy to this contraption.  For example, I dont think it could take off with a brick tied to it.  In any event, its pretty easy to crash if you operate it in narrow space.  Its easy to get disoriented on the controls and it doesnt just stop in mid-air when you want it.  Its not on rails so it doesnt just stop.  If just one propeller hits something the craft is done, crash.  If someone was going to bomb a populated area, they wouldnt be using this drone.  Its simply not practical at all.  I believe there are much easier methods for them to use which could cause a much greater effect.

Neil vN

http://motherboard.vice.com/en_uk/read/the-skys-not-your-lawn-man-wins-lawsuit-after-neighbor-shotgunned-his-drone

penndragonn2001

Good read on the link, and that idiot was totally wrong. Regardless, these things need to be banned.

MichaelV

Well I havent had too much time lately to play my Phantom 3.  Wish I could be like some people around here who have all this time.  If I was in my 20s, I would take a few weeks to play around with all my equipment having the fun I want to have.  

So here are a few sample pictures that I took in DNG and processed through Lightroom 6.  No time to mess with it, so just hit the "Auto" buttons on Lightroom 6.  YES, there are manual controls you can do with the camera like ISO and speed, but the aperture is set at 2.8 fixed.  You can also pivot the camera around to a limited extent.  

MichaelV

Here is the video I came up with.  Im still a newb with this drone...

ranythebard

Nice photos! How low can the camera angle be tilted down?

MichaelV

There is a control which will tilt it down. Its in the online manual. Im not sure how far or if it will revolve 360 degrees. I believe its best to leave the camera forward so if you lose sight of the craft you can use the camera as a reference. I do know it can tilt all the way down so you can see exactly what is underneath.

ranythebard

That will be great for otherwise impossible shots.