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If you need a drone for live TV, an event, show or festival, Upshot Photos can provide a range of 4K and 5K video solutions with live feeds available for streaming and direct input into your AV broadcast systems.
We’ve produced this handy guide that includes:
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| Drone | DJI Mini 3 Pro | DJI Mavic 2 Pro | DJI Mavic 3 Pro |
| Video resolution | 4K | 4K | Up to 5K |
| Zoom | 1X Optical 2X Digital | No | 1X optical 3X optical 7X optical |
| Live stream out to AV systems | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Max wind resistance | 12mph | 18mph | 22mph |
In recent years, the application of drones has expanded far beyond military operations and hobbyist flying. Today, they are increasingly being used in TV, events, shows, and festivals, offering a fresh perspective to audiences.
Drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are taking the entertainment industry by storm. At Upshot we utilise them in diverse ways, like aerial photography and video, and other companies are offering light shows and even delivering merchandise.
Drones offer a unique way to engage audiences at events. They can capture stunning aerial footage, provide a bird’s-eye view of performances. Their potential is boundless, creating more immersive experiences for attendees.
Different events call for different types of drones. Let’s take a look at some common types used in the event industry.
These are the most common types of drones used in events. Aerial drones are fantastic for capturing overhead shots and providing unique vantage points that traditional cameras can’t match.
Indoor drones are designed to be safe and effective in enclosed spaces and can be helpful for product demonstrations and interior aerial footage.
Drones are revolutionising the event industry in many ways.
Drones offer unique angles and perspectives, enabling a level of coverage that was previously impossible. They can capture expansive overhead shots and even close-ups from different angles.
Drones provide content creators with a new tool for creating engaging and immersive content. Drone footage can enhance the event’s narrative and provide viewers with a more engaging and interactive experience.
The use of drones in events is supported by a range of technologies.
The cameras equipped on drones have evolved significantly. They now support high-definition (HD) and even 4K recording, ensuring crystal clear footage.
Modern drones come with advanced control systems, including remote controllers, smartphone apps, and even gesture controls, making them more accessible and easier to use.
The battery life of drones has seen significant improvements. This allows for extended flight times, ensuring drones can stay airborne throughout the duration of most events.
With the rising use of drones in events, it’s critical to understand the regulations and safety measures.
Different countries have different regulations for drone usage. It’s crucial to understand and adhere to these regulations, which might include drone registration, pilot certification, and flight restrictions.
Operating a drone safely is paramount. This includes maintaining a clear line of sight, keeping a safe distance from crowds, and being aware of no-fly zones.
With the potential risks involved in drone operations, drone insurance is a wise consideration. It can cover potential damage to the drone, liability for injury or property damage, and even invasion of privacy claims.
Let’s take a look at some examples of how drones have been used in various events.
At music festivals, drones have been used for aerial light shows, creating stunning visual effects in the sky. They’ve also been used to capture immersive footage of the performances and the crowds.
In sports events, drones provide a unique perspective on the action. They have been used to follow athletes, film races, and even deliver balls.
In cultural festivals, drones can help showcase the event’s scale and diversity. They can capture aerial footage of parades, processions, and other activities, providing a unique perspective.
As technology evolves, drones will continue to revolutionise the event industry.
Emerging technologies like AI and VR are set to take drone experiences to a whole new level. AI can enable autonomous drone navigation, while VR can provide immersive live feeds from drones.
From drone deliveries at events to interactive drone performances, the use cases for drones in events are expanding, paving the way for exciting new experiences.
In conclusion, drones are a game-changer for the event industry, offering unique perspectives, enhancing event coverage, and providing endless opportunities for engaging content. As technology advances, their role in events, shows, and festivals is set to become even more prominent.
Our lightweight drones are certified for use near large gatherings of people and we can briefly overfly people where absolutely necessary.
However, we also have bigger, more powerful drones with higher specification which must be kept a safe distance from large gatherings of people.
These drones have built in optical zoom so we can still provide close-up photos and videos of events — even from a safe distance.
Yes, we have an ‘operational authorisation’ which permits us to fly at events under conditions which we must plan carefully for.
All of this is taken care of in our pre-flight survey and job sheet which would be produced along with a risk mitigation document.
Our drones can fly in some fairly extreme weather but it’s never safe or advisable to fly in high wind or operate an electrical device in the rain.
Our drones can capture a variety of spectacular footage at events, including overhead shots and close-ups of crowds using optical zoom.
The short answer is yes, we can fly indoors but it would depend on the location of the audience in relation to the subject being filmed or photographed with the drone.
