Top 10 Best Aerial Photography Drones

Drones are the innovative product of modern robotics. They are unmanned aerial vehicles one can fly either manually with remote controls or through software that controls them automatically with the help of a GPS.

You have probably heard of drones by now, but you may have only heard about their use by militaries and governments. In recent years, drones have been an invaluable resource for such institutions. Militaries are particularly interested in developing drones due to their combat potential. Various governmental entities also use drones for activities like overseeing traffic, monitoring the weather, aiding search and rescue operations, and fighting fires.

Nowadays, drones are becoming more of a staple in commercial ventures. Amazon is a prime example of this. Back in 2013, the global behemoth revealed its plans to incorporate drones into their delivery systems sometime very soon. The corporation plans on using drones to deliver packages of up to five pounds within a 10-mile radius. They claim that this plan will allow them to make deliveries in as little as 30 minutes.

An aerial photography drone is one dedicated to capturing photos and video footage from high up in the air. They are popular among professional and recreational photographers alike. They are also commonly used by modern filmmakers and news stations. Many Hollywood films depend on aerial photography drones to include breathtaking scenery. News crews use them to record events from angles previously impossible.

The recreational and practical applications of drones are endless. While the photographing capabilities of your next aerial photography drone are likely to keep your hands full, here are some other ideas to keep in mind when you want something else to do.

First, you can try using drones to make maps. With a drone, you gain the ability to fly around and scope out your property from previously inaccessible angles. If you are feeling ambitious, you can use the resulting photographs and footage to map your land out by hand. If not, you can always use any of the popular apps, like DroneDeploy, which will make it for you.

You can also use your drone to create 3D models. You can fly your drone around large objects, like landscapes, and by linking it to software like Pix4D, you can easily use your footage to generate accurate models.

Third, you can start your own drone business. With a remote pilot airman certificate, you can run a business that uses your drone for activities like aerial surveying and commercial aerial videography.

Speaking of aerial surveying, if you own an aerial photography drone, you can easily monitor your property. Many areas previously impossible for you to reach become completely accessible to you with the help of a drone.

If you want to take part in an activity just a bit more exhilarating, you can join a drone racing circuit. Recently, drone racing has become a popular hobby, especially in the United States, which even has a professional league. An aerial photography drone is not especially well suited to racing, but if you are willing to modify it (or buy a specialized spare), you can enjoy the thrill of racing your drones through obstacle courses.

As fun as they are, drones do carry a certain risk factor. However, as long as you are mindful of how and where you are using your drone, you should have no trouble having safe, enjoyable flying sessions. In order to keep yourself and everyone else safe, you should follow these safety tips.

First, make sure that you only fly in good weather conditions. The harsher the conditions, the more difficult it becomes to navigate and keep track of your drone. Even on a sunny day, the wind alone can be enough to damage your drone or sweep it out of reach. In the worst case scenario, this can cause your drone to fall and land on unsuspecting people down below.

Second, keep your drone within visual range at all times. Many drones allow you to see things from its perspective in real time. Even with this feature, however, it is difficult to maneuver your drone when you cannot see it. Flying your drone when it is outside of your field of vision is a fantastic way to careen it into the side of a building.

Speaking of careening into buildings, always stay away from airports. Drones present a very real hazard to pilots and their passengers. Many drone apps include airports in their no-fly zones, but regardless, you should stay on the side of caution and avoid flying your drone anywhere with an airport in your direct field of vision.

While we are on the topic of areas to avoid, you should also remember to avoid flying over people. Drones can always fall out of the sky and seriously injure, or even kill, people. You should also avoid people's homes, roads, and military bases.

Finally, be careful not to exceed altitudes of 400 feet. As you get higher, you increase the risk of hitting airplanes and hang gliders.

Many stores carry electronics and photography gear carry aerial photography drones. You can also find a wide selection online on sites like Amazon.

Beginners should be especially wary of going out and buying the most expensive drone they see. There is an unavoidable learning curve to flying a drone, and many beginners make mistakes that cause their drones to crash, get blown away, or otherwise lost. Starting out, you should opt for an affordable drone that you can feel comfortable learning to fly with. Once you have gotten the hang of it, you can then upgrade to a more premium model.