Droning on with Bob

A friend asked me a few days ago what I know about drones.  My knowledge is limited, but I have taken the on-line classes/tutorials on what is required to be a Commercial Drone pilot.   I know some of the rules, but as far as actually flying - I got nothing.  But will try most things at least once.

So his drone arrived last week.

After registering the drone with the FAA, we arranged to go to a local golf course for our test flying.  Tree colors are just starting to turn which would be great for photos and video.  The sky however was not optimal for most of the time we were out.  Occasionally the sun did clear the clouds.  Mid-Michigan.

While flying the drone was Bob's goal for the day, my goal was to get the Insta 360 One X2 out  for a drive.  This would be my second time out with the camera.  The first adventure is here:  Insta Video

I have a remote for the camera, which is not dependable.  Still learning the limitations.  But I did get lots of time captured - just not all the time I wanted.  But enough.

Back to the drone flying.

Although the identification would never hold up in court, this is someone not crashing an inflight drone.  Everything appears to be legal here.  The drone is under 400 feet in the air, going less than 60 mph and not flying over anyone.  

The drone flying was fun.  And we were successful.  For all the 30 minutes of flying we did, no crashing.

Now I just have to set up a price alert...  Ha

Kurt Meets the Monster Richfield Snake

 The Video journey continues.

During the Thunder over Michigan airshow, I was introduced to the 360 degree video concept.  After some research and seeing it in action, I was hooked.  New technology.  New Toy.

Last night was the obligatory walk around the house.  Just enough footage to figure out the software end.  Footage to accompany lots of YouTube time.  After a few hours one can understand the process.  Still have a long way to go, as I just have the basics.  First step.

Today's adventure was just to see how long the thing can go on one battery.  And to see what it does.  The default resolution is 5k at 30 fps.    I'm not a fan of 30 fps, seems to pixelate more than I'm comfortable with.  I had settled on 1080 @ 60 fps for the cameras and GoPro.   Lowest common denominator that is still HD.  This camera does not have the option, so went with the default for now.  I caught what might be some pixilation or might be a stich issue.  For the most part though, the final product is more than acceptable.  After one try.

So I shot a lot of 'footage' today.  Just for testing.  And to be deleted.  Soon.  But during today's walk, the one thing that you hope would happen, happened.  Something unexpected, nature close up.

What to take away from this is had I been "Vlogging" with a Gopro, this capture is not made.  With the Insta360, even though I was the star and subject of  my walk, when the unexpected happens, you still got it.  So what I get from this is:  I still like the GoPro.  I think it has a better output.  You can get ND filters to help improve the final output.  But the Insta360 makes walking alone almost like walking with a film crew.

I'll keep the GoPro.  I'll keep videoing with the Nikons.  But so far, I really like the Insta.