Drone Shots vs Crane Shots

In today’s world, the use of drones for both photography and videography has become commonplace. Getting an amazing aerial view is something even your grandparents could handle with the technology and ease of access drones allow. However, there is still a time and place for crane shots. Whether that is in the need for larger camera systems to be accommodated or in an indoor situation where flying a drone is just not workable. There is always a debate on drone shots vs. crane shots and we here at Render Perfect Productions, your Baltimore, Maryland video marketing experts want to shed some light on which one might be better for your next production.

Flexibility

To shoot incredible dynamic shots, earlier photographers and videographers had to hire a helicopter or a crane/large jib. Now, there is a way to recreate these shots using a drone. Their size makes it possible for photographers to fly the drones in areas that would never have been possible with a crane. Shooting a low angle tracking shot, which is just a few inches from the ground and moving up to 400ft high in the air, which is not a possibility with a crane. Some shots that have never possible before are now possible after the drones have been created. Drones can also shoot indoors as it can be flown inside, through doors, arches, and windows or even flown automatically through pre-planned routes. Using a drone to capture an essence or environment of a place is highly effective. Unlike cranes that can only be used in outside locations.

Time

It takes a lot of time to use a crane and get shots, and people often consider the time vs. reward factor. If the shot you need is a 5-second shot, a drone is more accessible. A person handling the drone can set up the drone and make it air bound within 10 minutes to get the desired shot. The drone can screen multiple locations quickly, which gives the post video production and editors a range of smooth aerial and fake jib shots for them to use, while crane shots could never give you these results. There can be huge savings made across a production which can be calculated in thousands, which often saves hours in rigging, filming, and de-rigging.

If the weather isn’t cooperating on the day you want to shoot, the drone can still be used entirely, while a crane would not be practical to garner results. The drone can quickly take off and capture the shot and land, even if there is a time crunch of a couple of minutes.

Drones Aren’t Taxing

When photographers and videographers intend to capture a photo or video, drones provide easy accessibility than the traditional crane to lessen the effort. Drones are smaller and more convenient rather than the crane which is attached on a platform on a mechanical arm, to capture images and videos. The only thing that a photographer needs to consider with a drone is that they can virtually operate their mobile device and attach it to the control system of the drone. The drones can be used for a longer duration because it does not tire the videographer or photographer out while navigating the environment and recording clips from the setting. The footage you collect is quite dynamic and useful in terms of a video’s post-production or editing photographs.

Capture Quality

The 4K file not only records at a more excellent data rate and it also enables the editors to thrust into the frame with no reduction in quality if they plan to edit on an HD timeline during the video production phase.

Drones are essentially mini helicopters which can carry and capture video footage from the sky. They allow the same effect as if capturing a film from a helicopter but without the hassle and expense. The downside of drones for aerial video footage is that they’re an expensive investment, both in terms of time and money.

It cannot compare the creative freedom and location flexibility that you have with a drone.

There are the flight restrictions and required skills in piloting the drone itself, but hiring a drone is a better way to get dynamic shots when compared to cranes. A professional video drone pilot essentially has all the expertise that is required to get the shots you desire, safely and effectively. Various video production agencies will have an option of drone shots for people who are looking to hire for all kinds of events.

About Render Perfect Productions:

Render Perfect has been built from the ground up to service growing businesses and help them realize their full visual storytelling and digital marketing potential. We’ve created a service offering and skill-set that spans video production, post-production, motion graphic design, 3D animation, web development, and video marketing strategy. Our insight and experience allow us to help clients make better planning decisions and get more out of their video production effort.