How do FPV drone videos differ from standard drone videos?
FPV vs. Standard Drone Videos: A Visual Thrill Ride vs. Scenic Postcard
For leisure centres and the outdoor activity industry, capturing the essence of an experience is paramount. Whether it’s the thrill of a zip line, the challenge of a climbing wall, or the sheer scale of an adventure park, showing potential visitors what awaits them is crucial. Standard drone footage can provide a lovely overview, showcasing the layout and facilities. However, FPV drone videos offer something entirely different: an immersive, first-person perspective that puts the viewer right in the heart of the action. Imagine showing a potential customer the rush of a high-speed descent, or the intricate pathways of a ropes course, all from the pilot’s eye view. Let’s delve into how FPV and standard drone videos differ, and how they can benefit your leisure or outdoor activity business.
The Immersion Factor: Stepping into the Pilot's Shoes
Standard/Conventional Drone Filming:
Our drones use stabilised, gimbal-mounted cameras which allows for very smooth movement’s such as pans and tilts, much like a camera on a dolly or crane. This is great for showcasing architectural details, capturing vast landscapes, or providing a clear overview of an event. Think of a flyover of a historical monument, where the drone smoothly reveals its beauty. Some of the benefits include clarity, professional-looking footage, and ease of use.
FPV Drone Videos:
With our pilots wearing FPV (first person view) goggles, the viewer experiences the flight as if they were in the cockpit. This gives production teams dynamic shots, like racing through a forest, chasing a mountain biker down a trail, or navigating a tight indoor space. Imagine a promotional video for a theme park, where the FPV drone races through the rollercoaster, giving viewers a first-hand perspective thrill. Some of the benefits include better engagement, a unique perspective, and the ability to capture fast-paced action at a fraction of the cost.
The Style and Aesthetic: Smooth vs. Dynamic
Standard/Conventional Drone Filming:
The focus with using a DJI drone is on filming clean, stable footage that can be seamlessly integrated into various productions editing timelines. Colour grading and smooth transitions are used to increase the visual appeal of the shots. For example, a property video might use slow, planned shots to highlight a building’s features, while a documentary might use sweeping landscape shots as an establishing scene to give a sense of place or scale. The benefit is a polished, professional finish.
FPV Drone Videos:
The raw, energetic aesthetic of FPV footage adds a sense of excitement and dynamism by using drones controlled purely by the pilots finger movements. Quick cuts, fast-paced manoeuvres, and the occasional prop wash (vibrations) in the frame contribute to the immersive experience. Imagine a promotional video for a sports car, where the FPV drone chases the car through winding roads, capturing its speed and agility with close-proximity flights, through the brush or windows etc. The benefits include a high-energy feel, increased viewer engagement, and the ability to create unique and memorable visuals.
The Application and Purpose: Practical vs. Performance
Standard/Conventional Drone Filming:
These are invaluable for practical applications:
- Property: Providing aerial views of properties and their surroundings.
- Inspections: Assessing infrastructure, like bridges or power lines, safely and efficiently.
- Mapping: Creating detailed 3D models and maps for construction or surveying.
- Event coverage: Capturing aerial views of concerts, festivals, or sporting events.
Documentaries: Providing scenic establishing shots and aerial perspectives.
FPV Drone Videos:
These are more about artistic expression and performance:
- Action sports: Capturing adrenaline-pumping footage of skateboarding, snowboarding, or racing.
- Cinematic storytelling: Creating immersive and dynamic narratives for short films or commercials.
- Promotional videos: Adding a unique and exciting element to marketing campaigns for products or experiences.
- Pilot skill showcasing: Demonstrating the pilot’s ability to navigate complex environments.
Creating strong sense of place: Allowing the viewer to feel like they are within the environment.
The Technical Differences: Equipment and Skill
Standard/Conventional Drone Filming:
These are designed for stability and ease of use, with features like GPS, obstacle avoidance, and long flight times. This allows for consistent and reliable footage, even in challenging conditions. The benefits of using standard drones include ease of operation, high-quality footage, and long flight times along with their safety features that provide peace of mind on any set.
FPV Drone Videos:
These require a higher level of piloting skill and technical knowledge. They are often custom-built or modified for specific applications, with a focus on speed, agility, and responsiveness. Pilots need to be well trained in drone setup, tuning, and flying techniques. A few of the benefits of using FPV drones include precise control, the ability to perform complex manoeuvres, and the ability to capture unique and dynamic footage.
With all that being said, standard drone videos excel at providing clear, stable, and professional-looking footage for practical applications, whilst FPV drone videos offer a dynamic, immersive, and exciting experience for artistic and performance-driven projects. The choice between the two depends on the desired outcome and the specific requirements of the project.
Feel free to get in touch with us below to discuss how our fleet of both FPV and standard drones can help add tremendous value to your project
