Here is something we have not seen drone’s do yet. A timelapse. Photographer Jamie Brightmore used a “GPS enhanced” DJI Phantom 2 to put a GoPro Hero 4 at a constant position in the sky and take timelapse sequences from a constant position. He calls this project SATLAPSE. While this is an experimental project, he results are quite interesting.
There is an inherent advantage to shooting timelapses vs. expediting video footage, the main one is the ability to use long shutter speeds, or even add an ND filter and gain long exposure on sunny days.
Jamie shares a short explanation on the technique:
Why is it called Satlapse? Using wide angle cameras, facing down, at 350-400ft in the air creates shots that look like satellite images. A coincidental nicety; in order for a small remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) to maintain a stable hover, it uses direct communication with satellites in Earth’s orbit (GPS).
So what’s different about this technique? Firstly, the shots are completely static with any sign of stabilisation eliminated as much as possible. No mean feat considering the fact it’s all shot using a small RPAS hovering in one spot for several minutes! Secondly, this is true timelapse, in that you are taking frame-by-frame images as opposed to speeding up video footage. This allows the shutter to be dragged using ND filters as is practiced in regular timelapse work
Jamie also advises to make sure you are flying at a safe (and privacy friendly) height and at a location that will pose no danger:
Here is the question, when will we have a battery technology efficient enough that a viewpoint like this would sustain in air for more than a few minutes. Maybe a device like Fotokite is the obvious solution here.
[SATLAPSE – Aerial Timelapse Cinematography | Jamie Brightmore via SATLAPSE ]
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