Hacking Photography - one Picture at a time
This idea had been rolling around in my head for years.
I use flashes a lot in my photography. Whether that is a Speedlight on or off camera or in the studio with some big strobes and modifiers. But this is the first time I have ever used an aerial drone mounted flash.
It is forbidden to fly drones near airports, and if you do it, you can cause a huge chaos. However, there are still people who don’ seem to care about it, and they keep flying their drones near airports and even near airplanes. Like this dude, who flew his drone dangerously close to an airplane during the takeoff.
DJI Mavic II has been rumored for a while, and DJI recently announced an event in New York where they would present the drone to the public. However, a photo of the new DJI Mavic Pro II has leaked online, and it suggests that the drone will have 360-degree obstacle avoidance and a removable gimbal.
If your drone’s battery runs out while it’s flying above water, you’re screwed, right? Well, a man named Dave Svorking managed to save his drone a split second before it hit the water surface. And the best of all is – this spectacular rescue was captured by the drone and you can see it in the video below.
Skydio R1 may be a selfie drone, but it’s not the kind of garbage you find at Walmart’s clearance aisle. For one, it costs $1,700 more than DJI’s Mavic Air. And right now, it’s the only drone that features autonomous flight capabilities both DJI and GoPro could only dream of. Today, Skydio released its first software update that now allows the R1 to follow vehicles.
There’s no doubt that the latest drones are safer than their older versions. Many of them now even include obstacle detection and collision avoidance technologies. However, safety issues regarding propellers remain unsolved. Thankfully, researchers from the University of Queensland has a high-tech but low-cost solution. They’ve developed a simple sensor system you can use on an existing quadcopter for just $15.
Drone registration rules will change according to a recently proposed rule. No, it won’t be deemed unconstitutional again. As a matter of fact, soon it will not be enough to just put the drone’s ID number inside the aircraft. Instead, it will need to have a visible “license plate” on the outside.
Founded in 2012, ParaZero specialises in the development of parachute systems for both manned and unmanned vehicles. And we’ve shown you some of their drone parachute technology a couple of years ago being tested on a 3DR Solo. Since then, ParaZero has gone on to produce a range of “SafeAir” parachutes for larger drone models, like the DJI Matrice 600 series.
Now, though, they’re looking at a more mainstream audience, offering new SafeAir parachutes for DJI’s very popular Mavic Pro and Phantom series drones. The biggest benefit of this new model is that in the event the chute needs to be used, it can be repacked by the end user, and reused in the future.
Drones have been a gamechanger in the world of photography. With these flying cameras, now everyone can create pro-level footage and video. Unfortunately, there are also a few bad apples who like to use them for shady purposes. Now Department of Homeland Security wants to impose even stricter regulations on drones. So how exactly will this affect law-abiding drone enthusiasts and professionals?
Phase One has just announced the iXM 100MP camera for aerial imaging. It boasts Sony’s medium-format sensor which will also be used in Fuji GFX-100S and Hasselblad X1D-100c.
You can find out more about John on his website and follow his adventures on YouTube and Facebook.
can change a lens mid-rappel, swap a memory card while treading water, or use a camel as a light stand.
To see more of his work please visit his studio website blurMEDIAphotography, or follow him on Twitter, 500px, Google Plus or YouTube.
JP’s photography is available for licensing at Stocksy United.
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