Wednesday, November 6, 2013

From Toy to Marketing Tool

If you aren’t familiar with Quad-copters (aka Quadrotor helicopter), they have become very popular with amateur model aircraft enthusiasts.

 (click to enlarge)

(click to enlarge)

This “hobby” has quickly grown from ready-to-fly (RTF) toys to home-grown parts/kits and accessories. There are all kinds of modifications, tweaks, parts and custom kits available on the internet. RTF units start around $400.00. A popular RTF unit including a video mount and GoPro camera starts at $1,200.00.



(Walkera Ready-to Fly)

But this post isn’t about the quad-copters themselves but more about the results you can achieve if you have access to an aerial photographer who utilizes small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and HD video cameras.  
  • Huge cost savings vs the alternative (manned helicopter with additional videographer)
  • They are quiet
  • Images and close shots that can’t be achieved with conventional aerial photography
  • Lower costs allow you to capture and present video’s that haven’t been affordable in the past
  • New content that can now be streamed from your website
  • The perfect solution for capturing an event
  • Excellent for showing real estate and property in a completely different format
  • Destination and travel videos that just can't be duplicated with conventional photography
Important considerations about selecting an aerial videography service:
  • Is the “pilot” skillful and experienced to deliver a smooth video?
  • Is the quality of the video image up to your expectations?
  • Once the video shoot is complete, the hard work begins. Who is responsible for the editing?
  • Do they have the computer horsepower and editing software to create a killer video?
Here are some links to a few “best-of” quad-copter videos:

Team Blacksheep shoots the Costa Concordia wreck like you’ve never seen using a pair of quad-copters (apparently they were arrested in Italy for trespassing due to this video shoot).

Team Blacksheep shoots Venice Italy

Team Blacksheep shoots the Golden Gate Bridge with a combination of a quad-copter and a fixed wing UAV.

Short video about getting started with videography using UAV and a short discussion about FAA warnings regarding commercial usage and regulations.

Raffaello D’Andrea talks about the athletic power of quadcopters on TED:

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