Introduction
There is a new type of drone filmmaking that is emerging - cinematic FPV. It is different from traditional drones and FPV drones, as it allows for the creation of cinematic drone shots that were not possible before. In this article, we will share five tips on how to get cinematic FPV drone shots.
Tip #1: Fly Close to Things
One of the advantages of FPV drones is that they have zero latency between what the drone is seeing and what you are seeing in your goggles. This allows you to fly really close to things without crashing. Additionally, FPV drones are small and powerful, which means that you can quickly maneuver around things, creating dynamic shots that were not possible before. To achieve cinematic FPV shots, try flying close to the ground and following subjects really closely.
Tip #2: Fly Smoothly
For cinematic FPV shots, it is important to fly smoothly and fluidly. Avoid crazy acrobatic moves and just focus on linking one element to the next as smoothly as possible. This is what sets cinematic FPV apart from the traditional acrobatic FPV shots. Flying smoothly and fluidly allows you to create a more cinematic feel to your shots.
Tip #3: Explore First, Then Choose Your Lines
Before shooting your cinematic FPV shots, it is important to explore the area first. This allows you to find the coolest features in the environment, such as waterfalls, cliffs, or rock formations. Once you have explored the area, you can then choose your lines - the path you will take to showcase the environment and your subject.
Tip #4: Use an ND Filter
To achieve the best cinematic FPV shots, it is important to use an ND filter. This helps you to keep the shutter speed a little higher than usual, around 1 over 96, to avoid too much motion blur. This allows you to create a more dynamic and hectic feel to your shots.
An ND filter, or neutral density filter, is a type of camera filter that reduces the amount of light entering the camera’s lens. This allows you to use slower shutter speeds or wider apertures in bright conditions, without overexposing your footage. In FPV drone filmmaking, ND filters are especially important for creating cinematic shots because they allow you to control the shutter speed and aperture, which can affect the look and feel of your footage.
When it comes to FPV drone filmmaking, using a slower shutter speed can help create a more natural and smooth motion blur, especially when flying at high speeds or making quick movements. Without an ND filter, the camera’s shutter speed would be forced to increase in bright conditions to compensate for the amount of light entering the lens, resulting in less motion blur and a less cinematic look. An ND filter allows you to keep the shutter speed low, resulting in a more cinematic look.
Additionally, using an ND filter can help you achieve a shallower depth of field, which can be desirable in certain shots. For example, if you want to create a shot where the subject is in focus but the background is blurred, using an ND filter can help you achieve this effect without overexposing the footage.
The common ND filters used for FPV drones are usually in the range of ND8 to ND64. These filters are designed to reduce the amount of light entering the camera’s lens by different levels, measured in “stops”.
ND8 filters reduce the light entering the lens by three stops, ND16 filters by four stops, ND32 filters by five stops, and ND64 filters by six stops. The higher the ND number, the darker the filter, and the more light it blocks.
Overall, ND filters are an important tool for achieving the desired look and feel in cinematic FPV drone shots. They allow you to control the shutter speed and aperture, which can affect the motion blur and depth of field in your footage, resulting in a more cinematic look.
Tip #5: Have a Subject
Finally, having a subject is crucial for creating cinematic FPV shots. This can be anything from a waterfall or a mountain spine to a person or a car. Having a subject helps to tell a story and create tension in your shots, making them more cinematic.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is cinematic FPV?
Cinematic FPV is a type of drone filmmaking that uses FPV drones to capture cinematic shots that were not possible before. - Do I need a special type of FPV drone for cinematic shots?
No, you can use any FPV drone to capture cinematic shots. However, it is important to fly smoothly and fluidly to achieve the desired effect. - How do I choose my lines for cinematic FPV shots?
Explore the area first to find the coolest features in the environment, and then choose the path that will showcase those features and your subject. - Can I use an ND filter for traditional FPV shots?
Yes, an ND filter can be used for any type of drone filmmaking. - Do I need to have a subject for every cinematic FPV shot?
No, but having a subject helps to tell a story and create tension in your shots, making them more cinematic.
Food for Thought
Cinematic FPV is a new and exciting way to capture drone shots. By following these tips, you can take your FPV drone shots to the next level and create cinematic shots that are sure to impress. Remember to explore your surroundings, fly smoothly, and have a subject to create tension in your shots. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start capturing cinematic FPV shots today!