Nowadays, drones have transformed from an expensive novelty item to something that anyone can purchase on Amazon.com and use to take truly unique videos and pictures.

Indeed, drone flyover videos (see here for an example) feel somewhat magical and really can make a promotional or fundraising video stand out from the crowd.

In fact, a couple of months ago, the video (see below) that promoted the 19th Annual Shabbat Across America and Canada, was produced by Rabbi Eliyahu Fink and twice featured the use of drone videography. In the short amount of time that the video runs, the use of the drone allows viewers to watch a beautiful aerial shot of Shabbos “coming in” and the sun setting.

 

Ready to Take the Plunge?

If you’re in the market for a drone, follow the sentiments of Mike Wehner, author of The Beginner’s Guide to Buying a Drone who advises people to, “start small.”

In light of the above, Austin Furey of FliteTest.com recommends the Syma X5C. It has a built-in HD camera and also offers gyroscope stabilization. Best of all, it only costs $59.

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Drive Your Drone Carefully

Drone popularity has taken flight faster than governments can write laws. Individual laws can vary by state and local ordinances, so always speak with local law enforcement to ensure you’re within any location-specific guidelines as well. You can find an expanded list of tips on Know Before You Fly.

Here are the key points that will keep you on the right side of the law:

  • Don’t fly higher than 400 feet.
  • Don’t fly in any condition in which you wouldn’t drive a car, including under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • Don’t let your drone out of your line of sight.
  • Don’t fly over any person, regardless of whether they are OK with it; do your best to stay at least 25 feet away from anything, including people, that could be damaged if you lose control.

There’s also a handful of specific places you’re just not allowed to fly your airborne camera:

  • Airports, unless you have been granted permission.
  • Military bases.
  • Stadiums. If they can hold 30,000 people or more, keep your drone at least one mile away.
  • National parks.

DroneBase

If you are looking to create your own unique video that has flyovers of your shul or future campus, you don’t have to hire a photographer to take pictures aboard a small plane or helicopter.

Likewise, you do not need to take the plunge and purchase a drone! After all, for some people the thought of controlling and piloting a drone is daunting.

Dronebase is a site that you can turn to that offers anyone beautiful drone imagery and video with minimal hassle, cost and risk.

NIRC

 

How does it work?

Simply head on over to Dronebase and provide a quick description of what you are looking for and the area you want scanned or filmed. They will send a drone to fly over the site you asked them to and email you photos and videos that you can use in a promotional video or brochure. For more information on DroneBase see here.

 

Additional Link of Interest

What’s The Best Drone?

 


Photo Credit for the Featured Image: Alan Vernon.

 

 

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