Tools I Use for Drone Videography

As a professional in the field of drone videography, I have the privilege of utilizing a vast array of equipment to capture stunning aerial footage. Each tool, from drones and cameras to gimbals and editing software, offers its own special features and capabilities that contribute to the quality and creativity of the final product.

In this article, I will share my personal selection of tools that I use on a regular basis for drone videography. I will provide a brief rundown of their unique features and how I integrate them into my work. From capturing smooth, stable shots with gimbals to editing and enhancing footage with specialized software, I’ll give you a glimpse into my process and the tools that make it all possible.

Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro, this article will give you valuable insights into the tools and equipment used by top drone videographers.

“Learn about the tools professional drone videographer uses, including drones, cameras, gimbals, software, and accessories. Get an overview of their features and how they are used to capture stunning aerial footage.” – Mark Laymon

• Drones
  • DJI Mavic Mini
  • DJI Mini 3 Pro
  • DJI Mavic 3 Cine
• Cameras
  • Sony a7III
  • Canon EOS R
• Gimbals
  • DJI Ronin-S
  • Freefly MOVI Pro
• Software
  • Adobe Premiere Pro
  • Final Cut Pro
• Accessories
  • ND filters
  • Extra batteries
  • Hard cases

One of the most important tools for drone videography is, of course, the drone itself. I currently use three main drones for my work: the DJI Mavic Mini, DJI Mini 3 Pro, and the DJI Mavic 3 Cine. The Mavic 3 Cine is a larger and more powerful drone, with a 20MP 5.1K Wide-Angle 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad camera and a max flight time of 46 minutes. It’s great for capturing high-quality, cinematic footage and for more demanding projects. The Mini 3 Pro is a smaller and more portable drone, with a up to 4K60p Video & 48MP Raw Stills camera and a max flight time of 47 minutes. It’s great for capturing more spontaneous and candid shots, and for traveling to remote locations. Both drones have a range of features and modes that make it easy to capture smooth and stable footage, including follow mode, orbit mode, and active tracking. But for “Just for Fun” flying I still use the Mavic Mini a lot.

In addition to the cameras on my drones, I also use a variety of standalone cameras for my work. One of my favorites is the Sony a7III, a full-frame mirrorless camera with a 24-megapixel sensor and 4K video capability. It’s great for capturing high-quality, detailed footage and for shooting in low light conditions. I also use the Canon EOS R, another full-frame mirrorless camera with a 30-megapixel sensor and 4K video capability. It’s great for capturing a wide dynamic range and for shooting in challenging lighting conditions. Both cameras are lightweight and portable, making them easy to take on location, and they have a range of manual settings and creative options that allow me to get the best possible footage.

To keep my cameras stable and smooth, I use a variety of gimbals. One of my favorites is the DJI Ronin-S, a handheld gimbal designed for DSL R cameras. It has a three-axis stabilizing system and a range of modes and controls that allow me to capture smooth and stable footage, even when moving or panning. I also use the Freefly MOVI Pro, a larger and more versatile gimbal that can be mounted on a variety of surfaces, including drones, cars, and tripods. It has a three-axis stabilizing system and a range of modes and controls that allow me to capture smooth and stable footage, even in challenging or dynamic environments.

Finally, I use a range of accessories to enhance the quality and creativity of my footage. One of my favorites is ND (neutral density) filters, which reduce the amount of light entering the lens and allow me to use slower shutter speeds and wider apertures. I also carry extra batteries and hard cases to protect my equipment and ensure that I’m always ready to shoot.

These are the tools I use for drone videography, along with a brief overview of their features and how I use them. From drones and cameras to gimbals and software, each tool has its own unique capabilities and benefits, and I’ve found that using a combination of these tools allows me to capture high-quality, dynamic, and professional-quality footage.