Today’s episode is all about improving the color in your aerial photographs and videos.  After all, if you’re operating a drone business, you’ll want to make sure that your clients are getting a product that they love.  One way to do this is by optimizing the colors in your drone videos.

In order to help you create the best drone videos, we explain how colors are captured on video.  We explain how camera sensors work and how to utilize the best camera settings to optimize your colors.  We also discuss using filters to get a lush color profile in your drone videos.  Thanks to Cory in San Antonio for the question!  Fly safe! 

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Timestamps

[05:21] Today’s question is about improving the colors of your aerial photographs and videos
[06:20] How does the size of the sensor affect the quality of your photographs?
[07:19] What is the difference between a APS-C sensor and a 1 inch sensor?
[08:25] Does a bigger sensor always yield better results in mapping?
[08:29] Is the Inspire 2 X5S Combo a good option for mapping applications?
[08:57] Reviewing the new Solo with the Sony R10-C and APS-C sensor for mapping applications
[09:55] Discussing the capabilities of the Exmor 2 sensor in the Yuneec H 520 with regards to mapping applications
[12:08] Learn why Paul prefers to always fly with the ND-16 filter during daytime
[13:05] Are there tools to determine which filter you need to use depending on the amount of light?
[14:10] Tips and tricks to shoot in heavily shadowed areas
[16:17] Are there other filters apart from the ND-16 that you can use?
[17:04] Are there instances where you are better off shooting without a filter?

On today’s episode, we talk about capturing audio when shooting drone footage.  In most cases, you probably won’t need to record audio.  Under certain circumstances, however, it may be important for you to have an audio track to sync up with your drone footage.  We talk about why you might want to capture an audio track and how to properly obtain it.  Thanks for the question, Leroy!  Fly safe!

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If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us really quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.

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Timestamps

[00:49] Today’s question is about recording audio while shooting drone footage
[01:50] Do you need to turn off audio recording while shooting footage with any of the newer drones?
[02:10] Is it a good idea to turn off the audio recording on the Phantom 2 while capturing video?
[02:31] Should I turn off the audio while recording with the GoPro? How will this help me as I edit my drone video?
[03:01] What is a scenario where you should ideally turn on your audio as you capture drone footage?

Today’s question is about drone cameras, the Osmo and compatibility.  Ryan calls in from Pennsylvania to ask for our recommendation on cameras for the Osmo.  Should he get a Z3 or an X5?  We discuss the compatibility of these cameras with the Osmo.  Additionally, we talk about camera specs and why the X5 is a better model than the X3.  Congratulations on the Part 107, Ryan!  Fly safe!

More info on the GPC case Paul mentions can be found here

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Timestamps

• • [00:58] Today’s question is about suitable cameras that can be paired with the Osmo
  • [01:56] Is it worth upgrading to the DJI Osmo X5 Pro?
  • [02:17] Will the regular Osmo adapter work with the X5 Pro?
  • [02:30] Is the Z3 compatible with the Osmo?
  • [02:51] Is the Osmo 2 coming out any time soon? What are some of the rumored capabilities of the Osmo 2?
  • [03:26] Could the performance of the DJI Osmo X5 Pro be further improved by adding other lenses?
  • [04:00] Understanding why the DJI Osmo X5 Pro is a better alternative to the Z3

Today, we talk about using drone cell tower inspections.  Billy the Kid called to tell us that he may have the opportunity to inspect some cellphone towers.  He wants to know which drone and camera are the best for this job.  We talk about drones, cameras and other tools that are good for cell tower inspections.  We also talk about why companies hire drone pilots to inspect their towers and how you can bring value to their business.  Additionally, we talk about the importance of doing these jobs in the most efficient manner.  Good luck with the inspection work, Billy!  Fly safe!

If you found this show interesting, do check out our “Cell Tower Mapping” Course.

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If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us really quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.

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Timestamps

[02:12] Today’s question revolves the necessary equipment to do drone cell tower inspections
[03:23] Find out what makes the Inspire 1 and Zenmuse Z3 combination an ideal, “value for money” proposition for doing a drone cell tower inspection
[03:55] What are some of the cons of using the Inspire 1 and Zenmuse Z3 combination for cellphone tower inspections?
[04:31] Is the purpose of a drone cellphone tower inspection simply to zero in on a problem?
[05:17] Under what circumstances will you need a thermal camera for cellphone tower inspections?
[05:30] Paul provides some information on the upcoming Drone U class on cellphone tower inspection mapping
[06:51] Is the Inspire 1 and Zenmuse Z3 combination a better option as compared to the M210, M200 or Inspire 2 and Zenmuse Z30 combination?
[07:43] Drone U recommended resources for buying buying the Inspire 1 and Zenmuse Z3
[08:47] Should you use the Zenmuse Z30 over the Zenmuse Z3 to for drone cell tower inspections?
[09:22] How can you deal with interference issues while doing cellphone tower inspections?

Today’s episode is all about drones for real estate mapping.  Hernandez in the Philippines called in to ask how he should price his real estate mapping services and what equipment he should use.  We also discuss the deliverables you’ll want to provide for your clients and where the real estate mapping field is headed.  Additionally, we talk about the best drones and software for real estate mapping. 

If you’re not a Drone U member, you may want to sign up soon.  We currently have a mapping course in the works!

Thanks for the question Hernandez!  Fly safe!

Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/.

If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us really quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.

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Timestamps

[02:33] Paul and Rob provide some details about the new Drone U membership
[07:45] Today’s question discusses the equipment that you should ideally use while on a mapping mission
[09:50] Can using a systematic acquisition plan help me further improve existing mapping data?
[10:20] What is the best drone for real estate mapping?
[10:41] Find out why, in spite of the X5s lens, the Inspire 1 and Inspire 2 are not suitable for mapping
[12:11] Why is the Phantom 4 Pro the best drone for real estate mapping?
[14:01] Paul discusses the various challenges that you can possibly encounter while on a mapping mission
[15:25] Do you need a surveyor’s license to prepare and interpret a map?
[17:07] Do you need a surveyor’s license to do a volumetric measurement of stockpiles?
[21:00] Is the Phantom 4 Pro suited for subject tracking?
[21:12] Are there any data acquisition applications that can be used on mapping missions?
[21:44] Are there any programs available that will help me fly autonomously while on a mapping mission?
[22:06] What are some of the advantages of using the “Maps Made Easy” web application?
[22:51] Comparing the pros and cons of Maps Made Easy and Pix4D mapper
[23:07] Is there any good application for mapping orbits apart from DJI Go 4?
[23:34] What equipment do you need to carry on a mapping mission? Find out why the Drone U landing pads a great value proposition

How to Buy a Quality Used Drone and Get Good Bang for the Buck

Today’s episode is all about buying used DJI drones.  Listen to this episode and avoid wasting your money buy purchasing a poor quality drone.

We got a call from Rob in Florida, who wants to know if we’d buy used DJI drones for ourselves. Obviously, buying pre-used drones can be a great way to save money but also comes with a certain amount of risk.  Is the risk worth it?  We discuss the things that can go wrong when buying used equipment and talk about ways to find reliable sources of used DJI drones.  Thanks for the question, Rob!  Fly safe!

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If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us really quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.

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Timestamps

• [01:32] Paul provides some information regarding Drone U’s upcoming subject tracking class
• [03:42] Today we discuss the various risks that come with buying used drones, and attempt to answer whether it is worthwhile buying one
• [04:55] What are some of the things that can go wrong while purchasing a drone?
• [05:32] Is there any agency which can thoroughly check drones?
• [06:36] Paul provides contact information for Kyle, a Drone U member who repairs drones
• [09:00] Can you expect good service from the DJI Care Refresh program?

Today, we have a long and in-depth episode about the real estate market for you today.  While it starts off with a question about drone pilots in real estate, we talk about some things you’ll want to know as you start shooting real estate properties.

We discuss whether or not you need photography and video skills to shoot drone footage for real estate and what options you have if you don’t.  We also talk about how to market your drone services to real estate companies and how you can make yourself stand out as a pilot.

Fly safe everyone!

Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/.

If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us really quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.

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Timestamps

• [01:30] Learn to separate yourself by building in metadata in your drone deliverables and uploading it for better viewability
• [02:21] Will realtors and brokers get better value if you, as a drone pilot concentrate more on your back-end work?
• [03:24] Today’s topic discusses the suitability of the real estate industry for someone who lacks photography and videography skills
• [05:17] Paul answers today’s question by recalling his own experience
• [05:31] Which are some of the Drone U classes that can help you hone your photography skills?
• [05:50] Paul shares some of his favorite photography hacks
• [07:25] Which is a Drone U recommend app for someone who has difficulty with lighting, setting the aperture and depth of field?
• [07:51] Which are two approaches that you can take to market your drone videography services?
• [08:21] Focusing on deliverables to improve the overall client experience
• [11:46] What percentage of realtors who do their own marketing realize the importance of metadata and SEO?
• [13:37] What is the benefit of using interactive maps? By offering this service, can you expect to charge your client more for drone photography and videography?
• [16:17] Which are some of the upper echelon realty firms?
• [16:30] Find out why drone photographers and videographers have more chances of success in tough market conditions
• [16:38] Is it a good idea to concentrate on the luxury real estate? How should you structure your drone video to appeal to a luxury home buyer?
• [17:26] "]Rob suggests a way via which you can market your drone videography services to realtors
• [17:54] Is it a good idea to market drone videography services to realtor tours? Should you contact title companies?
• [20:20] Understanding the importance of follow-up while marketing your drone videography services
• [20:52] What are some of the interesting concepts covered in our Drone U class, “Lightroom automation”?
• [21:23] Why is it important to first upload a real estate listing onto the realtor’s website?
• [22:04] What are some of the reasons that Zillow is more popular than other listing websites?
• [24:52] Why is the launch of the Yuneec H520 a significant event for the drone industry?

How do I make more engaging real estate drone videos?

How do you stand out in a tough market like real estate videography? We share some excellent Tips & Tricks which will help drone pilots elevate their real estate drone videos from ordinary to extraordinary.

Pilots often have trouble making engaging content when shooting drone footage for real estate.  The goal of shooting real estate footage, after all, should be to hook your audience in and get them to watch until the end.

This episode is all about creating the best drone videos for real estate.  We talk about various shooting and editing techniques you can use to create the best real estate videos.

Thanks to Dirk in San Antonio for today’s question.  Fly safe!

Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/.

If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us really quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.

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Timestamps

• [01:54] Today’s topic is about the various ways via which you can make your real estate drone videos more engaging
• [04:22] Learn to tailor your real estate drone videos depending on your audience and real estate segment
• [04:56] Tips and tricks to shoot luxury homes
• [05:20] Learn how adding obstacles will help you make more engaging real estate drone videos
• [05:46] What is a recommended length of a real estate video for a sub $800,000 home?
• [06:05] Some information about the upcoming Drone U class on interactive mapping. Learn how interactive mapping can help you engage your customers better
• [07:00] Can you have your real estate drone video critiqued at Drone U?
• [07:42] Learn how quick transitions in your drone footage can result in higher viewer engagement
• [08:20] Tips and tricks to “play with the light” and get great drone footage
• [10:36] Learn how to enhance your real estate videography by incorporating architectural facets
• [11:09] Some background information about our extensive Drone U courses

Flying your drone indoors presents a unique set of challenges.  You’ll have to deal with interference from Wi-Fi, FM radio signals and other obstacles that can make flying inside slightly more difficult than flying outside.  With proper training, however, being able to fly indoors can be helpful in lending your drone services to real estate agents and other businesses.

On this episode, we talk about some things you’ll want to know before attempting to fly your drone indoors.  We discuss which drones work best in indoors to the settings that will be help you navigate these environments.

Additionally, we encourage you all to check out our courses, which offer a lot of helpful information about the proper ways to go about operating your drone indoors.

Thanks to Mike from Ohio for today’s question!  Fly safe!

Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/.

If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us really quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.

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Timestamps

• [02:27] Today’s topic revolves around the intricacies of flying your drone indoors
• [03:26] Do Part 107 regulations apply when flying your drone indoors?
• [04:00] Why is it not wise to fly in GPS mode or P mode when flying indoors?
• [04:00] What are some of the causes of ferromagnetic interference while flying indoors?
• [05:23] Is it recommended to turn off your drone sensors while flying indoors?
• [08:20] Can I accurately calibrate my compass and IMU while flying my drone indoors?
• [09:05] Discussing the various pitfalls of flying your drone indoors
• [09:27] Does Inspire 2 have less prop wash as compared to the Inspire 1? Find out why.
• [09:42] Which drone is the best value for money proposition if you need to fly indoors?
• [10:25] Should you consider shooting indoors with a Osmo?
• [11:10] While shooting real estate, will transitioning from inside to outside result in better drone footage?
• [11:52] Some precautions to be exercised while flying your drone indoors
• [12:26] Is the Mavic a good solution for flying indoors?

Using Drones in Disaster Relief

In light of the emergency happening in Houston right now, many Drone U members have reached out to ask if there is some way for them to help with Hurricane Harvey disaster relief.  While we’re proud to be associated with such caring folks, we want to discourage pilots heading down to Houston with their drones.

Unfortunately, flying a drone in Houston is both illegal and unnecessary at the moment.  Only those drone pilots who are flying on behalf of a government agency or those with special authorizations are permitted to fly over Houston right now.  While there may be a larger need for drones in Houston during the coming months, pilots who fly over the city right now will only risk causing additional problems.  For now, we need to keep the skies clear so that FEMA, Red Cross and government-authorized pilots can do their jobs. 

A special thanks goes out to Doug La Farge, our mapping instructor, for joining us on this episode to discuss the feasibility of mapping the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.  Our prayers go out to everyone affected by the hurricane.

Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/.

If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us really quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.

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• [00:44] Quite a few Drone U members have offered to help out with Hurricane Harvey Disaster Relief in Houston
• [01:47] Is there is a likelihood of getting fined if you fly your drone in areas affected by Hurricane Harvey?
• [02:19] What is the process that drone pilots need to follow for helping out in areas affected by Hurricane Harvey?
• [03:04] Discussing the feasibility of mapping the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey
• [03:41] Paul welcomes Doug LaFarge to discuss feasibility of mapping the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey
• [04:50] Is it advisable to use a fixed wing drone over a multi rotor to map areas affected by Hurricane Harvey?
• [07:44] Find out why it is important to go through the right chain of command if you wish to help out in disaster relief operations
• [10:20] Understanding why the capabilities of the Inspire One renders it a good fit for disaster relief efforts
• [10:41] Understanding how long data processing times and the dynamic on ground situation renders mapping unfeasible
• [11:31] Is Microsoft’s Azure powerful handle to handle voluminous mapping data? Would that be prohibitively expensive?
• [12:12] What are some of the practical challenges that drone pilots are likely to face as they attempt to help out with disaster relief?
• [13:47] Analyzing the FAA order JO7200.23A
• [15:51] Which are some of the websites you can visit to get information about Hurricane Harvey?
• [16:37] Understanding the specifics of the “Industry Liaison Program” is critical for individuals and organizations looking to do business in Hurricane Harvey affected areas