Field Notes: Drone Filming x Gimbal Test
Tips for your next drone filming adventure.
Who doesn’t love the beach… in January? Earlier this week our DOP, Steven and the newest member of the team Zuleika, went out for a little field trip to the Scarborough Bluffs to do some drone filming and gimbal tests. Using the Canon 5D Mark IV, Moza Air 2 and Mavic 2 Zoom they created this short film and captured the experience of a truly Canadian day at the beach.
Here are some of Steven’s “Field Notes” from the test:
1) The Canon 5D Mark IV has amazing autofocus. Simply tap on the screen to select the subject and as long as it stays in the frame, the focus is consistent. Of course, that affects some creative choices, and it’s not perfect, but I was very happy with the results. BUT I was not pleased with taking my gloves off every time I had to set focus in the cold and snow.
Filming Tip: Invest in touch screen gloves or better yet, use a follow focus.
2) Drone filming is a lot of fun and the DJI Mavic 2 Zoom is no exception. With years of experience under its belt, DJI has created a drone that has no problem hovering and delivering smooth shots even in the wind and snow of a January day in Toronto. Of course, there are many rules (which are also changing this year) to follow when operating a UAV. Finding a location in safe airspace, avoiding bystanders, and operating within visual line of sight during a snow squall, all present some challenges, but the results are well worth it. It did, however, have to be grounded shortly into the shoot when the weather became unsafe to fly.
Drone Filming Tip: Check the weather and airspace before assuming you can fly your drone. Have a backup plan.
3) The MOZA Air 2 is a new one-handed* gimbal with a payload capability more than enough for the 5D (even with a fair-sized lens). And the form factor, ease of transport, setup, balance, and operation of the MOZA Air 2 are starting to change my view on the superiority of two-handed* gimbals. I have to say, for such a simple design, it does offer a fantastic amount of control and customization. For the most part, it was almost “pick-up and play” – the first shot of the day became what is now the first shot in the video.
*Although the easiest way to distinguish between the two styles is one-handed vs two-handed, let’s be honest, no one is using the MOZA Air 2 for a full day, with just one hand.
Filming Tip: Watch for Z-Axis movement in your steps. One-handed gimbals are extra susceptible, thanks to the lack of pivot points in the design. Walk like you’re operating a glide-cam, and enjoy the electronic perks.
|| Check out more of Steven’s Field Notes HERE ||
