Drones are everywhere these days. Travel photography and videography are becoming the most popular uses of the flying cameras. They can be used as a valuable tool to document your travels this summer. However, there are some things to think about before adding a drone to your travel list. Here are some tips for making the most out of traveling with a drone.
Invest in a portable drone
The DJI Mavic drones are the most compact for travel and are the easiest to transport. They’re perfect for trips requiring air travel or where baggage is restricted. A Mavic drone will fold into a small package. They are discreet because they are quieter than larger drones. And the DJI software is the best on the market which reduces the likelihood of a crash. Both the Mavic Pro and Mavic Air from Buydig.com are small enough to put in a backpack, including the drone’s controller. They both weigh less than two pounds. They shouldn’t weigh you down much at all if you’re backpacking through Europe or navigating the islands of Southeast Asia.
Pack your batteries in your carry-on
Something to keep in mind with lithium batteries is you have to be able to fit them in your carry-on luggage. Airlines won’t allow lithium batteries to be checked, for safety reasons. Make sure you have a carrying case and/or carry-on luggage that has extra space for as many batteries as you can afford. You may get stopped when going through the security line at airports as they take a closer look at the drone. But at this point, drones are commonplace enough where they may no longer raise an eyebrow.
Extra batteries and charging time
The DJI Mavic Pro and Phantom 4 average around 20-25 minutes of flight time per battery. It takes about 1 hour to charge a drained battery. Extra batteries are essential to avoid losing flight time. It’s a good idea to always carry battery charging hubs capable of charging more than one battery at a time.
Use neutral density filters
Neutral density filters from Buydig.com are a must for your travels! Most drones have fixed aperture leaving ISO and shutter speed to achieve a balanced exposure. In bright sunlight, as the shutter speed increases, the footage quality decreases and can be shaky. These filters will be your lifeline!
Have a flight plan
Before you send a DJI Spark up in a new place it’s important to have a plan for your flight. This will allow you to capture the footage you need. It also reduces the chances of crashing the drone and allows you to be more efficient. Take note of any large objects, trees, power lines or buildings and make sure to stay clear of them. Google Earth and the Photopills app are great for planning done flights.
Bring extra propellers
It’s very important to prepare for the worst. In this case where even a small crash could disable your drone for the rest of your vacation. The best thing to bring with you is spare propellers. Unlike extra batteries, these are cheap and small.
These tips will help you travel safely and smartly as you head off on your vacation with your DJI drone!
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