Drone Photography Tip: Understanding FAA Rules and Regulations

 How are you liking your new drone? Or perhaps you’re considering either upgrading your current drone or getting into drones as a beginner. Whichever describes your situation, you will need to  know the FAA rules for drones as well as how to fly a drone safely.

We have some drone photography tips explaining some of what you need to know to stay within regulations and restrictions concerning FAA rules for drones.

What Is Required?

Photo by Harry Cunningham on Unsplash

The FAA requires that drones should be registered and also that they are operated within certain restrictions and guidelines. This is true regardless of whether you will be using your drone for profit or not. 

Recreational fliers are registered under the guidelines covered by what was formerly called Section 336 and is for fliers now labeled Recreational Flyers and Modeler Community-Based Organizations.  

A separate registration is called Part 107 and is required for anyone making money off of their drone use. These users are labeled Certified Remote Pilots, including Commercial Operators. There are some very important distinctions between these two types of users. To make sure you operating legally, be sure to know what type of registration applies to your drone flying.

How To Register Drones

Photo by Helloquence on Unsplash

 hear two questions come up most frequently about the FAA and drones. One is “do I have to register my drone?” The answer for that query is yes. You can cause yourself all sorts of problems if you decide to skip this step. 

The next question is about how to register my drone with the FAA. There are two ways to register. You may submit a paper application or you can choose to register online. If you are filing under Part 107, you will also have to pass a test administered by the FAA. There will soon be basic testing for recreational users as well according to the FAA website about drones. 

Besides the initial testing and registration, there will be periodic renewing of certificates and perhaps more training and testing required. Flying a drone has all these guidelines and requirements because of the hazards involved and because of the potential for abuse.

What Drones Need Registration?

Any drone that is over 0.55 pounds but less than 55 pounds and are flown recreationally or for certain commercial activities must be registered. It’s a good idea to keep up to date with government rules, nationally and locally, so you are within the bounds of what is acceptable.

 As a drone photography tip, let’s look at two different drones you may have in mind and see which registration, if any, applies to them.

The DJI Mavic 2 Zoom drone (shown above) is a full featured but relatively lightweight drone with a zoom lens and video recording built in. It weighs in at just a few grams under 2 pounds. That makes it over 0.55 pounds but nowhere near 55 pounds. Does it need to be registered? Absolutely yes. 

Another DJI drone, the DJI Mavic 2 Pro (shown above), is marketed towards advanced users and professional photographers and videographers. It has a Hasselblad camera and lens for ultra high resolution imaging and video. It weighs about 2 pounds too, so it definitely needs to be registered.

So, which registration applies? Does the DJI Mavic 2 Pro have to be filed under Part 107 since it’s considered a pro camera drone? Should my new DJI Mavic 2 Zoom be listed under former Section 336 since it’s not labeled a pro tool? 

Well, both of those questions are actually misleading. It isn’t the drone that determines what type of registration it’s the intended use of the drone. If you are using your Mavic 2 Pro merely for your own personal enjoyment, it would be a recreational license. If you use your Mavic 2 Zoom to create B-roll video for a project that makes you money, it’s a commercial license. 

If you get confused over the distinctions, check the FAA drone website. Basic rule of thumb is if it makes you money or you intend for it make you money, file as a commercial operator.  

How To Fly a Drone Safely

Photo by Kaleb Kendall on Unsplash

There are a lot of do’s and don’ts concerning safety and privacy with drone operation. Check our other drone articles listed under the Learn More heading for some specifics. 

The main thing is, operate your drone safely and within the law. If you do that, you have a greater chance of having a pleasant outing and getting nice photos and videos! 

 This blog post about "Drone Photography Tip: Understanding FAA Rules and Regulations" was first published on our website here https://www.photographytalk.com/drone-photography-tip-understanding-faa-rules-and-regulations

See What Happens When a Drone Hits an Airplane's Wing

Yesterday, we published an article that outlines how Congress passed a bill that allows authorities to shoot down private drones if they pose a "credible threat."

In that article, we also discussed how DJI and a number of other drone companies now have easier access to controlled airspace for conducting drone flights.

It seems to me that these two acts of Congress aren't quite on the same page, given that one allows authorities to shoot down drones and the other that allows more drones in areas where they pose more of a threat.

That notwithstanding, given that there have been a number of close calls between drones and airplanes in recent years, and though it might seem that a tiny drone couldn't do much damage to a huge airliner's wing, that assumption would be false...

In the video above, researchers at the University of Dayton Research Institute simulated a mid-air collision between a DJI Phantom 2 drone and the wing of a Mooney M20 airplane.

Launched toward the wing at 238 miles per hour, the drone does significant damage to the leading edge of the wing.

In a post on the University of Dayton website, Kevin Poormon, group leader for impact physics at UDRI, explained that "While the quadcopter broke apart, its energy and mass hung together to create significant damage to the wing."

The purpose of these kinds of tests is to illustrate the dangers that even the smallest drones present to aircraft "before a significant event occurs," said Poormon, referring to a mid-air collision between a drone and a manned aircraft.

Other tests are planned at UDRI, including those in which larger drones are used in scenarios in which the collision occurs with an aircraft engine or windscreen.

Now that it's easier for some drone companies to manage flights in controlled airspace, I think it's safe to say that UDRI's research on this matter is more important than ever.

Via University of Dayton

This article about the topic "See What Happens When a Drone Hits an Airplane's Wing" was first published on our website here https://www.photographytalk.com/photography-articles/8897-see-what-happens-when-a-drone-hits-an-airplane-s-wing

Must-Have Accessories for the DJI Mavic Mini

If you have the DJI Mavic Mini, you know why everyone loves them so much. The DJI Mavic Mini is a (relatively) cheap way to start exploring aerial photography. But, since the DJI Mavic Mini is supposed to act as a cheaper, smaller version of a camera drone, you are missing out on the experience of shooting with something larger.

But, a lot of this experience can be replicated if you only purchase the right DJI Mavic Mini accessories to compliment your drone. DJI Mavic Air is also a great option, its considered one of the best drones for photography.

To help you out, I’ve put a small list of some of the DJI Mavic Mini accessories that I think are absolutely necessary to get you started.  

DJI Mavic Mini Batteries

Now, obviously your DJI Mavic Mini came with a battery. But one battery is never enough, as many photographers know. 

The DJI Mavic Mini battery is currently available on Amazon for $45, and compared to a lot of DSLR batteries, I’d call it a steal. 

DJI Mavic Mini Charging Base

The DJI Mavic Mini charging base is a super fun accessory. It’s a great way to show off your drone while charging it. But, I use it for more practical purposes. It just helps me to stay organized. Every time I come home from a shoot, I head straight for the charging base on my desk so I can be assured that it’ll be good to go the next time I’m ready to head out for a shoot.

The one disappointing thing about the DJI Mavic Mini charging base is that it can only charge one battery at a time, which means you’ll need to switch out your additional battery when the first one is done charging. 

You can pick up this charging base for $43 on Amazon right now. 

DJI Mavic Mini Two-Way Charging Hub

This two-way charging hub is DJI’s response to my exact complaint above.  

While this charging hub definitely doesn’t look as cool as the case above does, it does a more efficient job of charging multiple batteries at once. 

And, for just $46, it essentially won’t cost you any more than the charging base above. 

DJI Mavic Mini Propellers

I fought with myself for years after I purchased my first drone before I ultimately settled with buying additional mini propellers every time I buy a new drone.

The thing is, no matter how excellent of a drone operator you are, accidents happen, and unless you want to wait a few weeks before you can take your DJI Mavic Mini back out again, it’s best to have back up propellers on deck. 

Plus, since you can buy a set of 8 of them for $15 on Amazon, you really don’t have any excuse. 

DJI Mavic Mini Landing Pad

The DJI Mavic Mini is actually incredibly small, so if you are trying to land it on anything other than a smooth sidewalk or dirt patch, you risk jarring the gimbal everytime you land it. 

Landing pads for your DJI Mavic Mini are $22 on Amazon, which is a lot cheaper than buying a new drone.  

HEX Ranger Mini Sling Bag

While all of these accessories for DJI Mavic Mini are important, I really struggled learning how to carry my DJI Mavic Mini around with me when I first purchased it. 

A lot of the drone bags are, frankly, really uncomfortable. Plus, searching Amazon for a DJI Mavic Mini bag just turned up a bunch of really cheap, and ugly, products. 

Thankfully, one of my favorite bag manufacturers came out with a mini sling bag that works perfectly for my DJI Mavic Mini.

The HEX Ranger Mini Sling Bag is priced reasonably for a mini drone bag at $65, which is my favorite part about it. But, it also fits so much more gear than you would originally think it could looking at a photo of it.

All of the interior walls are fleece-lined and collapsible, so you can carry your small camera when you aren’t carrying your drone around and you know it’s going to be protected.

It weighs barely anything at just .8 lbs, which makes it comfortable to carry around all day, too

If you try your Ranger Mini and don’t like it, you can return it, but I promise it will be the best $65 you’ve ever spent! 

This blog post about "Must-Have Accessories for the DJI Mavic Mini" was first published on our website here https://www.photographytalk.com/must-have-accessories-for-the-dji-mavic-mini

DJI Mavic 2 Announcement: Here's What You Missed

 Well, truth be told, you missed nothing with today's announcement from DJI regarding their rumored Mavic 2 drone.

That's because DJI postponed their big July 18, 2018 "Bigger Picture" event indefinitely, so there was no big announcement today.

We're getting tons of questions about what's going on, so here's the scoop thus far...

First of all, today's event was postponed back on July 5th when DJI made the following announcement to people that had RSVP'd to their event (via DroneDJ):

Thank you for RSVP’ing for the ‘See the Bigger Picture’ event on July 18th. Today we are making the difficult decision to push back the event. DJI is committed to introducing the most high-quality, cutting-edge technology in the market. We will postpone ‘See the Bigger Picture’ so we can deliver according to our standard of innovation. User experience is our top priority, and we wanted to ensure we can exceed our customers’ expectations for our technology by the time of the event. Please stay tuned for more information. Thank you for your continued interest and support.

So, according to DJI, the reason for the postponement was a desire to "deliver according to our standard of innovation."

But not everyone is buying it...

Over at WeTalkUAV, the theory is that DJI postponed the event on purpose in order to drum up tons of press coverage and increase anticipation. They discuss this angle in the video above.

While I'm no conspiracy theorist, the WeTalkUAV folks make a solid point - it's not like DJI waits until the final minute to test everything in their products:

"DJI has always tested their products months before officially making an announcement," Thomas Luna of WeTalkUAV notes. "The delayed event was done intentionally to generate more hype."

After floating the possibility on Twitter that DJI postponed the event due to a massive failure of the Mavic 2's gimbal, Twitter user OsitaLV posted this message, apparently straight from DJI HQ:

It is definitely hard to believe that DJI discovered an issue in the waning weeks before their big announcement, but things do happen and the delay could be totally nefarious as DJI says.

Image Credit: Kanzhaji

Oddly, just one day after DJI delayed their presser, a photo of what many believed to be the subject of the event - the DJI Mavic 2 - was leaked online.

In the image above, you can see the familiar DJI-looking drone with "Mavic 2" emblazoned on the side.

This image, posted online by Kanzhaji.com, shows, among other things, a "dual-size sensor PTZ camera...larger wheelbase, four-way obstacle avoidance equipment," and more new goodies that DJI fans can't wait to see for themselves.

Unfortunately, we'll all have to wait an undetermined amount of time to see the Mavic 2 (assuming it is, in fact, what DJI's original announcement was supposed to be about). DJI has given no indication how long the delay will be.

Stay tuned for more details! 

Update: DJI has released the Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom. The former is available for $1,499 and the latter will cost you $1,249.

Via Kanzhaji.com, WeTalkUAV, and DroneDJ

This blog post about the topic "DJI Mavic 2 Announcement: Here's What You Missed" was published on our website here https://www.photographytalk.com/photography-articles/8697-dji-mavic-2-announcement-here-s-what-you-missed

Digital Photography Equipment Review—The Nikon D3100 DSLR Camera, Part 2

 There are many options for digital photography hobbyists and enthusiasts that are ready to buy their first DSLR camera. The Nikon D3100 is certainly is one of them, now that the company has made a significant step forward from its earlier entry-level DSLRs, the D40X, D60 and D3000. As noted in Part 1 of this PhotographyTalk.com article, the primary improvement is a 14.2 megapixel CMOS sensor. Plus, the Nikon D3100 is the first Nikon at this price point with live view and full-HD video, and capable of recording 1920x1080 movies. Part 2 of this article will delve a bit deeper into the D3100’s various features that are making it a winner in the marketplace.

Read real customer reviews of the Nikon D3100 here.

Exterior Design

Although the Nikon D3100 looks very similar to the D3000, the body had to be modified for live view and video. These changes are most evident in the additional buttons and controls. For example, the “+” and “i” functions must now be separate buttons, so they’re accessible during live view. The drive mode switch on the top of the camera is also new.

Look under the bigger rubber door to the left and you’ll find two new connectors: HDMI for movie playback and a combined GPS/remote release socket. There is always a trade-off, however; so to accommodate these connectors, the IR remote receiver was removed. The sound-recording microphone for video and the playback speaker are cleverly placed behind grill plates on the front and back of the body.

Probably, the only downside of the D3100’s exterior is giving the “info” button, which has minor value, a better position (next to the shutter release) than the Fn button on the side of the camera. This button controls ISO, so it deserves a more prominent position. In addition, the flash button sits near the Fn button, which can be confusing when you reach for it with your left thumb.

Camera Operations

One of the similarities of the Nikon D3100 and its buyers’ previous point-and-shoot cameras is the operation of auto mode and scene mode. They essentially work independent of the photographer that only has control of focus and flash modes. Of course, many compact-camera users decide to buy their first DSLR to learn photo techniques, allowing them to be more creative. That’s why the D3100’s Guide mode is such an asset. The Guide’s downside is that it is not interfaced with live view, so you don’t know how sudden changes in the photographic environment may affect your images. Sony (NEX series) and Panasonic (GF2) have a competitive advantage here, with their cameras’ constant live-view capability.

The D3100 is still in the fight, however, with the mechanism that directs the PASM mode (Program, Aperture priority, Shutter priority and Manual modes). The ease of use and position of the rear thumbwheel is superior to other manufacturers’ comparable models; and it’s combined with the exposure compensation button. Both are strategically placed behind the shutter release (as they are on all Nikons), putting them within a comfortable reach of an index finger. Another operational winner for the D3100 is the four-position controller, which sets the focus point manually. This function is paired with the 11-point AF system. It eliminates the need to focus and recompose images when subjects are not in the center of the frame.

Other Feature Details

Continuous shooting is a respectable 3 fps (frames per second); but that’s significantly less than the Pentax K-x at approximately 5 fps and the 7 fps of the mirror-less Sony NEX-3 and -5. The most important improvement in the D3100 compared to the D3000 is that Active D-Lighting doesn’t have much effect on the number of frames you can capture before the buffer is filled.

Entry-level DSLRs don’t typically have an in-body auto-focus motor, and neither does the D3100. This is critical to the buying decision, as third-party and non-AF-S Nikkor lenses without a built-in motor can’t be focused with the D3100. Nonetheless, there are still a large number of lenses to pair with the D3100, so this shouldn’t affect many photographers.

When it comes to the auto-focus function, the Nikon D3100 follows the patterns of most DSLRs, with “phase-detect AF” for normal eye-level shooting and “contrast-detect AF” for live view. Third-party testing establishes the phase-detect AF as measurably faster. Plus, those photographers upgrading from a compact to their first DSLR will like that face detection, for example, is very similar to those compacts. What does make the D3100’s auto-focus unique among its competitors is that 3D-tracking works quite well with subject movement.

Read Part 3 of this PhotographyTalk.com article for information about the Nikon D3100’s Live View feature.

This article about the topic "Digital Photography Equipment Review—The Nikon D3100 DSLR Camera, Part 2" was first published on our website here https://www.photographytalk.com/photography-articles/1442-photography-equipment-reviewthe-nikon-d3100-dslr-camera-part-2

The Nikon Coolpix P310 Compact Camera: For a Better Digital Photography Experience

 You’re someone that is eager to capture all the fun and activities of your life in pictures, so you can share them with family, friends and the whole world. The camera that defines your kind of digital photography enthusiasm is the Nikon Coolpix P310 Compact. Here’s the camera that has all the features, sleek look and Nikon’s reputation for quality to be your life-recording companion. Also check review of Nikon Coolpix P1000 camera done by PhotodraphyTalk.com.

Read real customer reviews of the Nikon Coolpix P310 here.

The Coolpix P310’s understated design reflects your style for substance over flashy pretentiousness. This camera is meant to function as a superior digital shooter, and not a fashion accessory. Nikon has cleverly added two vertical rubber strips on the front and back of the camera body. No bulky, molded handgrip swathed in thick rubber was necessary. The unobtrusive strips on the P310 provide such a sure grip that you can grab this camera and shoot without fear of it slipping from your hand; and you can point-and-shoot with one hand.

The Nikon Coolpix P310 is also an extremely convenient picture taker. With dimensions of just 2.3 x 4 x 1.3” (58 x 103 x 32mm) and a weight of 6.9 oz. (194g), it fits in a pocket, purse, bag or pack. It’s always there and ready to shoot, but it’s never a burden or bother. For its price point, the Coolpix P310 is one of the smallest and lightest, but powerful, compact cameras.

The two primary visual tools used to take photos make it easy to shoot whenever, wherever and whomever. The Coolpix P310 is equipped with a 4.2x wide-angle optical zoom NIKKOR glass lens, which translates to a focal range of 24–100mm. This is perfect for your kind of subject matter. Select the wide end of the focal range for stunning landscapes and fun distortions of your family, friends and happy times. You and your digital photos will benefit from the rather astounding maximum aperture of f/1.8 at the wide angle. Then, move toward the other end of the focal range and use the best focal lengths for casual portraits, 70–100mm. Nikon has made it easy to capture rock-solid, sharp images with the zoom lens by adding its Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization technology to this camera. It compensates for camera shake, so you can shoot with the slower shutter speeds that may be required in low light and still bring home clear, crisp photos. Independent tests reveal that VR operates very smoothly; in fact, you won’t perceive it working, except in the quality of your pictures.

A major upgrade of the P310 from its predecessor, the P300, is a new Function button on the front of the camera body. Designate one of seven primary shooting settings to this button, depending on the subject matter, the place and the lighting. Another new point of control on the P310 is the U option, or User Settings. From this dial on the top of the camera, you’ll immediately switch between the current configuration of settings to any that you created and saved in the menu.

You’re the kind of digital photographer that wants automation! You expect the camera to do the work, so you can enjoy the fun and activities your photographing. The Nikon P310 includes a long list of Scene Modes that match with many of the “likes” in your life. Back Light, Beach, Close Up, Copy, Dusk/Dawn, Easy Panorama, Fireworks Shows, Food, Landscape, Museum, Night Portrait, Panorama Assist, Party/Indoor, Pet Portrait, Portrait, Snow, Sports, Sunset and 3D Photographer make for a full life and the P310 will help you capture it all.

The Nikon Coolpix P310 also features a 16.1-megapixel CMOS sensor; 3-inch, 920,000-dot LCD screen; and 1080p Full-HD video at 30 fps. Audio is recorded in stereo and the zoom lens is fully operational. The video system has the versatility to offer a High Speed mode, so you can shoot movies for slow-mo or fast-mo playback. You can speed past the footage that you don’t want others to see!

This blog post about "The Nikon Coolpix P310 Compact Camera" was first published on our website here https://www.photographytalk.com/photography-equipment-reviews/2411-the-nikon-coolpix-p310-compact-camera-for-a-better-digital-photography-experience