Malta Explored Through a First-Person View Drone Tour, Tips on Creating Cinematic Drone Photos, and Additional Drone Updates
This week we're diving into a thrilling drone tour of Malta, captured via a mix of FPV and cinewhoop drones. Our tour guide, Danny McGee, takes us on a high-speed, adrenaline-fueled journey through the heart of this island nation, located between Italy and North Africa. McGee managed to capture the stunning coastlines, historic fortifications, and bustling harbors of Malta using four drones: the DJI Avata 2, the Moz 7 Long Range FPV, the Chimera 7, and the Nazgul 5. By showcasing the versatility of both cinewhoop and long-range FPV platforms, this video truly highlights the potential of these incredible machines.
If you're unhappy with the flatness of your drone photos, fear not! Here's a simple trick: tweak the tone curve. This powerful tool, available in Lightroom, Snapseed, and Photopea, lets you manipulate the shadows, midtones, and highlights for a more dramatic contrast. By adjusting the RGB channels, you can fine-tune the color balance, resulting in visually captivating aerial photos. Check out our guides to learn more about how to use this tool to elevate your drone photos to the next level.
Transforming the indoor drone flying game is the recent launch of ModalAI's Stinger Vision FPV. This drone is specifically designed for navigating GPS-denied environments, thus tackling the steep learning curve that has long hindered the adoption of FPV drones. Equipped with a compact, caged design, onboard autonomy, computer vision, thermal sensors, and "backtrack" mode, the Stinger Vision FPV ensures precision and reliability when flying indoors. Secure video transmission, long-range, low-latency HD video streaming, and NDAA compliance position it as a competitive tool for industrial inspection, tactical ISR, and other commercial drone work.
For budget-conscious beginners, the Potensic Atom 2 presents a compelling alternative to the DJI Mini 4K. This drone impressed critics with features like 4K/30fps HDR video, 48MP stills, and advanced AI tracking. At just under 250 grams, the Atom 2 adheres to the FAA's weight requirements, eliminating the need for registration. Keep an eye on the pricing, as it may be subject to potential tariffs, as is the case with the Mini 4K.
As a pioneering testing hub for commercial drone operations, Grand Sky in North Dakota celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Over this decade, Grand Sky has shaped the future of drone technology and airspace integration, attracting heavy hitters like Northrop Grumman, NASA, and General Atomics. Known for its pioneering beyond visual line of sight operations, Grand Sky established a unique public-private partnership model and access to 11,000 square miles of beyond visual line of sight airspace, driving over $169 million in investment and positioning North Dakota as a national hub for UAS innovation and workforce development.
- Danny McGee's drone tour of Malta demonstrated the versatility of both cinewhoop and long-range FPV platforms in capturing stunning aerial views.
- If you're struggling with flat drone photos, consider adjusting the tone curve for more dramatic contrast using tools like Lightroom, Snapseed, or Photopea.
- The recent launch of ModalAI's Stinger Vision FPV drone is revolutionizing indoor drone flying by offering onboard autonomy, computer vision, thermal sensors, and "backtrack" mode.
- The Potensic Atom 2, with its 4K/30fps HDR video, 48MP stills, and advanced AI tracking, offers a cost-effective alternative to the DJI Mini 4K for budget-conscious beginners.
- Grand Sky in North Dakota, a pioneering testing hub for commercial drone operations, has attracted major companies like Northrop Grumman, NASA, and General Atomics, driving over $169 million in investment.
- By showcasing the potential of these incredible machines, McGee's drone tour underscores the transformative role of technology in education and business, particularly in areas like mapping, photography, and navigation.
- Safety regulations, such as FAA certification and adherence to weight requirements, should not be overlooked when investing in drone gadgets for photography, business, or other purposes.
- The Stinger Vision FPV drone's secure video transmission, long-range, low-latency HD video streaming, and NDAA compliance make it a valuable tool for industrial inspection, tactical ISR, and other commercial drone work.