As a collective term, aerial cinematography is relatively self-explanatory. It uses aerial vehicles like planes, helicopters, or drones to film an elevated aerial view. This form of cinematography was initially used in the movies when aerial views were fundamental to show battles from above. Nowadays, it is frequently used for any type of film. But what exactly is it?
There are two types of aerial cinematography. The first type is called the eye view, and the other is called the chase shots. In the eye view, the camera does not move from one location to another, but the actors are still in the shot. The chase shots, on the other hand, show the actors moving from one location to another while the camera follows after them.
In the case of the eye view, the camera follows the actors all the time, while in the chase shots, the camera is stationary at one point and may move around at the right and left. A lot of filmmakers consider the eye shots to be less impressive than the establishing shots. But the truth is that when you stop to think about it, the eye level is actually the most impressive. The camera following the helicopter also gives the viewer a perspective of the entire sky because it is higher than the clouds.
When it comes to the use of aerial cinematography in films, the two main styles are done with the use of monofilaments and the fixed camera. With monofilaments, the filmmakers can shoot anytime wherever they like without worrying about interference from wind or other weather conditions. However, this is the only disadvantage of aerial cinematography. It is affected by weather, and if there is heavy rainfall or winds, there is the possibility that the helicopters will get damaged. When using the fixed camera style of aerial photography, the filmmakers can place their cameras at certain places for several hours to not be affected by any weather conditions. Using both styles together guarantees high-quality images.
One of the most impressive features of this kind of photography is the use of stunning aerial cinematography. This includes the use of drones to take the shots. Drones are mini helicopters that are operated by one person. They can navigate and hover over the target area where the shots are to be taken. These are easy to operate and are safe to use even by beginners. Moreover, the footage can be reviewed and saved for future reference.
To enjoy the perfect shots in aerial cinema, you must choose the right camera for the job. Check out the list of recommended DJI products available online.
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