As technology advances, aerial videography has become more accessible to the general public. Drones have been at the forefront of this innovation, allowing filmmakers, videographers, and photographers to capture stunning footage from the sky. However, operating a drone while trying to capture footage can be a difficult task. This is where “Follow Me” drones come in, a type of drone that can autonomously follow the operator, capturing footage along the way. In this article, we will discuss Follow Me drones, how they work, and their potential applications.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What are Follow Me Drones?
- How do Follow Me Drones Work?
- Types of Follow Me Drones
- Applications of Follow Me Drones
- Advantages of Follow Me Drones
- Disadvantages of Follow Me Drones
- Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Follow Me Drone
- How to Operate a Follow Me Drone
- Best Follow Me Drones on the Market
- Conclusion
- FAQs
What are Follow Me Drones?
Follow Me drones are a type of drone that can autonomously follow the operator. They are equipped with GPS tracking technology that allows them to track the operator’s movements and adjust their flight path accordingly. This means that the operator can focus on capturing footage without worrying about flying the drone.
How do Follow Me Drones Work?
Follow Me drones use a combination of GPS and computer vision technology to track the operator. The operator wears a small GPS tracker that sends signals to the drone, allowing it to follow the operator’s movements. Some drones also use computer vision technology, which allows them to recognize the operator’s face and follow them without the need for a GPS tracker.
Types of Follow Me Drones
There are several types of Follow Me drones available on the market. Some drones are designed specifically for aerial videography, while others are designed for recreational use. Some of the most popular types of Follow Me drones include:
| Drone Model | Flight Time | Flight Range | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DJI Matrice 300 RTK | 55 minutes | 15 km | 6.3 kg | Check Price |
| Parrot Anafi | 25 minutes | 4 km | 320 g | Check Price |
| Tello Quadcopter | 13 minutes | 100 m | Approx 80 g | Check Price |
| Parrot Mambo Fly Educational Drone | 9 minutes | 60 m | 63 g | Check Price |
| Sky Viper e1700 | 8-10 minutes | 100m | 75 g | Check Price |
| Bitcraze Crazyflie 2.1 | 7 minutes | 1 km | 27 g | Check Price |
| Robolink CoDrone | 12 minutes | 200 m | 155g | Check Price |
| Drone Aviation PlutoX kit | 7+ minutes | 70-100 m | 80 g | Check Price |
| Makeblock Airblock Educational Drone | 10 minutes | 20-30 m | 200 g | Check Price |
| DJI Tello Iron Man Edition | 13 minutes | 100 m | Approx 80 g | Check Price |
When it comes to follow me drones, there are several options available in the market with varying features and capabilities. Here are some of the most popular follow me drones that you can consider:
- DJI Matrice 300 RTK: This drone is one of the most advanced and powerful drones available in the market. It has a flight time of 55 minutes and a flight range of 15 km, making it suitable for various applications.
- Parrot Anafi: This drone is known for its compact size and lightweight design. It has a flight time of 25 minutes and a flight range of 4 km, making it ideal for capturing high-quality aerial footage.
- Tello Quadcopter: This drone is a popular choice for beginners and kids due to its ease of use and affordable price. It has a flight time of 13 minutes and a flight range of 100 m.
- Parrot Mambo Fly Educational Drone: This is another great option for beginners and kids. It has a flight time of 9 minutes and a flight range of 60 m.
- Sky Viper e1700: This drone is known for its durability and agility. It has a flight time of 8-10 minutes and a flight range of 100m.
- Bitcraze Crazyflie 2.1: This drone is one of the smallest and lightest drones available in the market. It has a flight time of 7 minutes and a flight range of 1 km.
- Robolink CoDrone: This drone is designed for educational purposes and is suitable for beginners. It has a flight time of 12 minutes and a flight range of 200m.
- Drone Aviation PlutoX kit: This is another great option for beginners and kids. It has a flight time of 7+ minutes and a flight range of 70-100 m.
- Makeblock Airblock Educational Drone: This drone is designed for educational purposes and can be transformed into different forms such as a hovercraft. It has a flight time of 10 minutes and a flight range of 20-30 m.
- DJI Tello Iron Man Edition: This drone is a special edition designed in collaboration with Marvel. It has a flight time of 13 minutes and a flight range of 100 m.
When choosing a follow me drone, it is important to consider your requirements and the features that are important for you. Factors such as flight time, flight range, weight, and camera quality should be taken into account.
Some More Models
- DJI Mavic Air 2
- Skydio 2
- Autel Robotics EVO II
- PowerVision PowerEye
Applications of Follow Me Drones
Follow Me drones have a wide range of potential applications. They are commonly used in aerial videography and photography, allowing filmmakers and photographers to capture stunning footage from unique perspectives. They can also be used in sports to capture footage of athletes during training or competition. Additionally, Follow Me drones have potential applications in search and rescue operations, allowing rescue teams to quickly search large areas for missing persons.
Advantages of Follow Me Drones
There are several advantages to using Follow Me drones. One of the main advantages is that they allow the operator to focus on capturing footage without worrying about flying the drone. This can lead to more creative and unique footage. Additionally, Follow Me drones can be used to capture footage from difficult-to-reach locations, such as over water or in dense forests.
Disadvantages of Follow Me Drones
While Follow Me drones have many advantages, there are also some disadvantages to consider. One of the main disadvantages is that they can be expensive, with some models costing thousands of dollars. Additionally, Follow Me drones can be difficult to operate, requiring a certain level of skill and experience.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Follow Me Drone
When purchasing a Follow Me drone, there are several factors to consider. These include:
- Price
- Camera quality
- Flight time
- Range
- Ease of use
How to Operate a Follow Me Drone
Operating a Follow Me drone requires some skill and experience. Before operating a Follow Me drone, it is important to read the instruction manual and practice flying the drone in an open area. Additionally,
it is important to ensure that the GPS tracker or computer vision technology is working properly before taking off. Once the drone is in the air, the operator can activate the Follow Me mode, which will allow the drone to track their movements and adjust its flight path accordingly. It is important to note that the operator should still be aware of their surroundings and any obstacles that may be in the drone’s flight path.
Best Follow Me Drones on the Market
There are many Follow Me drones available on the market, each with its own unique features and capabilities. Some of the best Follow Me drones include:
- DJI Mavic Air 2: This drone is known for its high-quality camera and long battery life, making it a popular choice for aerial videography.
- Skydio 2: The Skydio 2 uses advanced computer vision technology to track the operator and avoid obstacles, making it a great option for capturing footage in tight spaces.
- Autel Robotics EVO II: This drone has a long range and high-quality camera, making it a great choice for capturing footage from a distance.
- PowerVision PowerEye: The PowerVision PowerEye has a dual camera system, allowing for both high-quality video and thermal imaging.
Conclusion
Follow Me drones are an exciting innovation in aerial videography. With their ability to autonomously track the operator, they offer a new level of convenience and creative potential for filmmakers, videographers, and photographers. While they can be expensive and require some skill to operate, their advantages make them a worthwhile investment for those looking to take their aerial videography to the next level.
FAQs
- Are Follow Me drones legal to fly?
- Yes, Follow Me drones are legal to fly in most countries, but it is important to check your local regulations before flying.
- Can Follow Me drones avoid obstacles?
- Some Follow Me drones are equipped with obstacle avoidance technology, but it is important to still be aware of your surroundings when flying.
- How far can Follow Me drones fly?
- The range of Follow Me drones varies depending on the model, but some can fly up to several miles away from the operator.
- Do Follow Me drones require a GPS tracker?
- Some Follow Me drones require a GPS tracker, while others use computer vision technology to track the operator.
- Are Follow Me drones easy to operate?
- Follow Me drones can be difficult to operate, especially for beginners. It is important to read the instruction manual and practice flying in an open area before using them for aerial videography.
