How Drones are Pushing Videography to New Heights

The government’s decision to cut the red tape on Australia’s drone laws has been a hot debate in recent months, with many people worried that the move will increase the risk of inexperienced drone users causing serious incidents.

There’s something incredibly cool about a sweeping aerial shot, no matter the location. With the introduction of lightweight, affordable drones and the relaxation of Australia’s previously tight drone laws, capturing footage from an aerial perspective is much more accessible to videographers.

The past year has been an exciting year for the drone community. With the release of the GoPro Karma, DJI Phantom 4 and Mavic Pro, videographers have a lot of options in terms of semi-professional gear to take to the skies. Better features (such as the ability to shoot in 4K), portability, and with a price tag that doesn’t give you nightmares, these remotely-piloted aircraft are a great way for videographers to explore the world of aerial film making.

CASA licensing requirements

Another highlight of these drones is that they are all under 2 kg, which is an important feature to consider when factoring in Australia’s new commercial drone laws, effective September 29, 2016.

Until recently, if users wanted to share their aerial footage on services such as YouTube, they had to apply for a Remote Pilot’s Licence and Operator’s Certificate, spending at least $1400.

With the new relaxed laws, drones can now be used commercially on the condition that:

• The drone weighs less than 2kg, and
• They notify CASA, the government organisation responsible for drone licensing, at least five business days before their first flight and every 24 months after that.

On top of these conditions, all drone users, whether it be for commercial purposes or not, must adhere to the safety requirements set out by Part 101 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations. This ensures the safety of the public, and of other aircraft sharing the skies.

The threat of drones colliding with people, vehicles, or commercial airplanes is a legitimate cause for concern. On top of that, the privacy of landowners and those involved in emergency situations also needs to be considered. These issues need to be taken seriously as non-compliance with safety regulations will result in fines of up to $9000. So, the next time you’re hungry for a Bunnings sausage on bread, just remember that using your drone instead of enjoying the full experience in person could cost you a lot more than $2.

As technology improves and drones become even more affordable in the future, there will be ample opportunities to develop exciting aerial film techniques. The sky’s the limit (or 120 m in this case) for professional film makers and hobbyists alike — just remember to stay safe and follow the regulations.