The Best Drones For Aerial Surf Photography 2024

Surfers at Waimea Bay Photo: Nick Gruen

Drone Photography is turning into ever more well-liked within the surf world. Now, alongside gorgeous close-ups and down-the-line shots from the water, we’re seeing glorious drawn again photographs from above that, in a single word, are breathtaking. Just take a glance at some of the aerial photographs that were submitted to The Inertia’s 2021 Film and Photo Challenge a couple months in the past. The successful shot (below) from Nick Gruen is certainly a stunner.

Although it might appear simple to capture such imagery, it isn’t. Drone photography requires all the abilities of a good photographer such as knowing tips on how to compose a shot, information of sunshine in addition to good piloting abilities and spatial awareness to keep the drone within the air.

And then, there may be the tools. High-quality drones positively make the artwork of drone images easier, bringing alongside features similar to follow-me software program, upgraded cameras with zoom lenses and cinematic modes, as well as stability enhancements for high-wind eventualities. But, such pro-level options come with a pro-level price ticket, and you’re not going to be making a lot use of a zoom lens (for example) whereas you’re still learning to fly. And moreover, as pro photographer and Mavericks Surf Awards Drone Operator Abe Alarcon informed me, “everyone crashes their first drone.” No cause to drop over $1,000 on a chunk of apparatus that will end up in a tree – or worse – the underside of the ocean.

Thankfully, there are some budget-conscious choices out there for these seeking to get into drone pictures, as nicely as a complete vary of options up to (and beyond) $3,000 with more bells and whistles than most pros know what to do with.

I caught up with pro photographers Nick Gruen and Abe Alarcon, each extremely proficient drone photographers who’ve used their piloting skills to seize stunning imagery everywhere in the world. Nick, primarily based on the North Shore of Oahu, was our Aerial category winner for the 2021 Film and Photo Challenge, together with his stunning shot of Teahupoo from above.

Teahupoo from above. Photo: Nick Gruen

Abe, based mostly out of Santa Cruz, Calif., has made a reputation for himself as the “Red Baron of Mavericks” (I just made that up), flying around one of the scariest big waves on the planet to capture gorgeous imagery and videos of some of the finest rides in current times at the infamous massive wave vacation spot.

Here’s the drones Abe and Nick instructed for those getting started, in addition to some mid-range options and the drones they use as pros. Along with some advice, of course, as a result of who doesn’t want that.

TLDR: What are the Best Drones for Surf Photography?
Consumer Level
DJI Mavic Mini
DJI Mini 2

Pro Level
DJI Mavic 2 Pro
DJI Mavic 2 Zoom
Autel Evo II Pro

Top of the Line Pro
DJI Inspire 2 Pro

We’ve also lined lots of different topics in surf pictures like one of the best cameras for surf photography, the best lenses for surf pictures, both from land and in the water, finest water housings, and the opposite ins and outs of surf images gear necessary for nailing that excellent barrel shot that surfers salivate over. Even the best waterproof cellphone instances for surf and underwater pictures.

What Factors Make A Difference?
Number one is flight time. That $70 drone on Amazon may appear to be a steal, but when it’s only got quarter-hour of flight time, that’s barely enough time to get in the air and look around earlier than coming back to earth. In any case, swappable batteries are a should, even with 30-minute flight times. When Abe is out at Mavericks, he has six batteries readily available, and a conveyable charger. “Once one battery dies, I put a brand new one in and throw that one on the charger,” he says. “In principle I may maintain flying forever. And I really have two controllers as nicely, as a outcome of those finally die too.”

Other considerations embrace drone vary, video decision (pay attention to the frames per second as properly as the fancy 4k, 6k, 8k numbers), warranty (because the truth is you’re going to crash a drone at some point), software options like follow-cam or cinematic mode, and drone speed/wind resistance (both rely upon how powerful the rotors are).

Drone Registration
At least in the united states, most drones are going to require a registration of some sort underneath the FAA. This is relatively simple to realize, and solely costs five dollars, but definitely is value understanding and doing, so you’re not risking a large fine. Drones beneath 250 grams (.fifty five pounds) don’t require registration, something that DJI was conscious of after they designed their Mini line of drones, which weigh a scant 249 grams.

Registration aside, it’s price noting that legal guidelines regarding the place you can fly a drone are fairly strict. No Fly Zones in the united states embody close to and above airports, wildlife refuges, navy bases, prisons, nationwide parks, and The White House. Privacy legal guidelines apply as nicely – no pointing your drone’s digicam at your next-door neighbors sunbathing nude of their yard.

DJI vs the Rest of the Industry?
This article is about to learn like a sponsored article for DJI. It isn’t. They merely make the most effective drones out there, and have an absolute stranglehold on the drone market. There are a pair other firms that make good gear, and I’ve done my best to incorporate them, however for essentially the most part we’re simply talking DJI. “There are a few things that I love about DJI’s drones,” Abe informed me. “They’re nice as a result of you can actually work on them. The first time I wrecked a drone, I was taking pictures surfing with it in Santa Cruz – the battery was dying so I brought it in to land on the seaside. however right as it landed on the sand and I’m staring on the display screen I see a set wave hit the seaside, and it soaked the drone. But my pal had advised me that perhaps distilled water would assist to get the salt out, so I went and obtained some distilled water and began washing my drone in the parking lot. People were so confused, however after I let it sit on rice for two weeks, it actually worked! The gimbal was off, so I changed that piece, and that’s what truly bought me on DJI, that I could work on my drone and substitute components to maintain it running.”

Something else Abe talked about that stood out to me was the warranty that DJI offers on its drones. If you crash a DJI drone, you can ship it again (even in pieces) and for a deductible they’ll ship you a new one. The only problem with the guarantee is that you want to have the drone, or a minimum of the items of it, to ship again. If you lose your drone over open water, or are unable to find its last resting place, the warranty is null and void. Definitely one thing to consider for surf photography. Abe says that’s the principle cause why he makes use of his Mavic 2 as an alternative of his Inspire drone for surf images. “If [the Inspire] sinks in the ocean I’m out over $3,500 versus $1,300,” he mentioned.

Consumer Level

Speed: 29 mph
Flight Time: 30 min
Camera Resolution: 2.7k video at 30fps
Range: 4km

The Mavic Mini is as low cost as you want to go when shopping for a drone. That being said, this little man nonetheless packs a punch. Since being replaced by the Mini 2 (see below), the Mavic Mini brings near-pro degree photo/video for simply $309 (renewed), an absolute steal. You won’t get all of the new features that the Mini 2 brings corresponding to upgraded software and degree 5 wind resistance (the Mavic Mini has level 4) but for more than 25 percent cheaper, you can’t go incorrect.