UKC

I’m mulling over buying my first drone, to be used for filming stuff outdoors - maybe climbing, scrambling, hiking, cycling and so on.

I really love good drone footage, such as the recent UKC film of Valkyrie.  But I also really dislike people using drones when I’m outside, enjoying some peace and quiet, especially in busy areas.

So, if you are a drone user - how did you mange this balance?  If you are being considerate, is there still piety of opportunity for use?

Do you use your drone as mulch as you thought you might?

That is an ecumenical question

I think straw and horse manure work better?

"I also really dislike people using drones when I’m outside, enjoying some peace and quiet, especially in busy areas."

answers your own question

No, they're awful. I can't get across my disdain for drone flyers without probably getting banned, so I won't say anything further than the least I want to do while they're being piloted in my immediate vicinity as I climb, is stomp them to oblivion. 

I took someone climbing a few weeks ago. Their first multipitch, they haven't done much climbing outdoor and where excited about it and wanted to bring a drone to film it.

I talked them out of it as it was likely just to annoy everyone and I didn't want to be a part of it.

When we got there, for the entire duration we didn't see a single sole walking or climbing. Could have used to drone without bothering anyone.

So maybe bring a drone with you, but just be prepared not to use it.

Their fins aren't much use for this

What Paul said.  

T.

No.

Certain nerds attracting gadgets come and go, CB radio, motorized skateboards, video cameras, jet skis etc etc.  They come, they go, they are generally quite annoying.

Instead of annoying the f**k out of everyone around and droning on about the "amazing 4k footage" while staring at your tiny phone screen try to experience the outdoors first person with your 4k eyes and at the same time take in the amazing aural experience that isn't ZZzzzZZZzzzzzzzzzzZZZZzzzzzz.

FWIW you shouldn't be flying drones around the Roaches the area is protected both nationally and internationally for its wildlife and rare wild habitats and designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and forming part of the South Pennine Moor Special Area for Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area. The amazing birds etc just simply aren't out while drones are buzzing around.

It seems to escape many drone users that reality and experience still exist even if you didn't record it.

Flying may be restricted at some Sites of Special Scientific Interest or Special Protection Areas where that flight may disturb animals or wildlife. Natural England should be consulted with regard to such designated sites.

https://www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/nature-reserves/roaches

https://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/frequently-asked-questions/drones

As EdS says above, you've kind of answered your own question. 

The answer isn't necessarily a flat 'no' though.  On the occasions in the past when you would have liked to have had a drone, could you have flown it without bothering anyone? 
(Or the wildlife etc. - respecting any site-specific bans on drone flying that might be in force and such.)

I guess the other question is, when you're enjoying your climbing/scrambling/cycling etc., how often are you going to want to stop doing that and faff about getting video footage of your mates enjoying themselves doing it instead?

The CAA rule that you must keep your drone at least 50m away from other people seems to be widely ignored.

My drone takes off (and lands) on my palm. Although I abide by the legislation myself, technology is outpacing it. Quieter, smaller, less of a nuisance.

My flat mate and I went halves on buying one a few years ago expecting to use it loads. Used it a handful of times, didn't like taking it out, now it sits collecting dust and is now nowhere near worth what we paid for it.

Worst purchase ever. 

What does landing on your palm have to do with whether it's reasonable to irritate other people by flying near them? I guess you're suggesting that drones are getting smaller, lighter and quieter, which is undoubtedly true, but I don't think size, weight and noise are the only considerations. And in any case, the noise decrease doesn't seem as substantial to me as the other factors. I've yet to encounter a drone that doesn't emit a very irritating whine over a substantial area.

I'm less of an anti-drone zealot than many on here. I try to remember that my hobbies probably irritate other people too, and there's a balance of interests. Many people are looking for peace and tranquility in the outdoors, but I inflict my jangling gear and occasional shouted communications with my partner while climbing. Many people are looking for unspoiled nature, but my climbing denudes the rock of vegetation and marks it with chalk.

But you shouldn't kid yourself that drones becoming marginally less intrusive thanks to the onward march of technology is changing the equation much in terms of the need to be thoughtful and considerate about their impact on others. Certainly the increase in number of drones and the length of time they can fly for has been much more significant than any slight decrease in the noise they put out. And even if drones made no noise at all, the intrusion would still bother people.

Here's a little story. My drone is also rated for indoor use. I unboxed it, turned it on. It took off from my palm, scanned my face, exclaimed something in a far eastern language then launched itself at a wall! Still room for improvement.

Drones are the aerial equivalent of "green laners". What they view as a harmless, entirely legal pastime, annoys the folk out of some other folk.

No.

I'll give you a different answer than the majority here:

If you enjoy photography, a drone will give you access to a new perspective and shots that are impossible to capture in another way. In that, it's similar to buying a tripod, or a super wide angle lens. Another tool in the arsenal.

Suitable drones with a quality camera are not cheap, so personally, I'd consider renting first, to see if you enjoy both the process and the results. If you do, go for it.

I find them much more objectionable in less busy areas.

In all honesty, I've been mulling this over all morning whilst following this thread and am of similar sentiment to Gwinn512.

The anti-drone argument seems to be little more than, "I wouldn't do it because I find drones irritating so YOU shouldn't do it because I find drones irritating".

I don't like stepping aside for the "green laners", horse riders, and cyclists when I'm out walking; but as irritating as I may find it, these activities are perfectly legal and I have no right to tell others how they should (or should not) enjoy the outdoors.

Obviously, flying your new toy over the Idwal Slabs on a sunny day in July probably isn't on but, if you can behave responsibly (and I've no reason to believe that you can't), take the test, pay the fee, and knock yourself out.

Drones aren't just a mild, momentary inconvenience like letting a horse or bike pass. They ruin the essence of what people go into the outdoors to seek. They're there to capture how beautiful, wild, unique, etc. the outdoor spaces are, while simultaneously ruining it for everyone else. It's like driving up to look at a beautiful view and then leaving all your rubbish on the floor (which tossers also do).  

The other thing I can't get my head around is that most of these drone pilots are just filming something captured 10000 times already (e.g. people filming up and down Stanage). It's like the sea of people in an audience, filming a gig on their phones, not capturing anything unique. 

And if you're filming your mate or yourself, the question is: do you want to capture your enjoyment of something so badly that you're willing to spoil someone/multiple other people's enjoyment of something? And if you're happy doing so then don't you think it a little selfish? 

I've considered getting one in the past, but have always decided against, mainly because I don't really like editing video.  Based on my GoPro experience a drone is likely to take a lot of footage, 90% of which will be rubbish.  Unless you can be bothered to chop out all the rubbish, you probably won't look at your video more than once, it will just sit on your hard drive taking up a lot of space.

Taking the drone out with you will also disrupt the activity that you're taking part in.  That might be fine if you want drone flying to become your hobby, but if you're mainly in it for the climbing/scrambling etc., just enjoy the moment and maybe grab an occasional 10 second video on your phone to look back on in the future.

I'm not sure that I entirely agree with the comparison, Paul; someone has to pick up the tosser's rubbish. Presumably, the drone pilot would take his drone home him/herself

The point that I'm trying to make is that flying drones (regulations and requirements, notwithstanding) is perfectly legal. I find lots of things irritating (mostly because I'm a miserable old git) but I have to accept that I can't just tell other people what they can or can't do.

Which adds precisely nothing to the argument of whether someone should or should not purchase a drone. 

I've climbed Slick (VD) any number of times, the fact that thousands(?) of others have done it before in no way diminishes my pleasure every time I do it.

Well, that's an excellent point.

It's also one that I happen to agree with. However, let's give the OP the benefit of the doubt and assume that he/she isn't a complete prick that has no consideration for others. More to the point, why wouldn't his mate want that "epic" shot of him climbing that wall?

I always work on the law of thirds:

A third of people are kind, considerate, and willing to do the right thing

A third of people can be convinced (or goaded) to be kind, considerate, and do the right thing

The other third will always be complete and utter tossers.

Imagine if the camera had been invented this morning... The outcry... The potential for invasion of privacy... The offshoots with science and medicine. The Webb Space Telescope! There will always be progressives and there will always be luddism; the truth is reality lies between the two perspectives. There's good and bad in every innovation and I'll grant you there's plenty of bad when it comes to drones! Even if you're a glass half full type.

You could pop it in the air fryer for a while. 

A modern, off the shelf drone that meets regulatory requirements for flying around others is quieter than hexes

If its under 250g you don't have to

Maybe not Idwal, there's a drone ban thee. Key to check the regs

I get annoyed when I'm in a rural place and can see and hear drones flying around. There's insensitive use of drones; i.e. flying in busy places at busy times, and then there's sensitive use of drones; i.e. flying away from other people, checking whether the land owner / designation of the land permits drone flying. I think you feel similarly anyhow from your OP.

Personally, I love photography but It hasn't yet crossed my mind to use a drone to get a better composition. As well as the negative feelings from others, it would be quite a lot of faff too and for me I think that would detract from the activity I'm doing (in which photography is a secondary aspect). I can understand though that good results are possible for people who want to put the effort in.

The rules are quite obtuse. The rule for keeping at least 50m away from other people does not apply to drones under 250g in weight, and the most popular drones on the market keep below that weight limit. Under 250g and you can fly close to and over 'people' but not 'crowds'.

The rule about not flying more than 120m above ground level applies to all drones, regardless of weight.

I do have a drone, but I don't fly it much, as I don't launch it unless there's no-one around to bother, even then, I usually zip it straight up to 100m where it's basically invisible and inaudible on the ground.

Plus they are rubbish for filming climbing, as you have to put **** music over the footage which rather spoils the experience. There are plenty of other ways to record climbs that are less faff and don't annoy people.

Make your own decision on this. 

Drones are the latest in a long line of technical developments that are greeted with scorn prior to being adopted by climbers. The disdain for drones is simply a repetition of many other developments.

Sticky rubber

Chalk

Friends

Sport climbing

Mountain bikes

Mobile phones in the hills

GPS

All initially derided prior to being widely accepted.

There is no authority but yourself ( and the CAA).

I predict dislikes in the high teens for this post.

I'll get you off to a positive start

Thank you

I do a bit of drone flying for photo/ videography. They can be noisy and intrusive so I am very careful not to fly drones near others.

Pros- superb photos and videos if you can get the right shots. Much better than a GoPro in my opinion. 

Cons- antisocial if used inconsiderately. Expensive- you are wasting your money buying cheaper drones. The cheap ones tend to be unstable, hard to fly and when you eventually get a DJI drone you realise how good DJI are in comparison. Modern climbing movies depend on drone footage and the results are stunning- see the recent Patagonia footage of the ascent of Jirishanca.

https://youtu.be/rzlLT-je9jg?si=-OHayKl7GGdJvHb3

You're welcome.

At the risk of derailing the thread, I often think that likes/dislikes are more of an indication of which side of the consensus you are rather than the merit of your argument.

Thanks for all the replies.  

I think I’m going to keep my hand in my pocket.  My desire to not being an annoyance outweighs my desire to get extra footage.

Plus someone reminded me how much fun editing isn’t.

Thanks.

I am always torn on this. I HATE, with a passion, the buzz of a drone when climbing and can't get over how anti social a thing they are. I then watch climbing footage using them and am blown away by how good it is.

So, I guess

• Filming yourself/mate at Stanage - Not a chance you inconsiderate t**t (unless it's a really hard route then anything goes, obvs....)
• Filming a fantastic ascent of somewhere I am not, nor will be - fill your boots, I can't wait to watch the film on Youtube......

This gets my vote as the best post in this thread!

That’s exactly how I feel.  

Do you have an Insta360?

The footage from them is really good and fun to play with. Might do a lot of what you would want the drone for.

Quieter than hexes…..

How good are they for bashing gulls ( or muggers)?

Perhaps we should rename a size 11 hex as a drone basher.

Some landowners do not allow it. For example (and copied from their website). 

As a landowner, the National Trust does not permit unauthorised drone operation on its land and or properties.

Same with MoD I believe. 

So that's a fair bit of the coastline covered, and the Lakes and Snowdonia (to use the old name) amongst others.

I use one at work. I'm vaguely interested in their photographic potential, Lemming of this parish uses one a bit.

As you can probably see from some of the replies, using a drone without consideration of other's reasonable expectation of peace and quiet will not make you popular, a bit like turning up to the crag with a huge ghetto blaster but one that can film people without their consent as well. So, they have their place, which is nowhere near anyone else who could object.

I don’t have an insta 360, but I do have a GoPro and can simulate some drone type shots using an extension pole.  But a drone seems to be to only way to get certain angles.  Unless I use a helicopter….

Yes, get one.  Some of my favourite photos I’ve taken have been with a drone and it was the only way to get the composition.  I don’t take it out very often but I’m glad I have the option to take it if I want to.

i try to avoid using it if there are other folks about as I’m aware that they annoy some folks.  However, there’s a long list of things in life that annoy me and I ignore them so it is what it is.

No.

How often will you actually want to use or view the footage? I'm guessing that you'll capture loads and the majority of it will never even get edited, much like how people take billions of photos that just live on their phones and never get viewed. 

Similarity, will taking the drone and using it reduce your enjoyment of that particular thing you're trying to capture? I used to enjoy photography (on a very amateur scale) and would carry a SLR and various lenses but I gave up after I found myself just looking for a photo and carrying a load of kit rather that enjoying the environment like I used to.

The great climbing footage is not filmed by the climbers. If you want to get great footage then you won’t be climbing.  If you want to go climbing, no drone. If you want to film your mates, bring drone.

Definitely buy one! Or two, or ten, or more!

https://u24.gov.ua or your preferred UA drone unit's fundraiser. FPV drones you will be sure help nature conservation by keeping the aggressor at bay.

You need to do some personal research, YouTube can help though!!

Your post completely mirrors my thoughts - I hate them when they are buzzing overhead, but find races and mountain scenery filmed using them somewhat magical. 

I do think they are a hobby in themselves so making this purchase might take you away from the actual experiences you want.

This is the ideal time and place to practice drone flying. The peace will already have been ruined by tens of brightly dressed, shouty, jangly people daubing the crags white and littering the crag base with a rainbow of petrol chemical products.

That might have the additional benefit of driving off the queues for Faith, Hope, and Charity

Winning 😂😂😂

Have to agree... Was on a cycling trip to Mallorca a few weeks back, riding along the famous coast road I found the scenery so amazing I felt compelled to stop and take a photo. Then I realised that I could stop and take photos all day and it couldnt replicate the experience, so I didnt stop or take any photos at all... 

As an occasional drone flyer I always try to make sure I film footage when few people are around. I've started making content of walks I complete, mainly circular.

These ones tend to be of easier less energetic walks that the majority of people could complete and the drone footage gives people an idea of the terrain involved and also of the views during the walk.

Whilst I appreciate some people object to the use of drones, they do have a place. If we all stopped doing things people objected to then most of us would do very little.

I share my content on YouTube and even though I have a small number of views obviously some people have an interest in what I create.

Interesting.

Currently my post comparing drones to mobile phones etc lies at 18 likes Vs 15 dislikes.

A few years ago, I posted similar and was roundly chastised for my views. It looks like my predictions are well on their way to realisation.

Don't worry, the next hateful item will be along shortly.

I didn't dislike the post, but I don't think it's a particularly insightful comparison. Yes, it's likely that drones will continue to proliferate as they keep becoming cheaper, more capable and more user friendly. But I don't think they're very similar to the other things you've listed, which are mostly either: 

1. Climbing-specific technology that offers really compelling advantages to the climbing itself (stickies, chalk, cams)

2. General-purpose tech with really compelling benefits for almost everyone in society (phones, GPS)

Drones aren't in either of those categories. Whilst I don't doubt that they'll keep getting more popular, they're never going to be central to climbing because they're not relevant to the actual climbing. And they're never going to be mainstream in wider society because they don't offer anything that most people need. In climbing and in general, they're a niche thing for people who have a particular interest in capturing their activities on video. That's never going to be a majority of climbers or wider society. As the drones get cheaper and more capable, the niche is expanding, but it's still only a niche. 

The objections to drones are also fundamentally different. The other things in category 1 were regarded as dumbing down or making things too easy. Drones just irritate people by being noisy and intrusive. The dumbing down argument tends to go away as more people get tempted themselves and lose the moral high ground. But drones only get more irritating as their numbers increase. And as they're only of interest to a small proportion of people anyway, they can't win by making all their detractors into hypocrites.

Or capture a 10 second video on your drone, you don't have to use up the whole battery! Do it while nobody is around or ask the people who will be affected by it ("do you mind if I just fly this up for a minute and then I'll stop?"). I've done this and I've never had people say no. In fact a couple of times, the couple on the same crag that I asked also asked me for the footage, so a flew an extra 30 seconds to get a clip of them as well). 

"but if you're mainly in it for the climbing/scrambling etc., just enjoy the moment" - I somehow manage to enjoy the moment and take pictures at the same time!! So do most mountain guides, climbers, tourists etc. If you don't want to take pictures, play a whistle, stop and check the geology out and just want to climb then that's fine, but most people combine their hobbies together without ruining the moment.

Just to be a pedant... Yes you can fly over Idwal

To your first point, you're right, drones aren't climbing specific but that doesn't mean that they can't (or, shouldn't) be co opted to the pursuit. 

To your second point, can you really not see how drones have compelling benefits for almost everyone in society? How about search and rescue? Or, utility infrastructure inspection? Perhaps using drones to help control fires doesn't qualify as a compelling benefit. I can think of many current and potential uses for this technology and recreation is no trivial benefit per se.

I use GPS to track (log) distances rather than for navigation; hardly a compelling benefit for anyone in society, but bloody useful (perhaps, more accurately, interesting) to me. Technology is often used in ways for which it was not intended; isn't it a little high-minded to dismiss it's utility value because one finds it bothersome?

There are many replies highlighting that mucking around with drone (and cameras and so on) can detract from the enjoyment of doing the activity itself…  I very much agree.

However I enjoy taking photos and filming others.  If I get good footage of a friend climbing their boulder project for the day, that they like, I get a buzz.  I also like looking back at the memories now and then too.

You're misinterpreting my point. I wasn't arguing that drones won't be, or shouldn't be, used by climbers. Or that they have no utility or importance more generally. I was just pointing out that they're distinctly different from the other things EnnerdaleBlonde listed and can't be expected to gain the same degree of acceptance or widespread use, either within or outside climbing.

Your points about their uses are entirely valid, but aren't reasons why very many people would directly own or use them personally, which is what I was talking about. They're inherently more niche than the things they were being compared to. Which isn't in any way a dismissal of their value within the niche.

As others have said above, there are legal restrictions on drone use which limit where you can use it. Unless you intend to break the law, you'll need to familiarise yourself with these to work out if buying a drone is worth it for you.

Point 4 below: you must be more than 50m away from people unless its weight is sub 250g   https://register-drones.caa.co.uk/drone-code/where-you-can-fly
 

Points 23 and 24: you need to identify yourself and let people know before filming them. Images will be subject to GDPR. https://register-drones.caa.co.uk/drone-code/protecting-peoples-privacy

The National Parks and Wildlife Trusts are not keen on drone use on their land. As the law requires you to gain consent from a landowner, that might be problematical should they object to your activity.

https://authority.snowdonia.gov.wales/information/filming-in-snowdonia/usin....

https://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/frequently-asked-questions/drones#....

https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/things-to-do/flying-drones#:~:text....

Only if the National Trust has given specific consent, otherwise you are breaking the law as they do not, as a matter of policy, permit it.

https://authority.snowdonia.gov.wales/information/filming-in-snowdonia/usin....

No - they can only stop create policy around taking off or landing on their property. They can't control the airspace above it. I said I was being a pedant

It’s misleading for any reader who does not know the law on this. Since drone flying is an increasingly common pastime, I think it is better to be straightforward rather than encourage people to think that drone use above SSSIs is ok.

PEDANT = a person who is excessively concerned with minor details and rules. 

i.e. I'm saying it's legal, not recommended nor to be encouraged. 

I've already pointed out the the National Trust do not normally allow drones. To elaborate on the legal position here's what they say on their website:

In accordance with the UK CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) Drone Code 2024, which states that byelaws can restrict drone flight, the National Trust Byelaws, constituted by Acts of Parliament, clearly express that an unauthorised person shall not operate an airborne vehicle or machine over National Trust property.

So it's illegal whether or not you take off or land on it.  

I understand there are rules and laws that I would need to abide by.  That’s a given.

However my original question was designed to try get a feel for how much use I might get out of one, given that I that I wouldn’t want to annoy anyone.

https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/national-trust-admits-it-cant-ban-drone-fli...

In short, the National Trust admit that it cannot legally stop drone flights over its land because, while it owns the land itself, it does not own the airspace above it. Airspace in the UK is regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which governs the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) regardless of the land ownership below. This means that individuals can legally fly drones from public spaces adjacent to National Trust properties if they comply with existing aviation regulations, such as altitude limits and no-fly zones. As a result, the Trust can only enforce its policies regarding drone takeoffs and landings on its land

That's really a bit like asking how long is a peice of string type question. If you like making videos you might get lots of use out of one. On the other hand, if you just want to go climbing/walking and think having a drone buzzing around above you, will make a good video. It won't,  you'll use it a couple of times and that will be it. It all depends on what your priorities are. You really need to go out to make a video of a climb rather than go climbing and hope to film it.

Nope!

The CAA rule is for drones over 250 grams in weight. Drones under that weight don't have that restriction.

Nope!

While stood on National Trust property.

Wot he said. If you just want to document your climb with a drone, then all you will be doing is filming somebody's arse. The same is with a camera while going up a route. You are either looking up at somebody's arse. Or you are looking down at the top of their head.

If you go out to film a climb rather than climb and try to film then you get something like this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsNLRfvWP9E&t=173s

I'm back. Hope you missed me.

But of course!

I'm sorry but that may not be the most ridiculous thing I've read on UKC but it's definitey in the running this week. 

It's a tool - you can get all sorts of angles, viewpoints, focal lengths. 

The only limitation is that you can't fit the drone between the climber and the rock. You can certainly place them either side of a ridge so you can see their face if you wanted. You can hover them on a wide belay ledge so you get the front of their body as they top out a pitch.

Loads of options that don't involve arse or pate!

The National Trust has a habit of playing slippery with the law on their website. They tried to ban landscape photography on their land once and managed to convince Alamy to take down all pictures that were taken on their land. 

This did not go down well... 

This is absolute classic ukc commandment number one, "he who climbs hardest has the most valid opinion"

Why should a punter be criticised and a pro lauded for the same action?

Absolutely priceless

Modern drones are much quieter than earlier models and noise is far less of an issue than it used to be, and l find that less of a problem than the regrettable habit of people taking speakers to play music at the crag.  I don't really have a problem with someone flying a drone at some distance, but when they fly in close and buzz around me while I am trying climb their mere presence is distracting and intrusive. I don't want a stranger peering over my shoulder uninvited when I'm doing anything, let alone when I'm climbing. The CAA rules on responsible drone use are mainly focussed on safety and don't seem to address this, apart from some rather vague requests to respect people's privacy and comply with data protection laws.

The next generation of drones have completely inaudible motors. This is achieved through a technology called “drone and base” which combines all the best aspects of a drone and of a Bluetooth speaker. The speaker completely drowns out any other noise from the drone.

My DJI mini 4 is a quiet drone, compared to its previous versions or even the bigger versions Such as the DJI Air or Mavic drones.

I took my drone out to play in March while my mates climbed above Settle, and when the drone was up in the air it was just a faint hum. And it did not go up in the air without their permission so as not to distract them while climbing.

However you could hear the motorbikes roaring through the area from at least a mile away.

Drones in this context are a camera platform, I have one and use it every bit as much as I expected, but I'm very particular about NOT flying it if there are other people around who might hear it - even though I am within the law. 

There's a couple of things:

One, unfortunately a significant number of drone 'pilots' are inconsiderate and ignorant of aviation and privacy laws. Some are deliberately antisocial.

A small, but vocal, number of people get quite hysterical about drones, even though they might be totally okay to climb near major traffic noise, point their cameras in every direction and scream "climb when ready Geoffrey" loud enough that it shatters rocks.

If you buy one, understand the limitations and responsibilities, and be very cognisant of other people's need to enjoy peace. If you do go for it I'd recommend the CAA A2 CofC course, which is really cheap and covers a lot of stuff that you need to know.

Apologies to anyone named Geoffrey - it's a fine name.

That a great post, thanks.

It was the Mini 4 that I had my eye on.  Cheers.

Which episode of 'Rainbow' was that in?

I can't rate this drone highly enough. The camera is superb in low light and the 4k footage is some of the best for such a small camera.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/the1lemming/53892446998/in/dateposted/

And during daylight the obstacle avoidance is phenomenal while its in autonomous mode following stuff. I even tested it while walking through a wooded area. I gave it no instructions and just wandered round trees where it followed me almost flawlessly.

There are rumours of a 1 inch sensor for the next version Mini drone and if that is the case then it would be up there with the more heavy drones for image quality.

The only area that this drone is weak in is high winds and that is only because of its weight. However I've had it out in winds over 20mph and got it back.

How good are the follow me modes on modern drones?

Could you for example take a huge swinging fall in a steep cave and have the drone follow you?

Depends how fast you were going. The specs say that the drone cam avoid up to 12 meters per second. But if its going forward as speed and you start moving back towards it at speed then I think something will get messy.

Sadly the obstacle avoidance and "Follow" modes are being tested out quite extensively in Ukraine at the moment and the military world is paying close attention.

Thanks, I was thinking of a drop from the chains after having skipped a load of clips or a bridge swing like scenario.

I would imagine someone somewhere will have tried it.

With hurtling towards the drone you could have it just out of reach as you pendulum towards it.

You could have the drone perpendicular to the swinging action to get a good wide angle shot.

Or you could have the drone follow from behind.

Or if you and the pilot are brave, then swing towards the drone and as you reach the end of the swing and start going backwards, then the drone could follow you going backwards. You could then reverse this in post and have it look like you are coming towards the camera.

So many options.

Spinning props and a rope under tension may or may not have consequences, Mr Wick!

It's a very impressive bit of kit. I bought a Neo initially but that is an absolutely awful, banshee-wailing little thing. The Mini 4 Pro is basically silent in comparison.

Unless you're directly underneath the M4P, or within 20metres of it, it's barely audible. The camera is seriously impressive for such a tiny sensor too.

The YouTube shill's did their best to hide the noise this thing created in their YouTube reviews.

Shockingly loud. Tiny props = screams

I had a Mini 2 which I sold a few months ago- a great drone. Never even came near to crashing it and the footage was brilliant.

I bought a Neo shortly after that. The Neo is phenomenal value considering the easy of flying and results but you are absolutely right- what a fkn racket! It's so noisy. It's such a shame as it really restricts the use I would put it to. 

I have the mini 3, which isn't loud but is quite a high pitched whine. I wouldn't dream of flying it if anyone was around. I've only used it a few times in eighteen months mainly because I'm not very good at flying it. It can give you another angle to your videos, but does requires quite a lot of practise. I did think of selling it but now they've brought out the 4, the 3 isn't worth peanuts second hand. 

I got £250 for my used Mini 2 Fly More Combo on the 'bay (low start price auction- no reserve). You might be surprised if you try. 

No, I decided to keep it and persevere. 

Funnily enough DJI drones do hold quite a bit of their price. You'd be surprised how much you'd get. The 3 and 4 are about the same except for a bit more obstacle avoidance.

The Mini 3 has better video codecs such as dLog. Its a genuine log colour profile.

The Mini 4 has an awful codec called dLog M. Its supposed to be user friendly for beginners to colour grade with but it isn't. DJI themselves refuse to tell people how to convert it other than providing an official conversion LUT but they refuse to tell what colour space to use.

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Nice project here if anyone fancies putting down the rattly sabre and picking up a soldering iron.

https://www.tomshardware.com/raspberry-pi/portable-raspberry-pi-tactical-so...