14 DAY TRIAL // If you follow the field of aerial photography drones, you might be familiar with the Phantom and Phantom Vision. However, these gizmos bring some limitations, because you’re forced to use a GoPro camera or a built-in sensor.
Now the same company behind the Phantoms, DJI Innovations, is rolling out the Spreading Wings series. From the lineup, the 5900 draws our attention, because it’s a lightweight, powerful drone that allows photographers to attach mirrorless cameras to it.
The drone takes advantage of six motors and has 15-inch propellers and its arms are foldable, so the device can easily be transported.
Its portability is enhanced by the fact that the arms are made of carbon fiber. However, that doesn’t mean that the drone loses points in the strength department – on the contrary, the new Spreading Wings 5900 is quite robust and stable.
According to the producing company, the device can carry up to 8.2 kg / 18.2 lbs., even if the standalone drone weighs just 3.3 kg / 7.2 lbs. That’s why it can carry a substantial mirrorless camera without breaking a sweat.
The aerial photography drone can fly for up to 18 minutes at a time, enough for you to get a bunch of decent shots, at least.
For example, the S900 will allow you to attach the Panasonic GH4 camera, one of the most impressive mirrorless cameras to date, which brings to the table 4K video recording. So you’ll be able to shoot footage of spectacular quality from atypical angles most mainland photographers aren't able to.
Power onboard the drone is sustained by a rather huge, 12,000 mAh battery that is rechargeable.
When you have completed a shooting session, you can land your drone on the dedicated retractable landing gear.
The only caveat is that this mirrorless-friendly device doesn’t come remotely cheap. If you’d like to be able to shoot photos and videos from above using your mirrorless camera, you’ll have to save up to $3,800 / €2,831 in order to do so.
In related matters, drone aerial photography is really taking off. Not long ago, we told you about the contest launched by National Geographic entitled Dronestragam.
Photo enthusiasts were invited to submit their drone photography, and the image that stood out in the end proved to be of a vulture caught in the act of flying.
Of all 2,000 entries, several were identified as being more interesting, including one depicting a Mexican waterfall, which received the prize for “most liked.”
