Are you looking to add some extra flair to your videos? Find hidden riding spots? Explore our in depth guide for the best drones equipped with advanced features, excellent camera capabilities, and rugged durability.
As a child, I have a fond memory from the movie XXX. One of the scenes shows Vin Diesel hopping on a dirt bike, trying to get away from some bad guys and he jumps over an entire barn. The scene is shot from a birds eye view from what I assume was a helicopter.
At the time, I thought “That has got to be the coolest footage I’ve ever seen. If only it was possible to film motocross riders hitting big jumps without having to own a helicopter..”
Years later, with the popularity and performance of drones rising and the price going down, drone technology has become an essential tool, making this a possibility. A drone allows you to film any type of off-road adventures or motocross races from aerial perspectives, adding an entirely new dimension to your videos or pictures.
Read on to learn the best drones that can be specifically tailored for dirt bikes, so you can find the perfect flying partner to get all of the shots that your Go-Pro cannot.
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Why Drones are Essential for Dirt Bike Filmmaking
Drones have changed the way we watch action sports, and dirt biking has seen some of the most benefits. Here are some reasons why drones are essential for dirt bike filmmaking:
- Aerial Perspectives: Drones provide unique aerial perspectives that ground-based cameras cannot achieve. You can film yourself and your dirt bike from high above, showcasing the breathtaking landscapes and your impressive tricks or jumps.
- Dynamic Footage: With the ability to follow your dirt bike’s movements, drones can capture dynamic footage of your entire journey, from start to finish. The smooth tracking shots and sweeping panoramas add cinematic flair to your videos that cannot be achieved any other way.
- Easy Filming: Drones equipped with follow-me modes can autonomously track you while you concentrate on your ride. This hands-free operation simplifies the filming process, ensuring you don’t miss any of the thrilling moments.
Top 5 Drones for Dirt Bikes
As you will see from the mentioned dirt bike drones, Holy Stone is a clear contender in the market. However, do not let this discourage you from exploring options from other brands that may fit your needs better.
Drone Model 1: DJI Air 2-S
- 1-inch image sensor allows for 5.4K at 30FPS or 4k at 60FPS
- Operating temperature: 32° to 104°F or 0° to 40°C
- The “MasterShots” feature allows for the best shots anywhere, with just a tap
- Multiple features such as Spotlight 2.0, ActiveTrack 4.0, and Point of Interest 3.0 make for optimal “follow me” footage
- The 10-bit Dlog-M color profile is capable of recording up to one billion colors while retaining small details that make footage stand out
- Up to 7.5 miles range of ultra-smooth and clear image feed
- Obstacle Avoidance: The Air 2S is able to perceive direction in forward, backward, up, and down directions which allows it to easily avoid obstacles in all situations
Drone Model 2: Holy Stone HS175D
- 4K Ultra Clear Camera: 4K camera with 110° wide-angle and 90° adjustable view
- Auto Return Function: Will automatically return in the instance of the drone losing signal, out of range, or loss of power
- Battery: This drone utilizes 2 batteries, allowing for up to 46 minutes of flight.
- Functions: Altitude Hold, Optical Flow, Headless Mode, One Key Take Off/Landing, and Speed Adjust
- Foldable design that easily fits into the included carrying case
- Offers Tracing/Follow Me modes that will either follow you, follow a set path, or fly circles around a set point.
Drone Model 3: Potensic T25
- 4K HD Adjustable Camera allows for the angle of the camera to be adjusted while in flight
- 3 upgraded 1000 mAh intelligent batteries provide up to 30 minutes flight time
- Optical Flow Positioning: Allows for stability when in flight
- Return To Home Feature: Activates when RTH button is pressed or signal/power is lost
- User friendly fly modes such as Headless Mode, Altitude Hold, One Button Take Off/Landing, Follow Me, and Tap Flight
- Included backpack for outdoor use
- 360 days of free returns or exchanges offered by Potensic
Drone Model 4: Holy Stone HS420 Mini Drone
- Much lower price than the rest of the drones listed at around $50 USD
- One Key Start and Altitude Hold allow for ease of use
- Headless mode allows for operation without loss of direction
- Emergency stop feature to prevent impacts
- Can be tossed to launch, can perform in-air stunts, and follows set flight paths
- High Speed and Low Speed modes to cater to experienced or beginner pilots
- 720P HD FPV camera
- 2 Batteries allow for improved battery life, while the mini design gives you the ability to put this drone in a pocket or bag, eliminating the need for an entire drone case
- Safe for Kids: The propellers are protected by guards which allows for safe use around children or pets
- Amazon’s Choice
Drone Model 5: Holy Stone HS720
- 4K UHD camera with Image Stabilization
- GPS Assisted Intelligent Flight
- 2 Intelligent Batteries: 26 Mins per battery or 52 Mins in total
- Brushless motors for quieter flight
- Foldable design with an included carrying case
- Multi sensors for hovering with amazing stability
- Modes: Optical Flow Positioning, One Key Start/Stop, Emergency Stop, Altitude Hold, and Electric Fence
- Controller allows for 3000ft high range while the battery level and GPS signal is shown on the LED screen
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Drone for Dirt Bikes
Selecting the right drone for your dirt biking adventures can make a significant difference in the quality of your footage. Consider the following factors before you purchase a drone:
Flight Performance:
Look for drones with ease of use features, including stable hovering, smooth maneuverability, and responsive controls. Longer flight times and quick charging options are also something that will greatly improve the quality and amount of content you’re able to produce in one session. Some models are focused more on quality of pictures/video while other models focus more on flight quality.
Camera Quality and Stabilization:
The camera quality and stabilization features directly impact the appearance of your videos or photos. Opt for drones with high-resolution cameras, stabilization features, and various shooting modes to capture the best possible footage. Features like Altitude Hold and Emergency Stop will instantly increase the ease of use.
Durability and Portability:
Since dirt biking involves rough terrains and occasional crashes, choose a drone with a robust and durable build that can withstand impact. Additionally, a compact and portable design allows for easy transport during your biking adventures. The last thing you need is your drone breaking into pieces after hitting a tree when trying to get that hill climb footage!
Range and Connectivity:
Ensure that the drone has a sufficient control range and strong connectivity to your remote control or smartphone. This ensures that you can maintain a stable connection while filming from a distance. By using devices such as the Holy Stone HS175D or the Potensic T25, you can rely on your drone returning on its own in the instance of losing connection or low power.
FAQs About Drones for Dirt Bikes
What are drones for dirt bikes?
Drones for dirt bikes are small, unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with cameras and advanced tracking technology. They are specifically designed to follow and film dirt bikers as they ride or hit jumps, capturing exciting footage from the air which allows for shots that are simply not possible from the side of the track.
How do drones enhance off-road biking filmmaking?
Drones enhance off-road dirt bike filmmaking by providing aerial perspectives, dynamic tracking shots, and cinematic footage. They allow riders to capture their adventures in ways that were once only possible with a professional camera crew. On top of this, off-road riders are also able to use drones to find hidden riding spots that may be just over the next hill or valley.
Are all drones suitable for dirt biking?
Not all drones are suitable for dirt biking. To be ideal for this activity, a drone should have features like follow-me modes, rugged construction, and good stabilization to withstand the challenging conditions of dirt biking. While any drone can be used to capture dirt bike footage, you will need a partner to operate the drone from the sidelines if it does not offer a “Follow-Me” feature.
What are some safety tips for using drones during dirt biking?
When using drones during dirt biking, ensure to:
- Familiarize yourself with the drone’s controls and features before flying. Try practicing in your back yard or local park so that you do not have to troubleshoot any issues during your precious ride time.
- Avoid flying the drone too close to people or wildlife. Not only will this cause disturbances, but you could also potentially have someone call the authorities if you are intruding on their personal space.
- Fly in open areas with good visibility and minimal obstacles. As you get more advanced, you will be able to maneuver your drone through tighter areas such as trails or tunnels for even better footage.
- Be aware of local regulations and respect private property. Be sure to check your local laws and regulations regarding drones, as the last thing you want is to buy a drone just to find out you are not legally allowed to operate it in your area.
Can drones track dirt bikes?
Yes, drones equipped with follow-me modes can easily track and follow dirt bikes, ATV’s, UTV’s or any similar off-road vehicle. These drones use GPS and other tracking technologies to keep the subject (the dirt bike) in focus while in motion.
Conclusion
Drones have become some of the most valuable tools for capturing the heart-pounding moments of dirt biking in breathtaking detail. With their ability to provide aerial perspectives and amazing footage, drones have revolutionized the way we film off-road adventures. By considering essential factors such as flight performance, camera quality, durability, range, and size you can find the perfect drone to accompany you on your dirt biking journeys. So, don’t miss out on some of the best footage possible and grab one of these drones to take your riding videos or photos to a whole new level!
