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> "flown appropriately" would imply restricting the drones to the kind of shot that is already provided in generous quantity by helicopters. Actually, I'd argu

by mft_ 7y ago

> "flown appropriately" would imply restricting the drones to the kind of shot that is already provided in generous quantity by helicopters. Actually, I'd argue differently. I'd imagine the greatest risk of injury from a drone would be it failing and falling from a significant height (i.e. similar shots as provided by helicopters). However, I'd envisage they could do a great job providing images/video from (say) 15-20 metres away - close enough to replace the video motorbikes and not present a great risk in the unlikely event of failure, but far enough to not interfere - and probably interfere less than the motorbikes currently do. > Also, the low hanging fruit would not be getting rid of the very few TV motos, it would be reducing the high number of mostly redundant photojournalism motos. Agree; but it can't be beyond the wit of man to outfit a drone to take decent quality stills?

usrusr 7y ago
> I'd imagine the greatest risk of injury from a drone would be it failing and falling from a significant height Not if you are trying to replicate a motorcycle camera angle. The motos get very close not only to the athletes, but also to the audience. Not just because they can't fly, but also because that low camera angle is desirable. > but it can't be beyond the wit of man to outfit a drone to take decent quality stills? The stills are mostly for closeups. You would not even be able to get that angle with a drone carrying a reasonably sized camera, because the rotors would not only be in the image, they would also be in the face of the subject. Drones might find some niche in broadcasting road cycling if they get safety and regulations sorted out (tough problem with basically unrestricted audience access), but not replacing motorcycles and helicopters. Smaller races that don't have helicopters will surely add drone angles, just like many have recently started to introduce their first motorcycle camera thanks to price drops.

by mft_ 7y ago

usrusr 7y ago

> I'd imagine the greatest risk of injury from a drone would be it failing and falling from a significant height Not if you are trying to replicate a motorcycle camera angle. The motos get very close not only to the athletes, but also to the audience. Not just because they can't fly, but also because that low camera angle is desirable. > but it can't be beyond the wit of man to outfit a drone to take decent quality stills? The stills are mostly for closeups. You would not even be able to get that angle with a drone carrying a reasonably sized camera, because the rotors would not only be in the image, they would also be in the face of the subject. Drones might find some niche in broadcasting road cycling if they get safety and regulations sorted out (tough problem with basically unrestricted audience access), but not replacing motorcycles and helicopters. Smaller races that don't have helicopters will surely add drone angles, just like many have recently started to introduce their first motorcycle camera thanks to price drops.