Skills and software combine in this steady, continuous drone video through the streets of LA
posted Friday, January 8, 2016 at 6:06 PM EDT
In one continuous, roughly two-minute long shot, Robert McIntosh expertly flew his drone through Los Angeles.
Flying below and around numerous landmarks and objects, McIntosh's mesmerizing video is remarkably steady and provides a spectacular aerial view of Los Angeles. Speaking to PetaPixel, McIntosh says that it "seems impossible flying through signs, benches and fences from the street to the coast to reveal a perfectly lit Los Angeles all without a single cut. And it was made with the cheapest of gear as well." McIntosh, a video effects specialist, used a $120 quadcopter kit, $5 camera mount, and a GoPro Hero4 Black (available from our affiliates: Adorama, Amazon, and B&H).
Check out the video below to see McIntosh's awesome drone piloting skills!
If you're thinking, "Wow, that video is so steady! I've not been able to capture video that steady with my drone…" then you might be interested to know that McIntosh used a "secret ingredient." Using the ReelSteady software that he himself created and launched last summer in beta form, McIntosh used the software to stabilize his video.
The full ReelSteady release is available for preorder for $399 (preordering gives you instant access to the beta). If you want to see just how well his software works, check out the original footage below.
Take special notice of the shot where McIntosh flies his drone underneath the bench and compare the two videos to see just how well his software works.
(Seen via PetaPixel)