Why Kites Are BETTER Than Drones for Aerial Photography!

[@anzaeria]

On another kite aerial photography video on youtube, a few individuals have left comments stating that drones produce higher quality photos than kites. Though they said nothing to back up those claims. They never really explained why they felt that way. Some people (including myself) responded to them and pointed out the greater lifting power of kites - being able to lift heavier cameras with significantly larger sensors. And yet the dronists just shrugged it off like they were in denial.

[@EvanReinheimer]

I guess it depends on what they consider “quality.” If their output is to post photos on social media or even make small prints, sure a drone camera works great. But any large print, and even the high end drone cameras don’t hold up. They have about the quality of an iPhone photo, looks great but the print quality doesn’t compare to a professional imaging camera. Drone companies are in the business of building RC quads first, imaging is not their primary business. The drone I use takes great video, but I wouldn’t film a Hollywood movie on it. But if a drone suits the need, there’s nothing wrong with that. Any tool that can help one be creative is great and useful. I’m in favor of creativity.

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

Whoever made that claim was clearly just _DRONING ON._ 😊😊😊

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

Regarding the folks making that claim, I also just remembered this saying: *_"They are clearly LEGENDS IN THEIR OWN MINDS."_* 😆😆😆

[@ctldel290]

I have drones that will lift the same Sony camera Evan uses which means the photo quality is the same.

[@whatsupbudbud]

@@ctldel290yeah but those drones will produce so much noise pollution that everyone is going to hate you. This flying kite-camera combo is just beautiful and practically silent. Would be great to take pics of kitesurfers, haha.

[@DanielDeRudder]

Evan, your aerial photographs are stellar !!! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@paulellingson5915]

I've been casually watching your vids for over month and was wondering the whole time why you don't use a drone. This video paints a perfect picture of why you use kites. I recently got addicted to kites. Your work is brilliant. SUBSCRIBED!

[@EvanReinheimer]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate the feedback and am glad to hear you’re enjoying the videos.

[@danokitemano9316]

Excellent video Sir & I totally agree with all your reasoning about choosing KAP over drone work!

[@EvanReinheimer]

Thank you!

[@mikesloan2962]

Thanks! Also, I like higher winds. and might seek that out. I might try mounting a small one directly to stunt kite, maybe one forward and on backward if using a long tail.

[@JKTCGMV13]

I found your channel because I had the idea of using a kite for taking video on a sail boat. A kite would be able to film hands-free during high winds and big waves where a drone wouldn’t be able to handle the wind, and without the worry of it being lost in the water. All the sailing youtubers I watch can only take their drones out when the wind has died down.

[@EvanReinheimer]

Yes, you can for sure fly off the back of a sailboat and then even tie off the line and just let it follow you. The great thing about flying from a boat is that the boat creates the apparent wind for the kite so it usually ends up flying nice and smoothly. With the GoPro 9 having exceptional image stabilization, you should be able to get some great video that way!

[@sailingwithbernard]

Ahh hello like-minded person! We just bought a starter amount of stuff to try and rig up a camera for our sailboat! Did you try it? how did it go??

[@Walden_on_the_Water]

Evan, thank you for the content accessible to noobs such as myself. I'm primarily a still photography (whose more serious work is in large format B&W). I'm setting on on the travel/youtube path, and, frankly, I don't want to spend the time or money learning to fly drones capable of high quality stills/video. Since I will work from a small sailboat, I also wish to minimize the financial risk of equipment drop over saltwater. I'm loading up your GoPro episone next! (I have a GoPro Hero3+ that I regard as pretty close to expendable.)

[@EvanReinheimer]

You can even fly a kite from a moving sailboat using the apparent wind created by the boat to keep the kite in the air for long periods. Happy flying/sailing ⛵️🪁

[@anzaeria]

And another advantage over drones is the super long flight times that kites can provide (several hours or more.) Whereas the batteries on toy-grade quadcopters will typically last around 5 minutes and higher end drones will run for about 20 - 30 minutes with their batteries. Though I don't feel that this is much of an advantage for photography as either the camera battery or memory card would give up / fill up long before the kite flying session ends. A drone operator could of course have spare batteries to keep the drone flying (landing it to replace batteries.) But I doubt anyone would spend enough on batteries to keep one going for hours.

[@EvanReinheimer]

Very true. I’ve spent straight hours flying my kite and camera just to get the right shot at the right time. I think the longest was over 6, close to 7 straight maybe.

[@anzaeria]

@@EvanReinheimer Ive just heard that there's a professional drone in Australia that can stay in the air for ten hours. That almost sounds like science fiction.

[@hobocyclist]

This suits my budget and sense of diy, thanks mate!

[@amycuaresma]

Hello from Anchorage Alaska again Evan. Love watching your content. I definitely know what you mean when you say you love the feeling of the kite lifting things. So I Just picked up The 6 meter PAWITA pilot from Peter Lynn. This thing is a frigging workhorse man, hella of a lifter with low wind and limited space. A traditional pilot kite needs a minimum of about 35 meters between the pilot kite and your Show kite. This kite is happy on a 15 meter line allowing me to fly more show kites in less area. This kite is one of AWITA’s (A kite flying team in France) favorite kites.

[@jameslee428]

How do you travel with your kites and flying gear? Do you use the backpack listed in your equipment list or have something else that you prefer? Love your channel!

[@EvanReinheimer]

Thank you! My kites pack into a shipping tube that I attached a carrying strap to. It’s about 4’ long and 4” wide. I may have mentioned it in another video and you may sometimes see it in videos (it looks like a big cardboard tube). I’ll put it in an upcoming video and show how I pack it. The backpack I use fits a Pelican case with my cameras and KAP rig as well as some other essentials. I’m also planning to do a video showing how I pack my camera gear.

[@actioncamera1284]

What would be a good durable kite for a beginner? I want to use a small action camera with it. What kind of line and reel and how long a line do I need? I want a real kite and not a kids toy. Any recommendations? Thanks.

[@AmosGroth]

Please keep up your work and videos! Very interesting!

[@EvanReinheimer]

Thank you! I appreciate the positive feedback.

[@andrewdutton3831]

Great video. Also, as you alluded to briefly, you can't fly a drone in many areas....including in *any* national park, so you have a great method to get aerial shots of iconic landscapes without getting hassled or fined. I still have plans to get down to DC and film right in the heart of the national mall: Capitol, White House, Lincoln Memorial, etc. Another idea is to try to get aerials of Camp David from a field in Catoctin Mountain National Park, Thurmont, MD...but even with a kite, I can still see getting booted out of there...very sensitive area. We'll see what happens. P.S. must be hot as heck out west right now.

[@EvanReinheimer]

Yes a kite can definitely circumvent the drone rules. I try not to abuse that because I don’t want kites getting banned now too. I’ve flown kites on the National mall before, I believe you are only allowed to fly between the Washington and Lincoln memorials, but check that because it’s been over a decade since I did KAP there.

[@Perkeletricksterservantofrher]

you can harddisable it.

[@vb1ll1ngs]

Evan, I love your videos and have been following for a while. Thanks for giving more information about why you use a kite over a drone. I thought that you could fly a kite over a National Park, but when I tried to find more information about it, it seemed like it was a grey area. Can you do a video where you talk about how you get the needed permission or licensing for where you photograph? Also, have you ever considered a Helikite?

[@EvanReinheimer]

Thanks for watching. Unless it is expressly prohibited, I generally don’t ask before flying a kite. Some national parks do forbid them and getting permission can be difficult or as simple as sending an email, it really varies. If I want to photograph something that is on private property, I’ll ask permission and sometimes if it’s a landmark type place, they will have protocols for photo shoots. I actually do own a Helikite and have used it a couple times, but it’s been a long, long time since the last time. Maybe I’ll take it out some day soon🤔

[@goldney]

Thanks for sharing your techniques, very helpful! I just used a delta kite and 360 camera to capture some great windsurfing footage (kite also attached to a windsurfer). The problem is how to keep the kite from going too low as the kite speeds up. Any suggestions on the best type of kite if attached to a moving platform?

[@EvanReinheimer]

That’s a great way to get awesome footage. And 360 cameras make it so easy to do now, great idea! A KAP Foil kite or delta would work well for slow moving platforms I would think.

[@goldney]

@@EvanReinheimer Thanks...I will look into the foil kite. I posted one video, turned out better than expected for the first attempt, but more experimenting to do.

[@kirenireves]

For no-wind days would a balloon work? Is balloon photography a thing? Would the same rig work on a balloon line?

[@EvanReinheimer]

Good questions. The short answer is yes, a balloon can work and I have used weather balloons with this rig in that situation before. However, balloons present a bunch of challenges such as: if there is even a slight breeze a balloon becomes very unstable so it is hard to keep the camera aimed in one direction. The amount of helium needed to lift even just 3lbs is a lot more than you’d expect and requires lugging around a big heavy tank. Any wind also will push a balloon down whereas it would lift a kite up. So yes, it can be done but it’s surprisingly easier to do with a kite.

[@kirenireves]

@@EvanReinheimer Thanks! I never would have guessed it was so complicated. How big of a balloon (diameter) would you guess would be needed to haul up your Sony camera?

[@EvanReinheimer]

I’m honestly not sure. The last time I used a weather balloon was probably 2016 and I used it to lift a Sony NEX camera. It was a big balloon. There is probably an online calculator that could tell you the volume of helium you would need.

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

BAP = Balloon Aerial Photography *ALSO...* KAL = Kite Aerial LiDAR [aerial based LiDAR] KAP = Kite Aerial Photography KAT = Kite Aerial Thermography [thermal infrared imaging] KAV = Kite Aerial Video PAP = Pole Aerial Photography [using an extendable pole to support your camera from the ground] {I do NOT normally _"Toot My Own Flag Or Wave My Own Horn"_ -- YES, I say it that way 😊 -- but I would like to point out _ME_ being able to _ACTUALLY REMEMBER_ all those acronyms is NOT an insignificant accomplishment...😉}

[@scisslehannd22]

cool stuff

[@richardvaldez777]

Hi, I am wondering what kite you are using that shows in your video at 3:00. Thanks.

[@EvanReinheimer]

That is the KAP Foil 3.0 made by HQ Kites. I go over that kite in detail in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqKYkqmoh56Fo7s and also give an overview of it and many of my kites in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWiok2eKdsqEapI

[@richardvaldez777]

@@EvanReinheimer Thanks!!

[@thats_joy_with_mark]

Great video, given me some ideas now for our trip to Barbados, which seems to have banned drones! I have the Sony ZV1, what would be the best kite for lifting this? I have some RC control gear experience so the cradle is not a problem. I haven't flown a kite since the craze of Peter Powell stunt kites!

[@EvanReinheimer]

Very cool! Here is a video showing the ZV1 in action: kzbin.info/www/bejne/imXGla2JmqyVhNk Here is some more info about kites for KAP: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWiok2eKdsqEapI

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

@Evan Rhineheimer >>> You Included a photo of the Coliseum in Rome. Did you get that image using KAP? If so, how difficult was it? I have read of at least one other KAP'er trying to take photos of the Coliseum, and it was very difficult due to the surrounding urban sprawl, uncooperative winds, etc.

[@EvanReinheimer]

Yes, that was done with KAP in 2012. It was surprisingly easy and uneventful. I launched my kite from Palatine Hill which helped me get above nearby buildings.

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

​@@EvanReinheimer>>> Rodger all that -- Thanks.

[@anzaeria]

Just curious about what shutter speeds you use for KAP. Do you go above 1/1000th?

[@EvanReinheimer]

Great question. It depends mostly on the lighting conditions and the intended look of my final photograph. I shoot over 1/1000th quite often as it helps prevent any motion blur, even though the camera is quite stable in the air.

[@ClassVtony]

I use the R4 also which lens do you use?

[@EvanReinheimer]

Depends on what I’m photographing. Usually the Zeiss Batis 18mm or 25mm. Sometimes the Sony Zeiss 35mm. On occasion the Samyang 24mm & 75mm.

[@mikesloan2962]

Hi, I I'm an older kite flyer (was a mgr at Klig's Kites /Myrtle Beach in college), and want to buy a controllable kite to lift action cams. Any good suggestions for kite makers or shops for higher end kites. I was thinking of a stunt kite or a 250' dragon for stable higher flying without control.

[@DownhillAllTheWay]

the comment at 4:34 is the crux of the matter!

[@PUPiElDelCORKOBEO]

Where can I buy that technology?. I need it to use it in my country since the use of drone is prohibited.

[@awaitingthetrumpetcall4529]

How do you communicate with/control your camera?

[@mangoldm]

I noticed a lot of your prints are glossy. Do you find they sell better than matte prints?

[@EvanReinheimer]

My large scale work is usually glossy, unless someone has a specific concern about glare (large south facing windows or something). In that case I do make large pieces with a matte finish. For smaller paper prints, I use luster finish.

[@antifizikus]

Best part that a bunch of shots in this video is shot by a drone

[@EvanReinheimer]

Yup! As I mention in the video, drones are great for video, but my focus is on still images.

[@heshamelkassas2702]

Could you please convert two lines kite to one line

[@JKTCGMV13]

Have you considered using a kite to take time lapse video from a moving vehicle?

[@EvanReinheimer]

I’ve flown a kite off the back of a moving vehicle before but I don’t know if it would be smooth enough for a good looking time lapse. Worth trying though.

[@PolishChristian]

Drone work is Coca Cola and Kite work is Don Pernignan 1809 LEVEL UP hard rain condition or night shoots ✨

[@EvanReinheimer]

🍾👏👏👏👏👏

[@aloeisthestuff9622]

Give it a little while and the Air restrictions will include Kites, Balloons, Paper Air planes and even rubber bands. Earth is so screwed with Humans on it.

[@arvadawelder]

Even here's a cheat. Use helium ballon. Look into kite fishing, florida sport fishing.

[@EvanReinheimer]

I’ve used a helium balloon before. The problem with balloons is that if there’s any wind, a tethered balloon is pushed down and becomes very unstable. Not to mention, traveling with a helium tank is not easy, especially outside of North America. I have a thing called a Helikite that is a hybrid of a kite and a helium balloon. One of the kites that I use is a kite fishing kite and it works great for me.

[@janspoelstra8309]

Hi Evan, I've been flying kites since I was a kid (69 now) and recently made a Picavet rig. Today I did some tests using an Osmo Action with the image stabilisation on and had some Picavet bits in the frame: kzbin.info/www/bejne/opa8gGOAoreAm6s The kite used is a 2,5 m double Conyne, which tends to fly at a very steepe line angle, despite the tail. Do you think this is the issue and I should use more drag to reduce the line angle?

[@jan5504]

combine kite with drone control and you'll get a longer aerial shots

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

_"Why the hell don't you use a drone to take your photographs?"_ Your response should be: *"WHY THE HELL DON'T YOU USE A KITE TO TAKE YOURS??"* 😊😊😊😊

[@EvanReinheimer]

True🤣

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

@@EvanReinheimer >>> Of course, if someone had just out of the blue actually asked that of ME, the only response I would think of at that moment would be _"Uhhhhh, errrrrrr..."_ 😊😊😊