According to historical evidence, drones might have been envisioned long before they were created in the present day. Some say that as early as 5561 BC, a drone called Barbarik (a tricopter) recorded the Mahabharata conflict and sent it to Sanjay so he could tell Dhritarashtra about what happened.
Fast forward 7,000 years, a tiny drone, crafted with a zip-tied GoPro Hero 4 and a LiPo battery, zipped through precarious gaps, breaking barriers in aerial cinematography.
This tiny drone, or ‘whoop drone,’ was handcrafted by American drone pilot and visual effects specialist Robert McIntosh, setting the foundation for the trend now known as Cinewhoops.
These days, Cinewhoops have transformed aerial photography, videography, and content production, allowing artists to create breathtaking images with never-before-seen ease and creativity.
A Basic Understanding of Cinewhoops
Cinewhoops are compact First-Person View (FPV) drones made especially to record flexible, HD footage in difficult-to-reach places. In contrast to traditional drones, Cinewhoops are small (usually 2-3 inches) and have propeller ducts, which increase lift, facilitate manoeuvrability, and guarantee safety when flying indoors and in close proximity. During operation, these ducts protect humans and the environment while also preventing damage to the propellers.
The term ‘Cinewhoop’ originates from ‘Tiny Whoop’ drones, which were initially small, playful FPV drones.
Cinewhoops gained popularity after the award-winning short film Muscle Up, showcased at the New York City Drone Film Festival in 2017. The film’s success highlighted the potential of Cinewhoops for creating unique and cinematic visuals, sparking a surge of interest among drone enthusiasts.
Why Choose Cinewhoops?
Cinewhoops are preferred by both beginners and professionals for several reasons:
Unparalleled Maneuverability
They can fly through crowded areas, thick canopies, and even indoors due to their compact size and lightweight design. They are adaptable for a range of artistic uses since they can move at both slow and fast rates.
Safety Features
When flying close to people or delicate items, Cinewhoops is a safer option because of the protective propeller ducts that lower the chance of injury.
Personalization and Reliability
Cinewhoops, in contrast to stabilised drones, are easily repairable or customisable with improvised parts. This feature makes them a favorite among DIY enthusiasts who enjoy tweaking their drones for optimal performance.
Enhanced Creativity
With Cinewhoops, you can perform jaw-dropping stunts, such as chasing birds, diving off cliffs, or flying through complex structures like bowling alleys. For instance, Jay Christensen’s viral Bowling Alley Video demonstrates the unimaginable possibilities Cinewhoops bring to the table.
Cinewhoops vs Stabilized Drones: The Key Differences
While both Cinewhoops and stabilized drones have their unique advantages, they cater to different needs:
|
Feature |
Cinewhoops |
Stabilized Drones |
|
Purpose |
Creative, dynamic, close-range shots |
Standard aerial photography |
|
Size and weight |
Small, lightweight (<250g) |
Larger, heavier |
|
Safety |
Protected with propeller ducts |
Less safe for flying near people |
|
Repairibility |
User-repairable and customizable |
Typically not repairable by the user |
|
Indoor capability |
Ideal for indoor flights |
Not designed for indoor use |
|
Autonomy |
Requires manual control |
Autonomous with GPS and hover mode |
The Evolution of Cinewhoops in Modern Videography
The rise of Cinewhoops has opened new avenues in content creation and storytelling. These drones have become indispensable for filmmakers, photographers, and even hobbyists. For instance:
- The Japanese band Onnanocos used Cinewhoops for stunning visuals that inspired drone enthusiasts worldwide.
- Cinewhoops are increasingly being used in music videos, commercials, and short films for their ability to capture immersive and dynamic footage.
The growing community of drone pilots and creators has further fueled innovation in this space. Many enthusiasts now use Cinewhoops for social media content, creating viral videos that showcase their acrobatic flying skills.
Challenges and Future Potential
Even with their increasing appeal, Cinewhoops continue to have major drawbacks:
Battery Life: Compared to larger drones, Cinewhoops often have lower flying times due to their compact size.
Learning Curve: Using a Cinewhoop demands expertise, particularly when it comes to taking exact shots.
However, these problems are being quickly resolved by developments in drone technology. Businesses such as insideFPV are developing in-house modules to enhance drone performance and repairability, opening up Cinewhoops to a wider audience.
Final Thoughts
Cinewhoops have transformed aerial cinematography, offering endless possibilities for creativity and innovation. From navigating tight spaces to capturing breathtaking visuals, these tiny drones have redefined what’s possible in the world of content creation.
As the market for Cinewhoops grows, their potential is only beginning to be realized. Who knows? Perhaps in the near future, flying Cinewhoops during Makar Sankranti will become as traditional as flying kites!
