Lily Camera Drone
/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vGcH0Bk3hgSimilar to the Soloshot Camera Controller we've now got a drone that can do autonomous shooting with Lily, the camera that follows you. Compared to the learning curve of a DJI phantom this small ultra-portable drone is a no setup solution that works by automatically following a small wearable tracking device. Lily is a personal selfie drone with a rugged design that gives it the ability to be your action GoPro in the sky without all the work or someone on the controls.
The lightweight (2.8 lb) and tiny (10.29” x 10.29” x 3.22”) drone is the perfect size to throw in a bag without needing a lot of extra equipment. Waterproof up to a meter it can handle the weather just fine including taking off on water and salt water exposure. The Lily gets 20 minutes of flight time on one charge and only requires two hours to charge. Due to waterproofing the battery is internal and unfortunately cannot be switched out for more flight time. Lily has a 100’ maximum range but can keep up with the action up to 25mph and handle 15mph winds. Due to the size constraints and waterproofing unfortunately the Lily does not support mounting for a camera gimbal.
Sporting a 12MP wide angle camera comparable to a GoPro Hero 3 you can get decent photos for a low price. In terms of focal length a 94 degree field of view is not to the fisheye levels of the GoPro with the trade off of a reduction in the lens distortion. It includes 1080p video as well at 60fps for smooth action without any motion blur. Being your selfie wingman Lily can leverage its feature detection to automatically switch between shooting videos and still shots. For sports and action it can switch to 120fps slow motion (at 720p) with built in feature detection automatically when you're hitting a snowboard jump for example. While the drone itself has a built in microphone they've thought ahead and included one also in the tracker capturing your audio which can be combined back with the video in post.
In terms of use the drone is fully autonomous although you can change settings such as flight behavior, framing, and camera controls through its smartphone app (IOS and Android). Through the app you can also view a low resolution live stream from the Lily’s onboard camera. While it doesn't have the functionality of the smartphone app the tracking device also doubles as a basic remote for taking photos and video as well as a emergency stop.
Announcing Photorec.TV's weekly Instagram challenge - Each Wednesday I will announce a new challenge - you will have one week to capture a photo you think best matches the challenge, tag that photo #PRTV and #PRTV_Challengename (Challengename) will change each week. Tagging older photos is fine. CURRENT WEEK >>> Week Three May 20-21: Minimalism – keep it to a minimum and tag them #PRTV_minimal and #PRTV the best will get highlighted here and on our weekly live show.Past ChallengesWeek Two May 13-20: Instagram and social media cliches – show me your food shots, your selfies, the lone tree on the hill and tag them #PRTV_maycliche and #PRTV the best will get highlighted here next week. 
March of 2015 took myself, my wife Ally , and our McKay Photography Academy team to Tanzania to lead 3 ten day, back to back photography tours. Spending 32 days in this magnificent country was an experience I will never forget and I would count as one of the greatest photographic experiences to date in my life. In fact, it was one of the greatest experiences ever in my life as a whole! Fortunately, we are able to return in August of 2016 and I am incredibly excited to be returning and sharing this beautiful country, the people and of course photography opportunities and education with others!Spending this kind of time photographing wildlife and out in the “bush” requires a large amount of pre planning. When planning the photography aspect, of course gear in general, and lens choice becomes critical. There are many variables to consider especially as you are limited in weight restrictions on flights within the country. The idea of carrying all of your gear and choosing what you will want or need once there, is not possible.In choosing what I felt would be best for myself; I went with the new 
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The lightweight, ergonomic Capture® Camera Clip is our entry-level camera holstering solution for all photographers. Carry your camera on any backpack strap, belt or bag. Aluminum and glass-reinforced nylon construction.
Clutch™ is the only quick-connecting, quick-adjusting camera hand strap ever made. Clutch™ gives you security when you need it, but also allows instant access to your camera's controls. Made from premium durable materials and hardware inspired by high end climbing gear. Comes with 2 Anchors and 1 Standard Plate for attachment.
