Drones are dangerous
When we hear the word ‘drone’ most people think of the bomb-dropping variety. Those aren’t landing in consumer hands anytime soon.
Personal drones are smaller, lighter and are most likely carrying a camera. But when an accident occurs and one is dropped from several hundred feet in the air, they can still be dangerous.
In late September, a man flew a Phantom over New York City for about three minutes before a collision with a building caused it to crash several feet in front of a pedestrian. It’s beautiful footage, but the pilot repeatedly bounces the aircraft off of buildings, creating a series of dangerous situations.
Right now, the only rules governing private drone use state they cannot be flown higher than 400 feet or near an airport. It is illegal to use them to make money. The US Congress had directed that they be made legal for commercial use by late 2015, but the FAA delayed setting firm rules to allow more time to consider the implications. Several states have already enacted or considered placing rules on hobby and commercial drones.
It’s easy to invade people’s privacy
In any city, it’s not uncommon to catch glimpses inside the apartments of the people who reside across the street from you or live at street level. But people who live on higher floors can have a general expectation of privacy, despite their blinds being open.
It’s a reality that will inform, and limit, the future use of drones. When a photographer uses a DSLR, he or she is very aware of others’ privacy and never invades that space. That should extend to drone photography too. It will also inform how people live in a world where drones are more common. Blinds will be closed more often. Like a handheld camera, it’s certain someone will use them in an inappropriate way.
They’re awesome
Despite the dangers, drones have a place. They make taking incredible aerial videos and photos easy, which doesn’t just appeal to hobbyists. Agriculture has emerged as an area where they are already being adopted because of the benefits. A drone can tell a farmer which crops are ripe or where a fence needs to be mended. They could totally replace reporting from a helicopter for TV reporters or be programmed to follow and film the football in an NFL game.
The Parrot AR.Drone 2.0. Photo courtesy of Nicolas Halftermeyer
Like any new medium, drones are going to cause some friction. But they’re also going to provide a very cool new way to create. A world where photographers shoot weddings from the air and drones deliver packages is a world in which I can’t wait to live.
Source: [GigaOm]
