How True Manuel FPV Drone Flying Took Our Video Work to the Next Level
There’s a moment every filmmaker chases, that one shot that makes people stop scrolling, lean in, and feel something.
For us, unlocking that level of emotional connection in our video work started when we dove headfirst into FPV drone flying. But it didn’t come easy.
The Unfiltered Truth: Learning to Fly FPV
FPV (first-person view) flying is a whole different world from traditional drone cinematography. There’s no “tap to fly,” no pre-programmed flight paths, and no GPS hovering, no automation keeping you in the air, no panic button. You’re flying in full manual, no stabilizers, no crutches, no shortcuts. Every tilt, roll, dive, and correction is controlled by the pilot’s hands in real time. It’s fast, raw, and risky, and that’s exactly what makes it powerful.
When I first got into FPV, I spent hundreds of hours behind the sticks, crashing into trees, fences, boulders, you name it. I rebuilt frames, soldered broken connections, fine-tuned flight settings for days. Every crash was a step forward. Every clean line earned through trial and error.
That’s the thing about real FPV: it’s not just a drone, it’s a craft.
Our Setup: DJI Avata (Fully Unlocked) + GoPro Hero 12 Black
Yes, we fly the DJI Avata—but not in “normal” or “sport” mode like the look-alike FPV clips you’ve probably seen from anyone who has a Avata. Ours is fully unlocked and flown in manual mode only, just like a true FPV quad. No software-assisted stabilization. No hover mode. Just raw control.
And because image quality matters, we don’t rely on the built-in DJI camera alone. Every one of our Avatas flights carries a GoPro Hero 12 Black strapped to the top for ultra-sharp, color-rich footage that holds up in commercial edits. That extra gear weight adds flight challenge—but it’s worth it for the visual payoff.
We also fly freestyle rigs that can hit speeds over 80 mph. These are the drones we use when the story calls for extreme motion, wild chases, and cinematic chaos. And believe us…there’s nothing like it!
Why FPV Matters (and Why It Stands Out)
FPV footage isn’t just “cool.” It’s immersive. It puts the viewer inside the story, moving with the subject in a way no gimbal or slider ever could. That kind of movement evokes emotion. It’s fast. Intimate. Bold.
For filmmakers, brands, and content creators who want to break out of the same-old aerial footage and create something unforgettable, FPV is the game-changer. Whether we’re weaving through a forest, diving a cliff, or threading a drone through a window into a wide-open build, we’re telling stories with motion.
Why It’s Worth the Time
This kind of skill doesn’t happen overnight. FPV flying in full manual takes real time, patience, and experience. We’ve spent years building, flying, crashing, and learning to make it look smooth. And that’s what makes it valuable. You can’t fake the flow of manual FPV. It’s earned.
And at the end of the day, that’s what we’re about: bold visuals, earned skill, and storytelling that actually moves people.
If you want your next project to hit harder, fly bolder, and break the mold, let’s make it happen.
We fly FPV, For real!