About the author : Rodrigo Branco Matsumoto
Meet Rodrigo, our chief remote pilot here at Sky Perth, where he's been transforming aerial videography into captivating stories for over eight years. At the heart of Rodrigo's work lies a profound passion for both the art of flying and the art of storytelling. This combination has led his work to be featured on platforms like Netflix, Stan, AppleTV+, Paramount+, Disney+, SBS On Demand, and even internationally with ZDF in Germany.
Rodrigo's aerial videography and photography journey is a testament to his dedication to mastering this unique craft. From capturing the vast beauty of Australia's landscapes to the dynamic energy of urban life across the globe, his work offers viewers a fresh, sky-high perspective. It's not just about the technical expertise of handling a drone; for Rodrigo, every flight is an opportunity to tell a story, to reveal the unseen, and to share a new viewpoint with the world.
Renowned for his collaborative spirit and innovative approach, Rodrigo brings more than technical skills to every project at Sky Perth. Whether working on a documentary, a TV series, or a bespoke project, his focus remains on creating visuals that resonate deeply with audiences. His commitment to quality and ability to capture the heart of a story make him a skilled pilot and a storyteller of the skies.
Do you want to know more about Rodrigo? Check his website: rodmatsumoto.com
How DJI Drones Changed Aerial Photography Forever
Just a few years ago, aerial photography was only for the lucky few. Hiring helicopters or planes to take pictures from the sky was expensive, and most photographers and filmmakers could only dream about it. But today, thanks to DJI drones, everyone can capture stunning aerial images. This story explains how DJI drones changed everything for creators and why they’re so important today.
The Early Days of DJI Drones
DJI started small in 2006. The company’s first drones were simple and used mainly by hobbyists.
But everything changed in 2016. That year, DJI introduced the Mavic Pro. This drone was different. It was small, easy to use, and much cheaper than anything before it. For the first time, anyone could easily capture amazing photos and videos from the sky.
Rodrigo Branco Matsumoto, Chief Remote Pilot at Sky Perth, remembers clearly how the Mavic Pro changed his work. Rodrigo says, “Before the Mavic Pro, aerial photography was complicated and costly. The Mavic Pro made it simple and affordable. Suddenly, everyone could become a creator.”
More Affordable, More Creative
As DJI drones became cheaper, more people started using them. This opened up many opportunities for creators. Photographers, filmmakers, and even regular people could now easily explore aerial imaging. Because drones became affordable, people could try new creative ideas without worrying about costs.
DJI understood this and kept improving its drones. Each new model had better cameras, longer flight times, and easier controls, which allowed photographers and videographers to capture more creative and high-quality shots.
DJI Mavic Series: Making Creativity Easy
The DJI Mavic series became famous because of its compact design and powerful features.
After the Mavic Pro, DJI launched the Mavic 2 Pro in 2018. It had a better camera with a bigger sensor, allowing for professional-quality images. Photographers loved it because they could easily carry it in their backpacks.
Then came the Mavic 3 Pro and Mavic 3 Pro Cine. These drones had three cameras, including a Hasselblad camera, which professionals love for its rich colours and sharpness. Rodrigo Branco Matsumoto notes, “The Mavic 3 Pro Cine was special because it supported Apple ProRes video format. This made editing videos faster and easier. Creators could finish their projects quickly and professionally.”
DJI Inspire Series: Made for Cinematic Excellence
While the Mavic series made aerial photography available to many people, the DJI Inspire series took things even further for professional filmmakers. The Inspire drones were bigger, stronger, and had features specifically for cinema.
The Inspire 1 was DJI’s first step into professional filmmaking drones. Its unique design had legs that lifted after takeoff, giving the camera a clear, 360-degree view. The drone could be controlled by two people at the same time: one pilot and another controlling the camera. This teamwork allowed filmmakers to get perfect shots.
The Inspire 2 improved on this by adding better image quality and faster flight speed. It became a favourite tool in Hollywood movies, documentaries, and commercials.
DJI’s Inspire 3, released recently, has taken filmmaking even higher, literally. With an 8K camera, improved obstacle avoidance, and even better flying performance, the Inspire 3 is now a standard tool for professional cinematography.
How Lower Prices Changed the Drone Market
Before DJI, good drones were expensive and difficult to use. DJI changed this by making their drones affordable and simple to operate. Because of this, the drone market exploded. Suddenly, more people wanted drones for personal use, travel photography, and even small business promotions.
Local businesses in Perth, Australia, started using drones to promote their services. Real estate agents used aerial photos to better show homes.
Hotels and resorts showcased their properties from beautiful angles.
Small filmmakers and photographers got jobs creating stunning visual content that was previously impossible or too expensive to produce.
Empowering Creators Everywhere
Because DJI drones became easy to buy and simple to fly, creators everywhere found new ways to express themselves. Young filmmakers made incredible short movies without needing big budgets.
Photographers explored unique angles and landscapes that were impossible before.
Rodrigo Branco Matsumoto shares another insight: “The best thing about DJI drones is how they empower people. Anyone can learn to fly a drone and become a creator. I’ve seen people completely change their lives by discovering their passion for aerial photography.”
In James Clear’s book Atomic Habits, Rodrigo finds inspiration to always improve little by little. Clear writes, “Small, consistent changes lead to remarkable results.” Rodrigo applies this insight to drone piloting, believing that small improvements in skills, practice, and learning new technologies, like drones, can lead to big successes over time.
Future of DJI and Drones
Looking forward, DJI continues to push boundaries. The upcoming DJI Mavic 4 Pro promises an amazing camera system with 100MP photos and 6K video. Features like electronic ND filters and omnidirectional sensors make drones safer and easier to use. These advancements show that DJI is committed to helping creators achieve even greater things.
Drones’ future is bright. They will keep getting cheaper, more powerful, and easier to fly, which means even more people will discover the joy of aerial photography and filmmaking.
Drone Comparison Table
| Feature | Mavic 4 Pro (Leaked) | Mavic 3 Pro Cine | Mavic 3 Pro | Inspire 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camera System | Triple: 100MP, 48MP, 50MP | Triple: 20MP, 12MP, 12MP | Triple: 20MP, 12MP, 12MP | Interchangeable lenses |
| Max Video Resolution | 6K/60fps | 5.1K/50fps | 5.1K/50fps | 8K/75fps |
| Flight Time | 51 minutes | 43 minutes | 43 minutes | 28 minutes |
| Obstacle Detection | Omnidirectional with LiDAR | Omnidirectional | Omnidirectional | Omnidirectional |
| Controller | DJI RC Pro 2 (7″) | DJI RC Pro (5.5″) | DJI RC Pro (5.5″) | DJI RC Plus |
| Gimbal Movement | 360° | Standard | Standard | 360° |
| Electronic ND Filter | Yes | No | No | No |
| Price (USD) | ~$2,250 (base) | ~$4,999 | ~$2,199 | ~$16,499 |
Conclusion
DJI drones have truly changed the game. They made aerial photography and cinema accessible and affordable. Creators of all levels now have powerful tools to tell their stories in amazing ways. As DJI continues to innovate, the sky is no longer the limit. It’s just the beginning.
