Being a freestyle FPV drone pilot requires you to have a broad skill-set; from mechanical assembly, electronics soldering, firmware flashing, tuning, to flying; all while having good flow. Those are already a handful of skills. Eventually, you would want to record your HD flying footage…
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]So you strap on your HD camera and go flying your usual of battery packs, and after that, you end up with several gigabytes of raw HD video flight footage. To have the video footage be on par with the videos from other pilots that, you are watching on YouTube, you will need to at least trim it and add some background music, in other words, you will need to learn some FPV Drone video editing techniques to make your video footage shine. HD video footage can also help you find some tuning problems that are usually not visible in the FPV video feed like vibrations or jello and slight bounce backs.[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Video Editing Tools
There are several things to consider when looking for the “perfect” video editing tool for your FPV drone videos. It should be powerful and easy to use so you would not spend an eternity in learning how to use it.
Not knowing whether you are using a PC, Mac or even Linux, I intended to present you with the best multiplatform video editing tools and if possible help you save some $$.
Below, you will find some of the best tools for editing your FPV drone video ordered by the features and ease of use:
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YouTube Creator Studio
If you are new to video editing, it can be overwhelming to learn everything that you need to edit your raw footage and most of the times you may prefer to use the best one-cut (takeoff to landing) video footage. This type of editing requires minimum knowledge, and you can perform it in any video editing tool.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2194″ img_size=”large” onclick=”link_image”][vc_column_text]The YouTube Creator Studio is the perfect tool when editing a one-cut video and it can help you trim the start and the end of the video and allow you to add background music from its vast 150000+ free music tracks library after you have uploaded your video on YouTube. There is an option to adjust the audio volume on both the video and the background music so the motor sound would not tear your eardrums.
It is also possible to adjust brightness/contrast, do some basic color grading, adjust the video speed, add titles, etc.
If you like editing your videos online, but you are missing some more advanced features, be sure to check this list of online tools for editing FPV drone video.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
GoPro Studio (before GoPro Quick)
Since GoPro Cameras, especially the Session 5, are pretty much a standard when recording an FPV drone HD video footage it is worth mentioning that if you own a GoPro, you can edit your footage with GoPro Studio.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2197″ img_size=”large” onclick=”link_image”][vc_column_text]A while ago, I used GoPro Studio, and I had very positive experience with it. It has very intuitive and easy to use interface that helps you edit your footage very quick and straightforward. I was planning to add it to this list since I have started thinking about this article, but I was not aware that I have an outdated version on my computer. Since then GoPro has updated the Studio to GoPro Quick, which it seems even easier to use but they have removed some of the much-needed features.
GoPro Studio enables you to join, trim, and split video clips, add music, titles, audio tracks, edit colors and offers a set of nice video templates to help you produce your video faster.
GoPro Studio Extras
It also features some more advanced features like “Flux” that enables you to slow down videos below the allowed frame rate and interpolate the frames, so the video playback is not choppy. This is particularly nice for temporarily slowing down your video footage while doing some exciting freestyle tricks.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5qLrlBhJFk”][vc_column_text]If you want to use GoPro Studio, you can still download it from third-party websites like TechSpot
GoPro is offering this software as freeware, but you are only able to edit and trim videos recorded with a GoPro.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”black”][vc_column_text]If you prefer editing FPV drone video by using feature packed free video editing tools like the ones used by the professionals, but you are not prepared to pay the full price since you are saving for let’s say new motors or maybe the latest top-notch FC, you may consider some of the available freeware solutions.
For this article, I have personally tested several freeware video editing tools to see how good they perform when compared to Adobe Premiere which I regularly use for the past seven years and I have listed below ordered by the level of complexity and features.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”black”][vc_column_text]
Shotcut
A Feature-rich multi-platform video editing tool that supports editing 4K videos and multiple modern video formats. It enables you to join, trim, and split video clips, add music, add video effects, and color correct your video footage. It also has some advanced features such as chroma-keying and picture in picture that is ideal for sticks layout in your videos.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2204″ img_size=”large” onclick=”link_image”][vc_column_text]The layout and workflow are a bit different than the ones in Adobe Premiere, but I was able to get the hang of it and do a video edit on one of my latest videos with no problem. If you decide to use it, be sure to check the comprehensive set of tutorialss on their website so you can get going in no time.
Checkout the PcMag Shotcut in-depth review[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
OpenShot
OpenShot is a cross-platform video editing tool with a simple user interface that enables you to accomplish all basic video editing operations. This includes clip resizing, scaling, trimming, snapping, rotation, cutting, adding titles, video effects and 3D animated titles, compositing image overlays and watermarks and it may prove resourceful while editing FPV drone video footage.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2207″ img_size=”large” onclick=”link_image”][vc_column_text]Doing an edit in this tool was easy enough since the layout is clean and it is easy to find everything that you need. There is a feature that by default translates your interface to your system language, which may be helpful for the users that are not so fluent in English.
There are fewer effects available than in Shotcut, but it features an impressive amount of video transitions.
Being an opensource means that it is continuously being developed and the developers are fixing bugs and adding new features regularly.
You can read more about OpenShot features here[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
HitFilm Express 2017
This is one of my favorites since it has excellent tutorials and powerful features also, the interface resemble the look of Adobe Premiere and I was very comfortable using it. This video editing tool is freeware, but there is a possibility to buy different add-ons ranging from $10 to $50 depending on your specific needs.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2210″ img_size=”large” onclick=”link_image”][vc_column_text]The basic version has everything that you need to edit your videos and create great FPV drone HD video content.
My only remarks are that the exporting process can be improved to be more intuitive since it is hard to find the export button if you are not following the tutorials and the awkward steps that you will have to follow to download the program.
If you want to export at 60 fps on YouTube, you should create a new profile since the ones that are offered are only limited to 30 fps.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
DaVinci Resolve 15
This one is a true multi-platform gem for the users that prefer feature-packed video editors and in my opinion is the best free tool for editing FPV drone video content.
DaVinci Resolve editor has all functionalities from the above-listed tools. It also features “Cinematic quality VFX compositing,” true 3D workspace, advanced keying, vector paint, rotoscoping, 3d particles, 2D and 3D titles, object tracking and stabilization, volumetric effects and the most advanced color corrector.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2213″ img_size=”large” onclick=”link_image”][vc_column_text]The editing process straightforward and it is outlined on the bottom of the screen, from importing media, editing, adding visual effects, color correcting, sound editing to a final render/delivery
If you are planning to try it, you should know that it has a steep learning curve. Fortunately, many YouTube tutorials could help you.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”black”][vc_column_text]
What about the paid ones?
In the end, it would not be fair no to mention Adobe Premiere CC that is subscription based video editing tool at $19.99/mo., which is relatively inexpensive in comparison to some other applications and the professionals are using it for creating music videos, vlogs, instructional videos or even full-length movies. Adobe Premiere has the fastest workflow, and Adobe is striving to make the editing process even more accessible and faster.
Also, it is worth mentioning some other video editing tools that are not multi-platform, like Final Cut Pro that is on par with Adobe Premiere and is only available for Mac OS, Avid Media Composer, and Lightworks.
If you find that I have not mentioned your favorite video editing tool, let me know in the comments below, I will be happy to update this article with other video tools that you can use on a regular basis for editing FPV drone video footage.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
The Process
For starters, you are going to need proper video footage to produce a good video. Check out our “Getting the Right FPV GoPro Settings” article for some GoPro tips and tricks.
Most of the times, the video editing process is relatively straightforward, if you fly 5-10 battery packs and you are recording them, it is relatively easy to choose the best video, trim it, add some music, add video and audio fade in/outs and you are ready to share it.
Mixing the video footage
Sometimes the footage that you have is not just good enough as a whole, or you may want to merge the footage from several locations, and you need to get creative and mix flights from several videos. This has happened to all of us; even the pro FPV Drone pilots sometimes have a difficult time combining footage parts from several videos. This is also part of the creative process and similar to your flying style you could have a specific video editing style and this is where your video editing skills come into play.
Some of the pilots have found unique creative ways to mix the video clips that will make your video footage look even more appealing. Check the GAPiT FPV example below:[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShxOGMGfCtI”][vc_column_text]He is one of my favorite pilots and one of the most creative video editors that had found a way to do the video transitions while doing rolls and flips and the effect is incredible, like it is warping from one location to another, it reminds me on Startrek Discovery using the spore drive.
Adjusting the colors
When talking about a specific video editing style some pilots distinguish themselves by using creative color grading techniques, so the colors in their videos look different but beautiful. Visit the FlyLifeCo and Le Drib YouTube channels that are also my favorites to see the current color grading trends.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nU-AA-ujlQ”][vc_column_text]
Adding music
Choosing the right music also plays an important role that could emphasize the overall video and flying style. It is nice to listen to a specific song that you plan to use while flying so you could better mix and match the video clips to that song to create your masterpiece.
Here is one of the best Chad Nowak’s videos (Chad if you read this, thanks for making them publicly available again and we miss you on the scene)[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oz9QuRzFAds”][vc_column_text]Be sure to check the Rotor Riot YouTube channel for the monthly Community Spotlight videos that highlight new and existing pilots with excellent video footage.
As your flying style evolves so is the video editing style. You learn new things while flying and you also learn new techniques and program features as your edit your flying videos, so take care to record your flying sessions and find some time to edit the videos afterward. The video edits may not look so good to the general audience but by doing so, you are improving your video editing skills, and soon enough, you could be producing a noticeable quality video content
For the most part I use Davinci resolve but I’ve found as it’s one of the most full featured of the free editors but I have issues with the video compression. I seem to get lots of artifacting compared to other editors
I have noticed that the compression algorithm is somewhat more aggressive than on the other video editors, so I have experimented with the export features and found out that using MP4 with H264 codec and quality around 40000 Kb/s for an HD video with 60 fps creates much better results.
I love my adobe premiere pro!
Same here, but since I wrote this article I started using Da Vinci Resolve, just to test if it could be a suitable replacement for everyday use. So far it has proven as worthy.
This was a very helpful article for those like me who are just getting ready to put a gopro on their quad, thank!
Great, I’m glad that this article was published just in time for you and that you have found it helpful.
I really enjoy Pinnacle Studio Ultimate
What about the good old sony vegas?
Thanks for pointing out, Peter.
This is exactly what I have been looking for. I have so much footage but don’t how to make my vids look good or how to edit them!
Thanks for the heads up and I will try a few of these
I’m glad that you found it useful!
This is a great tool for figuring out which songs will be monetized by copyright holders or more importantly will be “silenced” by Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/music_policies
Nothing worse than finishing an edit and having the audio flagged and muted by Youtube.
Thanks for the comment, Justin. It is always good practice to check for song usage right before considering to use it.
Great article!
Hard to beat the speed of FCPX for fast edits. I’m often only making cuts for Instagram of my day’s session and I love how quickly I can turn around a simple video.
Shortcut is my go-to. Maybe not the most user friendly interface but tons of great tutorials out there! Exporting is a breeze as well!
Excellent resource for video options. Thanks for the information!
Your opening described what has attracted me to this hobby. I have only used Shotcut so far but as I start to record more video I will probably start to compare the software options out there. Thanks for the great resource!
Have you tried filmora is jot that bad always finding something new to add the more I use it.
Good info!
Great article. I’ve recently been trying my hand at editing using lightworks, but I find it a bit unintuitive. Is their something just as powerful, yet more user friendly out there? Thanks in advance.
You should consider trying DaVinci Resolve. Everything is laid out well, easily accessible and not lacking any advanced features at the same time.
Been looking for some editing software to help boost my freestyle vid game.
I use OpenShot and it’s pretty nice and easy to use but definitely lacking some features compared to Premiere and the other big names.
used to use Hitfilm Express before premiere. its great, but the text is quite finicky. Other than that its very useful given that its free.
I have been using nothing but iMovie forever. I’m going to check out resolve now. Hope it is as intuitive. Thanks for the info.
Resolve FTW. I’m using it since I wrote this article.
Thank you so much. I was going nuts. I’ve had my Laptop for a few years now and never had a need to use the camera until now so I didn’t bother with it. You saved me a headache. Thanks again.
Great share. It is a amazing post about Graphic Design. It is necessary to know that to be a creative graphic designer.
hii…Aleksandar Kolov Great tools for video editing I use only on tools from your bucket list now I know which app is used for which purpose keep share this type of blog thank you keep going
This blog is very interesting and keep sharing like this, thanks
Great share. Thanks for infomation
Thanks for the tips, but aside from that, first time seeing that video from Bluster, WOW! Don’t think I’ve ever been that nervous watching a fpv video as when her was skimming over the water..lol. Loved the transitions in editing, and also don’t see a lot of flight footage in rainy weather, very cool!!