An innovative solution has emerged from the intersection of aerospace engineering and photography, thanks to the ingenuity of student Tyler Staub. Driven by practical needs encountered in his drone service business, Staub has developed a novel adapter, aptly named the Dronebal, which seamlessly transforms a DJI Mini 4 Pro drone into a fully functional handheld camera. This invention promises to be a game-changer for content creators and filmmakers, offering an economical and highly portable alternative to traditional multi-camera setups.
Staub, who co-owns a drone media company with his brother Calvin, recognized a recurring challenge during his aerial photography assignments: the frequent necessity for close-up ground shots that often conflicted with FAA regulations or demanded a cumbersome switch to separate camera gear. He observed that the DJI Mini 4 Pro already possessed impressive stabilization and camera specifications, making it an ideal candidate for dual-purpose usage. The drone's 48-megapixel Type 1/1.3 CMOS sensor, coupled with a 24mm equivalent f/1.4 lens and support for 4Kp100 footage in 10-bit D-Log M and HLG color, rivals many dedicated cameras on the market.
The development process was characterized by an iterative design approach. Staub began with rudimentary cardboard prototypes to quickly test and refine his concepts. His initial idea involved a 'flying leash' mechanism, intending for users to guide the airborne drone with a mechanical arm. However, this proved impractical as the drone's intelligent flight systems interfered with external manipulation. This early setback led him to pivot towards a direct mounting system for the drone's controller.
The subsequent phase involved extensive digital modeling using SOLIDWORKS, where Staub iterated through numerous designs for both the drone tray and the connecting arm. A key focus was ensuring optimal user comfort and balance, particularly regarding the positioning of the controller and the overall center of gravity. This meticulous attention to ergonomic detail was crucial for creating a user-friendly device that minimized wrist strain during extended use.
The culmination of this development is a sophisticated two-part system. It features a tray that securely cradles the drone, fastened by a Velcro strap, and an arm that attaches to the back of the drone's controller. These two components are linked by an adjustable joint, allowing users to precisely alter the controller's angle while maintaining the drone's level orientation. This design empowers creators to achieve dynamic camera movements, from elevated perspectives to low-angle shots, all while utilizing the controller's scroll wheel for precise manual camera pitch adjustments. This effectively unlocks the full potential of the drone's 3-axis gimbal and the controller's high-definition display for ground-based filming.
Currently, the Dronebal is being rolled out in a limited batch of 30 units, with initial feedback proving highly positive. Staub's immediate goal is to get these units into the hands of users to gather real-world insights and inform future design enhancements. Given the DJI Mini 4 Pro's substantial user base and its reputation for delivering professional-grade features in a compact form factor, Staub believes it is the ideal platform for validating his product concept. He also expresses a strong intent to adapt this versatile concept to other compatible drones, aiming to further democratize filmmaking tools.