We get this question all the time. People often ask, "Do I really need my drone footage or photos edited?"
The answer depends on what you plan to do with them. Our job is to help you figure out what’s right for your needs and your budget.
Photos - What’s the Difference Between Unedited and Edited?
Unedited Photos (JPG Format)
When we take drone photos as part of our San Diego drone photography services, we can give you the images straight from the camera. These are called JPGs. They’re ready to go and work fine for basic things like checking a roof, showing progress on a project, or just documenting a location.
But these photos are “compressed,” meaning they don’t show as much detail in dark or bright areas. You may notice parts of the photo look too shadowy or too bright.
Edited Photos (Shot in RAW)
For higher-quality results, we take photos in a special format that keeps more detail. These photos start off looking dull and flat. That’s normal. We do this so we can brighten up the dark areas, tone down the bright spots, and make the colors look more natural and appealing during editing.
This is a great option if the photos will be used for marketing, real estate listings, social media, or your website.
Photo Examples
Basic Photo (No editing)
Photo Before Editing (Shot flat)
Final Edited Photo
Videos - Why Color Grading Makes a Big Difference
Edited Videos (Shot Flat and Color Graded)
When we want the video to look its best, we record it in a “flat” style. It looks kind of gray at first, but it saves more information from bright skies and dark areas. That gives us the ability to edit the video later and make it look sharp, colorful, and professional.
This is what you want if you’re using the video to show off a property, promote a business, or post something eye-catching online.
Video Example
So, Do You Need Editing?
If you’re using the footage just to record or document something, unedited photos and video are totally fine.
But if you’re going to use them to attract customers, promote something online, or share with a wider audience, editing makes a big difference in how professional and polished it looks.
Let’s Talk About What You Need
At Drone Company San Diego, we offer both options.
Whether you want quick and simple or fully edited and polished, we’ll help you figure out what works best for your project.
Providing Drone Photography Services for the San Diego Area
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About The Author
Daniel Travers leads Drone Company San Diego, providing expert aerial photography and videography.
As an FAA Part 107 certified drone pilot with over 20 years of digital media experience, he crafts stunning visuals that help businesses connect with their audiences.
His work includes collaborations with brands like iHeartMedia, Disney, Lexus, and KIA. Daniel holds a BFA in Photo New Media from the Kansas City Art Institute and an AAS in Graphic Communications from St. Louis Community College.