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DroneCam

Added 2025-02-13 13:41:56 +0000 UTC

DroneCam addon

DroneCam is an FPV Drone Simulator Addon for Blender that let you fly using a gamepad/controller. You control the drone directly in the viewport, in real time (and you can render the results too!).

Why? It's fun, it's fast, and it makes realistic camera movements. Add the drone, Fly around the scene, and Render.

DroneCam relies on a realistic flying simulation, with real-world formulas for drag, gravity, and thrust. It's very close to flying a drone in real life.

Compatible with Windows, Linux, Mac, and any controller or gamepad.

To be clear: This is NOT like the Blender native Fly mode, or using a spacemouse. You wouldn't be able to achieve this results with common techniques.

How To Use

Plug the controller and launch Blender 4.3+
Install the zip file as you would with any addon
In the Viewport, press N to open the right panel, click on DroneCam tab
Click Add DroneCam to add the drone to the scene
Click Start (Your inputs are automatically keyframed as you fly)
Click Stop to stop the recording
Play the timeline to see the results and cache the simulation. And then render!

Video Tutorial (slightly older version): https://youtu.be/IZ-6dqQt8ws

FAQ

Can it render?
Yes, read the description!!

Can you modify the keyframes?
Yes if you click the Bake Animation button in the DroneCam UI you will get editable keyframes (great for smoothing the flight).

Will my controller work with it?
Yes, if not come to Discord and we'll figure out why but so far every single controller has worked across all users because DroneCam relies on raw joystick data so as long as your controller is recognized by your computer it will work.

Does it have collision?
No, working on it.

Does it have sound?
Yes, there is audio generated for propellers, but if you want to use it in a render you have to record audio with another program such as OBS. This is a Blender limitation.

Is it easy to use?
Yes but flying a drone is in itself a skill that you will have to learn and will require a bit of training. Take it slow or increase air drag is the simulation settings if you want an easier flying experience.

Controls

DroneCam supports almost almost all gamepads and RC controllers. All you need is a controller/gamepad with 2 Joysticks (4 axis in total) to fly DroneCam.

The controls can be mapped to any joystick axis or triggers. DroneCam's default mapping might not work for your controller so make sure to change the axis for each control if needed. The standard FPV drone mapping (and the one I recommend) is:

Left Joystick Y -> Throttle
Left Joystick X -> Yaw
Right Joystick Y -> Pitch
Right Joystick X -> Roll

There are 4 flying modes to choose from: Acro, 3D, Horizon, and Angle.

"Actual Rates" are implemented and allow you to change your inputs from linear to an exponential curve thanks to the 3 inputs (Center Sensitivity, Max Rate, Expo).

DroneCam UI:

There is also simulation parameters to modify. With them you can really tailor the simulation behavior to your need. From slow and steady cinematic shots to fast acrobatic flying.