The Heineken Roeivierkamp: an iconic sporting event in the heart of Amsterdam, right on the doorstep of Schiphol in controlled airspace (CTR), with thousands of spectators along the banks and hundreds of rowers on the water. For many drone operators, this logistical mix sounds like an absolute ‘no-go’, but for Zero Gravity, it is the ultimate challenge.

For the second year in a row, we were asked to capture this spectacle from the air. A huge vote of confidence, as operating in this specific part of Amsterdam requires Champions League-level preparation. The margins are tight, and safety is always our top priority. Yet, precisely because we fully master the complex permits and safety protocols with air traffic control, our pilots were able to focus on what really matters during this international event: creating the most dynamic shots.

Our mission this year was clear: to translate the raw energy of the race into visuals. Nowadays, that can no longer be achieved with a single type of camera. That is why we opted for a hybrid approach: the cinematic perfection of the DJI Inspire 3 combined with the unprecedented speed of an FPV drone.

The cinematic foundation: Inspire 3

The backbone of the production was the DJI Inspire 3. This machine is the current gold standard for high-end aerial cinematography. For an event like the Roeivierkamp, the Inspire 3 is indispensable for capturing the scope of the event. Thanks to the full-frame 8K camera, we were able to create beautiful, sweeping wide shots where the historic facades of Amsterdam formed the backdrop for the battle on the water.

But the real power of the Inspire 3 this weekend lay in the telephoto lenses. These allowed us to capture the boats in razor-sharp detail from a safe distance. It produces stable, sleek, and almost soothing footage that emphasizes the grandeur of rowing.

The adrenaline injection: FPV

But rowing is not a soothing sport; it is pure but controlled power. To capture that intensity, traditional drones fall short. That is where our racing drones (FPV) came into play.

Where the Inspire observes, the FPV drone becomes part of the action. This small, lightning-fast, and agile drone dove (naturally within strictly coordinated safety protocols) into the world of the rowers. FPV footage is raw and immersive. It skims low over the Amstel and lets the viewer feel the speed generated by the four oars. It is the direct visual translation of the adrenaline coursing through the athletes’ bodies.

The complete picture

The secret to successful coverage today lies not in the choice of one drone or the other, but in the synergy. The direction could switch seamlessly between the majestic overview shots of the Inspire 3 and the intense action of the FPV pilots.