Drone & Aerial Photography — 2026-07-25
The FCC is tightening restrictions on foreign drones, proposing bans on companies allegedly reselling DJI products under other brands while simultaneously extending exemptions for approved U.S.-aligned manufacturers through 2028. Meanwhile, content creators are discovering new DJI features designed for vertical video on social platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Drone & Aerial Photography — 2026-07-25
Regulation Watch
FCC Escalates Enforcement Against DJI Resellers
The FCC is pursuing a multi-pronged approach to block what it claims are DJI proxy companies. In a notice released this week, the agency identified nine companies suspected of selling DJI drones under alternative brand names and is proposing retroactive bans on their products.
The FCC is also expanding its focus beyond DJI, proposing to cut off imports and sales of foreign-made thermal imaging, LiDAR, docking, spraying, swarming, defense-integrated, and drones weighing 55+ pounds. However, the agency extended exemptions for trusted Covered List drones through January 1, 2028—effectively protecting approved manufacturers from immediate bans.
The move reflects ongoing tensions between U.S. national security concerns and consumer access, with critics questioning whether the FCC should have to prove its case before pulling already-approved products from shelves.
Gear News
DJI Adds Vertical Video Mode for Social Media
DJI has updated several drone models to support portrait-mode shooting, letting creators capture content directly in 9:16 vertical format optimized for TikTok and Instagram without post-production cropping. The feature reduces the need for vertical reframing in editing workflows, streamlining production for mobile-first content creators.
For photographers, the DJI Air 3S remains the go-to choice for most users in 2026, praised for its 1-inch main sensor and 3x telephoto lens that provide real framing flexibility for aerial stills.
Shot of the Week
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