RC Helicopter and photo/video

[darrenwilson]

I am looking for some options for purchasing an RC helicopter that I can put a camera on to shoot still aerial photos and video. I am thinking about something along the lines of a Canon G12 or something similar. I have no idea what kind of helicopter I need to lift that.

Yes, I am very adept at using Google, but also wanted to try my social search filters to capitalize on your experiences. The Google search landed me on the Draganflyer X6, but the base model starts at nearly $20K. That being said, I am considering selling a kidney to fund that purchase.

As you can tell, I am a RC newbie, but I am a quick learner. I have a budget of roughly $4,000 for the helicopter/camera combo. I am OK with building from a kit or doing a little DIY.

BTW, this is for my school, so it needs to be something my high school students and I can learn together on. This will be a combination project between my engineering/robotics/videography students.

OK. What's out there? Suggestions?

[rab3rd]

why not a goPro?

[darrenwilson]

I was JUST looking at GoPro Official Store: Wearable Digital Cameras for Sports . I think I am sold on that camera. Just need to figure out how to get it airborne. Any ideas?

[cfortner]

I recently sat down and have been working towards putting together a parts list. The gopro and the pan tilt head I'm going to be using only weigh ~10oz. Consequently a 450 model helicopter kit is probably a bit overkill, but it will perform nicely.

Looks like around $200 for the heli and electronics, and about $100 for a decent radio. I'm still trying to figure out how to control the servos on the pan tilt while flying the beast :)

** for the record I know very little about RC helicopters, and have been relying on the advise of a friend telling me what parts to get, I'm hoping to have a full parts list ready in the next few days. :)

[ldelacruz]

The hatguy just posted a pic of his setup the other day. Do a search for his thread. I think it was something like time to terrorize the neighbors.

Here it is:
http://www.TexasPhotoForum.com/forum...ghborhood.html

[Digital Prophet]

Question for CFortner and Darren, what did you two end up doing for a helicam solution?

Right now we are considering the purchase of a Draganflyer, either the X4 or the X6. But we are still investigating the various options and the RoI. Plus there is always the option to just contract a service, but I am very much against that idea because I don't want to be at the mercy of someone else's schedule.

Would love to hear what you came up with.

- KFD -

[SCone]

I found information on using blimps & balloons for aerial photography sometime back. Not as cool as the helicopter, but less expense and seemed easy to use.

Here's one of the links I kept...

Aerial Surveillance - Aerial Photography Equipment - Aerial Imaging

[gresults]

You might also look at the Contour GPS, which has Iphone support now.. pretty neat camera you can check them out here Contour >> GPS Video Camera I have both the GPS and Non Gps versions if you want to check them out.

If anyone wants to try one out on the Heli just let me know...

Here is video shot with one..

Black Hawk Down Feb 5,2011

[Digital Prophet]

Thank you both for those links. I do like the little wearable camera. That gives me some different idea like finding out exactly what is that my horses are up to all day. The blimp looks like a very interesting platform. I may just have to investigate that as well.

Much thanks to you both.

- KFD -

[gresults]

The nice thing about the contour is you can mount it any way you like the lens turns

[rhoffart]

wow ... good luck

You can use a several different airships for photography and video. There is a guy in Austin I know that has a Cannon 7D under an e-trex 700 Heli. Airship, camera, radio and gear is around 12K but you can downsize from there. My first heli was a small trainer and I got really good flying it, my second was a e-500 (medium size) and it was a little scary, tons of power. After slamming into the side of my wifes car with 2K of damage I put this hobby on hold. Be careful and get good insurance.

Here is a link

Aerial Videography and Photography - HeliFreak

[cfortner]

The x4 looks to have a 8.8oz payload, so in theory it shouldn't have a problem with the 5.9oz go pro. The x6 would probably be a better choice though.

[craigb456]

A friend of mine uses GoPros on weather balloons they are awesome little cameras I am thinking of buying one my self. I think Houston Camera Exchange are selling them now.

Here is one of the balloon videos from him

[Digital Prophet]

Thanks for the input. Now there is some question as to whether or not a need an FAA certification to fly a Draganflyer. Which is utter nonsense considering that I can go and buy a model helicopter and/or plane and fly the hell out of it all day long.

Stoopid gubment.

- KFD -

[cfortner]

No FAA license necessary if you keep it below 400 ft, and within your line of site. Also no flying within 3 miles of airports.