Cheap Aerial Options at DVinfo.net

Daniel Ross · September 15th, 2007, 11:28 AM

I've always been interested in getting a camera in the air.

I've pondered using balloons, but it would be difficult to get a steady shot and expensive. Using a lightweight DV Camera would still require perhaps 10 40" balloons, or maybe 200 11" standard balloons.

So I was on a plane yesterday and looking at the skymall catalog, since there wasn't much else to do.

I came across two items that looked interesting--
http://www.skymall.com/shopping/deta...d=102130660&c=
http://www.skymall.com/shopping/deta...d=102488767&c=

I'm guessing it could work to attach the camera to the remote aircraft, and have a lot of control.

Still pretty expensive, but at least completely reusable.

The image quality doesn't sound great, but it would be fairly usable, probably, with some filters, at least for things like title sequences.

Anyway, does anyone have an experience with things like this?
Ideas?

I know there are some very expensive professional options (like 7' remote control helicopters), but I'm not quite ready for that.

Thomas Weilguny · September 18th, 2007, 12:53 AM

I´ve seen some pretty impressive footage shot with electrical rc helicopters - I´d check the local clubs and find someone with the skills and inclination to help you out.

ps: real helicopters are waaaay cooler. ;) get yourself into the air, it´s much more fun

September 15th, 2007, 11:28 AM	#1
Daniel Ross Major Player Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Marin & Davis, CA, USA Posts: 418	Cheap Aerial Options I've always been interested in getting a camera in the air. I've pondered using balloons, but it would be difficult to get a steady shot and expensive. Using a lightweight DV Camera would still require perhaps 10 40" balloons, or maybe 200 11" standard balloons. So I was on a plane yesterday and looking at the skymall catalog, since there wasn't much else to do. I came across two items that looked interesting-- http://www.skymall.com/shopping/deta...d=102130660&c= http://www.skymall.com/shopping/deta...d=102488767&c= I'm guessing it could work to attach the camera to the remote aircraft, and have a lot of control. Still pretty expensive, but at least completely reusable. The image quality doesn't sound great, but it would be fairly usable, probably, with some filters, at least for things like title sequences. Anyway, does anyone have an experience with things like this? Ideas? I know there are some very expensive professional options (like 7' remote control helicopters), but I'm not quite ready for that.

September 18th, 2007, 12:53 AM	#2
Thomas Weilguny Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Vienna, Austria Posts: 51	I´ve seen some pretty impressive footage shot with electrical rc helicopters - I´d check the local clubs and find someone with the skills and inclination to help you out. ps: real helicopters are waaaay cooler. ;) get yourself into the air, it´s much more fun