Helicopter shoot with EX1 at DVinfo.net

Brian Rhodes · January 29th, 2011, 02:28 PM

What's the best frame rate to use 1080 30p with 60 shutter or 720 60p getting ready to do a helicopter shoot in Hawaii.

Chad Johnson · January 29th, 2011, 03:57 PM

I'd do it in 1080, so in post you can edit in 720, and use steady cam software to smooth out the shots without losing resolution. I also suggest bringing a big pillow to put on your lap and rest your arms on. The shaking will be constant.

Brian Rhodes · January 29th, 2011, 05:03 PM

Thanks Chad for the info..

Robert Young · January 31st, 2011, 02:06 PM

Another trick (if possible) is to partially suspend the cam with a couple of bungee cords from the interior, or doorframe.
It can make for a great shock absorber & eliminate the vibration pretty effectively.

Joachim Hoge · January 31st, 2011, 04:14 PM

If I have to go handheld in a heli, I usually bring my cinesaddle (sackobag) and rest it on one thigh.
Then I place the camera on top of it and use my leg to "pan" and hands to tilt the camera. This presumes you are sitting with your legs outside the heli.

They usually have the harness for you, but they don´t always have carabiner, slings, rope etc to secure your camera gear so it´s not a bad idea to bring some.

I usually do heli filming of skiing so I´m always very well dressed. I presume it´s a bit hotter in Hawaii ;-), but being exposed to the wind and altitude will get you cold so bring gloves and wind proof clothes.

I also always wear goggles when I´m hanging out side a heli as I almost ruined a shot when tears filled my eyes due to the wind. A clear glass is best to be sure you have correct exposure.

Try to fly as close as they´ll let you. Try to get cliffs or mountains, at least something that will give you perspective and the feeling of flying. It´s hard to do over just open water if you don´t have a gyro.

Good luck, it´s fun

Chad Johnson · January 31st, 2011, 04:22 PM

Yeah I was going to say that one of those gyro things would help a lot. Not the kind you eat, though those are good too!

Joachim Hoge · January 31st, 2011, 04:35 PM

I´ve used something called the MiniGyro. It´s a handheld gyro, but it works quite well. Not sure what you have to pay in rent though. I think the cost of the whole thing is around $20.000 so it shouldn´t bee too bad

Olof Ekbergh · February 1st, 2011, 06:20 AM

Here is the best place to get/rent Gyros:
Kenyon Labs stabilizers

If you need even more info on great systems check this out:
Helicopter Mount Gyro Stabilized Video Film Camera Mount Platform Stabilized Video Film Camera Mount Gyro Stabilizer Video Film

There is a learning curve as well. A lot of times hiring someone who specializes in heli shoots is well worth the money. The pilot and shooter really need to be a team.

Helicopters are not cheap to rent, so it is a good to be guaranteed good professional footage.

Just a couple thoughts.

Joachim Hoge · February 1st, 2011, 02:50 PM

It´s important to have a pilot that understands the concept of filming.
I´ve sent one home, asking the heli company for a replacement as he just didn´t get it.
BUT, don´t get too nervous from all of what we write. Get up there and enjoy it. It´s a lot of fun too.

January 29th, 2011, 02:28 PM	#1
Brian Rhodes Major Player Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 753	Helicopter shoot with EX1 What's the best frame rate to use 1080 30p with 60 shutter or 720 60p getting ready to do a helicopter shoot in Hawaii.

January 29th, 2011, 03:57 PM	#2
Chad Johnson Major Player Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Arcata, Ca Posts: 750	I'd do it in 1080, so in post you can edit in 720, and use steady cam software to smooth out the shots without losing resolution. I also suggest bringing a big pillow to put on your lap and rest your arms on. The shaking will be constant. __________________ My Work: http://www.youtube.com/ChadWork1 Sony FS5 :: Panasonic GH4 :: Sony PMW-EX1 :: FCPx :: AT4053b :: Rode NTG-3,

January 31st, 2011, 02:06 PM	#4
Robert Young Trustee Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Coronado Island Posts: 1,472	Another trick (if possible) is to partially suspend the cam with a couple of bungee cords from the interior, or doorframe. It can make for a great shock absorber & eliminate the vibration pretty effectively. __________________ Bob

January 31st, 2011, 04:22 PM	#6
Chad Johnson Major Player Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Arcata, Ca Posts: 750	Yeah I was going to say that one of those gyro things would help a lot. Not the kind you eat, though those are good too! __________________ My Work: http://www.youtube.com/ChadWork1 Sony FS5 :: Panasonic GH4 :: Sony PMW-EX1 :: FCPx :: AT4053b :: Rode NTG-3,

February 1st, 2011, 06:20 AM	#8
Olof Ekbergh Sponsor: Westside AV Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Mount Washington Valley, NH, USA Posts: 1,365	Here is the best place to get/rent Gyros: Kenyon Labs stabilizers If you need even more info on great systems check this out: Helicopter Mount Gyro Stabilized Video Film Camera Mount Platform Stabilized Video Film Camera Mount Gyro Stabilizer Video Film There is a learning curve as well. A lot of times hiring someone who specializes in heli shoots is well worth the money. The pilot and shooter really need to be a team. Helicopters are not cheap to rent, so it is a good to be guaranteed good professional footage. Just a couple thoughts. __________________ Olof Ekbergh • olof@WestsideAV.com Westside A V Studios • http://www.WestsideAVstore.com/

January 29th, 2011, 05:03 PM	#3
Brian Rhodes Major Player Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 753	Thanks Chad for the info..

January 31st, 2011, 04:14 PM	#5
Joachim Hoge Major Player Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Oslo, Norway Posts: 402	If I have to go handheld in a heli, I usually bring my cinesaddle (sackobag) and rest it on one thigh. Then I place the camera on top of it and use my leg to "pan" and hands to tilt the camera. This presumes you are sitting with your legs outside the heli. They usually have the harness for you, but they don´t always have carabiner, slings, rope etc to secure your camera gear so it´s not a bad idea to bring some. I usually do heli filming of skiing so I´m always very well dressed. I presume it´s a bit hotter in Hawaii ;-), but being exposed to the wind and altitude will get you cold so bring gloves and wind proof clothes. I also always wear goggles when I´m hanging out side a heli as I almost ruined a shot when tears filled my eyes due to the wind. A clear glass is best to be sure you have correct exposure. Try to fly as close as they´ll let you. Try to get cliffs or mountains, at least something that will give you perspective and the feeling of flying. It´s hard to do over just open water if you don´t have a gyro. Good luck, it´s fun

January 31st, 2011, 04:35 PM	#7
Joachim Hoge Major Player Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Oslo, Norway Posts: 402	I´ve used something called the MiniGyro. It´s a handheld gyro, but it works quite well. Not sure what you have to pay in rent though. I think the cost of the whole thing is around $20.000 so it shouldn´t bee too bad

February 1st, 2011, 02:50 PM	#9
Joachim Hoge Major Player Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Oslo, Norway Posts: 402	It´s important to have a pilot that understands the concept of filming. I´ve sent one home, asking the heli company for a replacement as he just didn´t get it. BUT, don´t get too nervous from all of what we write. Get up there and enjoy it. It´s a lot of fun too.