Wireless remote focus control? at DVinfo.net

Mikael Couderc · August 27th, 2011, 06:39 AM

Hi,
Long story short, we're putting together a system for special POV shots.
It's basically a camera mounted in a Pan/tilt capable cage attached to a drone.
The system is entirely controlled from the ground by a team of two (one controls the drone movements, the other the camera movements... Yes, that usually prevents crashing :-)
For creative purposes, we'd like a semi shallow DOF look that the current typical POV cameras can't give us. Also, and a result of the semi shallow DOF look we're after, we'll need to be able to control focusing from the ground.
We own several potential candidates cameras we could use (D3s D7000 D5100) for this, but are ready to invest in additional/different material if needs be.

Does anyone have any suggestion with regards to what combination of equipment would allow that?
Thanx a lot...

Mikael

Giroud Francois · August 27th, 2011, 10:29 AM

if you got all this remote control stuff, you just add a servo to control focus.
obviously the best way would be to get a remote video feed from the plane (but you probably already got it).

Brian Drysdale · August 27th, 2011, 01:32 PM

You could use a radio controlled focus system for a Steadicam. There are a number of options available, although the radio frequencies and weight may be a consideration, they're also not that cheap..

I'm not sure how much shallow DOF you'll get from a drone, given that they tend to fly at a reasonable height and this DOF effect tends to work best at closer distances. Then, if you manage a good shallow DOF, it can be a nightmare keeping focus with moving cameras. I'd also check out the vibration as another possible issue that could arise with using CMOS sensor DSLR cameras on a drone.

Mikael Couderc · August 28th, 2011, 04:03 AM

''You could use a radio controlled focus system for a Steadicam. There are a number of options available, although the radio frequencies and weight may be a consideration, they're also not that cheap.. ''

That's what I'm heading towards indeed.
RAdio frequencies? As far as I understand, they all offer switchable frequencies that shouldn't interfere with either the drone controls frequency or the video ones.
What potential issue do you think could arise?

"I'd also check out the vibration as another possible issue that could arise with using CMOS sensor DSLR cameras on a drone."

Hmmm... I had assumed VR would take care of that, or a good plugin would just as well. What CMOS-specific related issue do you foresee?

And BTW, thanx, your help is very much appreciated!

edit: your input would also be very valuable in a related thread:
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/new-micr...ml#post1678165

Brian Drysdale · August 28th, 2011, 05:54 AM

The jello cam effect accentuated by vibration, I expect it's something that can be tested before you finally select a camera.. Although, I wouldn't make an assumption without testing it.

Sorry, I don't know anything about that transmitter.

August 27th, 2011, 06:39 AM	#1
Mikael Couderc Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Montpellier, France Posts: 81	Wireless remote focus control? Hi, Long story short, we're putting together a system for special POV shots. It's basically a camera mounted in a Pan/tilt capable cage attached to a drone. The system is entirely controlled from the ground by a team of two (one controls the drone movements, the other the camera movements... Yes, that usually prevents crashing :-) For creative purposes, we'd like a semi shallow DOF look that the current typical POV cameras can't give us. Also, and a result of the semi shallow DOF look we're after, we'll need to be able to control focusing from the ground. We own several potential candidates cameras we could use (D3s D7000 D5100) for this, but are ready to invest in additional/different material if needs be. Does anyone have any suggestion with regards to what combination of equipment would allow that? Thanx a lot... Mikael

August 27th, 2011, 10:29 AM	#2
Giroud Francois Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: switzerland Posts: 2,133	Re: Wireless remote focus control? if you got all this remote control stuff, you just add a servo to control focus. obviously the best way would be to get a remote video feed from the plane (but you probably already got it).

August 27th, 2011, 01:32 PM	#3
Brian Drysdale Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Belfast, UK Posts: 6,152	Re: Wireless remote focus control? You could use a radio controlled focus system for a Steadicam. There are a number of options available, although the radio frequencies and weight may be a consideration, they're also not that cheap.. I'm not sure how much shallow DOF you'll get from a drone, given that they tend to fly at a reasonable height and this DOF effect tends to work best at closer distances. Then, if you manage a good shallow DOF, it can be a nightmare keeping focus with moving cameras. I'd also check out the vibration as another possible issue that could arise with using CMOS sensor DSLR cameras on a drone.

August 28th, 2011, 04:03 AM	#4
Mikael Couderc Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Montpellier, France Posts: 81	Re: Wireless remote focus control? ''You could use a radio controlled focus system for a Steadicam. There are a number of options available, although the radio frequencies and weight may be a consideration, they're also not that cheap.. '' That's what I'm heading towards indeed. RAdio frequencies? As far as I understand, they all offer switchable frequencies that shouldn't interfere with either the drone controls frequency or the video ones. What potential issue do you think could arise? "I'd also check out the vibration as another possible issue that could arise with using CMOS sensor DSLR cameras on a drone." Hmmm... I had assumed VR would take care of that, or a good plugin would just as well. What CMOS-specific related issue do you foresee? And BTW, thanx, your help is very much appreciated! edit: your input would also be very valuable in a related thread: http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/new-micr...ml#post1678165

August 28th, 2011, 05:54 AM	#5
Brian Drysdale Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Belfast, UK Posts: 6,152	Re: Wireless remote focus control? The jello cam effect accentuated by vibration, I expect it's something that can be tested before you finally select a camera.. Although, I wouldn't make an assumption without testing it. Sorry, I don't know anything about that transmitter.