simibill

I posted my first attempt at airborne video - http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35145

I was hoping that you experts could give me some pointers, tips, suggestions,etc, but there has been no replies. The camera is not expensive, but it does take reasonably good video, so I am not blaming the camera. I am guessing that mounting the camera on the bottom of my Telemaster is not the way to go as the video will attest to. Any input here will be appreciated.

Thanks,

FlyWheel

Basically get the most stable (translation: smoothest flying) plane you have in your arsenal and mount the camera securly so that it points in the direction you want. For videos this, IMO, would be facing forward, in the direction of flight. Giving the viewer a "Pilot's Eye View" of the flight.

For still shots it can be mounted in just about any direction. Usually it's either poining forward (just aim the plane at what you want to photograph) or down (satellite views). Some people mount there's pointing sideways for flying alongside other planes to photograph them in flight.

simibill

The problem with pointing the camera forward is the propeller. Many videos I've seen have black streaks in the propeller arc.

Murocflyer

If were to give a "secret" or tip to anyone about aerial videos, I would say find a pusher plane unless you can find a way to get the prop out of the way of the camera. I really like forward and slightly down facing view with my camera angle, but that is just me. Pusher type airplanes allow you to mount the camera in front of the motor so no prop in the way and it also seems to cut down on the noise on the video when the camera is forward of the motor.

Frank

Sparky Paul

Pusher or Twin..

simibill

That's a neat setup.

Murocflyer

You bet. Both work well; pusher or twin. Good call Paul.

Frank

FlyWheel

I've heard many people having good luck with the Easy Star / Wild Hawk(?). Both are pushers and very gracefull and smooth in the sky

Aero Ace Ace

The best position for video is forward straight ahead and a little downward. The best position for stills is under the wing pointed to the side and a little down. I find this gives me more "keepers" than in the forward position.

Fangar

I have fairly decent luck with my forward mount even though I shoot through the prop. You very seldom actually see it unless the reflection of the light is just right. I personally like the effect, to remind folks what it is we are doing. 30 Fps helps a lot. Here is an example...

[media]http://www.vimeo.com/457158[/media]
Cheers,

Fangar

simibill

Fangar,

Your video looks very good. Thanks.

GreenAce92

Wow Fangar, nice neighborhood, lotsa pools he he he... wish i lived in your area. I'd be takin lotsa AP and video.

Here are my tips:
Make sure camera is mounted sturdy(so vibration does not occur)
try to fly in sunny occasions and make sure your camera isnt too light sensitive, or the automatic brightness adjustment is set right.
try to get a really good camera, with 30fps or more, also good Megapixels and resolution.
Get a plane(rudder controlled mainly) that turns nice and slow so the "speed problem" wont be a big deal.
And try to fly gently so viewers can enjoy the scenery, if ya fly and your plane is jerking around and is ending up pointing in different directions the video usually ends up being choppy.
A nice plane would do good too, you can scratchbuild a camera plane. one of mine i really like is my scout hornet. Its a pusher that uses a small 2500kv bl motor. Its a little faster than i want, but this plane can handle 20mph winds at 11oz!
Oh yeah and camera angle too, like others have pointed out, a little downwards and pointing forward would help. Shows scenery and the horizon.

Fangar

Thanks. That was my old place. This is the new one...

[media]http://www.vimeo.com/674077[/media]

Cheers,

Fangar

Fangar

Also, Greenace... That is a nice little plane you made there!

Fangar

GreenAce92

Thanks!!

it does pretty nice AV
i wish my camera didnt fall in the water.
[media]http://www.vimeo.com/1084548[/media]

wow you went from a stranger in your backyard, to a big area, wow, nice place!!

FlyWheel

So in short, don't mount your vidcam to your 3D plane unless you plan to hand out barfbags to your audience, right?

GreenAce92

yeah pretty much lol
i still have yet to try the Camera on the Rudder AV but all my planes are too small(someday i will do it) i want that view where in video games when you fly planes you see the entire plane but from behind.

Fangar

Here is one that I did with my Airfoilz Edge 540. It is a bit wild, but still fun!

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuVqaCXX6bw[/media]

The plane can pull the weight without issue.

Fangar

GreenAce92

nice video! love the bird