Filming from a Bi-Plane

B

bkatcher

Member
In a few days, I will be filming a sequence with two Bi-Planes performing aerobatic maneuvers. I will be in one plane filming the other plane alongside us. This is a pretty low-budget shoot, so no gyroscopes or helicopters, just me with a camera.

The Planes are in the first picture at this link:
http://www.vintageaircraft.com/vafleet.htm

This will be a first for me, and I was hoping for some advice on camera choice. I have 3 cameras available to me:

Canon XH-A1 - Will probably give the smoothest image stabilization, and the most easily adjustable picture, and doesn't have a CMOS, but it is big and more cumbersome, and I'm afraid the wind resistance and weight will make it very hard to hold this camera up while at speed.

Canon HF200 - My first choice because it's small and maneuverable and gives a great image, but I am afraid of the CMOS sensor. Any experience with this camera in conditions like these?

Canon 7D - Probably won't use this because of the CMOS and will be a lot harder to handhold.

I will also have to GoPro Hero HD cameras attached to the talent's plane, as well as a camera on the ground.

Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Brandon
 
There is nothing wrong with CMOS. Unless you are using strobes or flashing light, the flagging can be corrected in post. Go with the best image.
 
I, too, wouldn't make the selection purely based on sensor spec. I haven't had a CMOS issue (that I know of) in my time using an EX-1. Just handle the camera reasonably; no whip pans etc.

I guess the threshold question is: Which camera are you most comfortable with?

Have you had CMOS issues in the past with these cameras?

My intuition is the that the 7D should be low on the list unless you have mastered being able to keep focus in Live View mode. If I were taking the flight, I'd try to shoot with my EX-1, taking every possible precaution to tether it to me and the plane.

Are you able to do a test run with each camera or, if that's not possible, get as close to replicating the expected conditions as possible? A roller coaster ride perhaps!!?

Sounds like a hoot. Remember to bring a spare battery and media with you. And a UV filter for the lens so it doesn't take a direct hit from anything at airspeed.

Good luck. Please post a link to the footage. I live a couple of hours from the Rhinebeck Aerodrome in NY and always find that place entertaining.
 
Yeah, a secure camera tether would be a good idea - dropping a camera over the side would be embarrassing :)

I see the planes have wide front seats, which will be handy for you and the camera to 'hide' behind to avoid wind. I'd concentrate on shooting out the side (meaning the pilots flying both planes roughly alongside each other), that will surely give the smoothest picture, but do a few shots from other angles too (presuming you want it to be obvious to the audience that you're shooting from another plane) - seeing your own plane in the shot framing will help sell the atmosphere of being up in the air.

Do all these cameras have image stabilisation features? I'd expect the wobbling to be similar to shooting while walking - but also try a few shots with picture stabilisation switched off.

Forget sound - I doubt you'll be able to record anything useable.
 
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