I want my Remote Helicopter? But which one?

[steviestefan]

Thanks dregenthal,

That was a wise post. Still we would like to know more about those "mini-helicopters for camera" that you mentioned in your post as well. If possible could you give some links perhaps we may see some sense and make fair decisions.

 

[OregonDank]

this thread got me thinking about another product...i've seen it called the Zipcam in the credits of a snowboarding video it is used in (Mack Dawg Productions latest film i think)...it is basically a two-pulley system rigged up on a cable spanning whatever you want aerial shots of...the pullies have a camera mount and can be controlled by a remote that can pan, tilt, and zip the pulley system down the cable....anyone else seen this? i want one of those....

 

[PDX_DVX]

I have seen pictures of such a rig. I havent seen the Mack Dawg films with them, but I saw a bike film that used a remote head cable cam. Darcy Wittenburg of Alterna Action Films frequently rides in a paragliding harness attached to a zip line with a camera to capture the action. As for the helicopter thing, I think you could spend your 25k alot more wisely. You're also forgetting insurance costs involved with flying such a contraption over populated areas. Better to hire/rent.

 

[marinpa]

Then, if its only too small to enter into industrial (medium) doors and windows to get those shots without crushing, then it would be just as good as jib.

Take this shot with a jib!

:nads:

 

[OregonDank]

looks like you could take that shot just fine from a regular heli tho....

 

[marinpa]

There are already professional operators that fly mini-helicopters for camera. They are bigger than what you posted in your picture and typically fly something with greater capability than the DVX-100. I can’t remember what they charge but this is what they do so communicating your artistic desires to them will not fall on deaf ears.

Why I would not hire one of those people? For a person that loves to fly RC helis, what other job can be better than this?

No doubt they don’t come cheap but then, there you go . . . you won’t have to learn to fly it or rent something and find someone else who is capable or bear the hassle of transportation, insurance, fuel, FAA NOTAM’s, etc.

My point exactly!

They’re too big to fly through the window, but someone already suggested a jib or something may have you covered for that particular type shot.

I already posted the answer to that. But here ya go... cover this shot with a crane.

Click for a full size

Fact is, I am wondering (as is probably everyone else) what your plans are? What I mean is, are you thinking of starting a business or just shooting your indie feature? I’m interested, so that’s why I ask.

My plans are to produce a video as artistically and as informative as possible.
Don't we all want that? to generate that "Wowww" from our customers?!?

Anyhow . . . I am a pilot (fixed wing only). I have many hundreds of hours in helicopters as a passenger, parachuting and rappelling out of them, and shooting (not with a camera though). I can share this: Filming from an aircraft (unless it’s a 747 and you’re securely buckled into your seat and shooting through the glass window of your passanger seat) is risky business. Unless you have a lot of time in and around one I suggest you abandon any idea of the full size version (and yes, I understand that was not the stated purpose of your post – but as it has come up I thought I would throw it in). It’s not that the helicopter is inherently dangerous—it’s not, and careful selection of an ex-military pilot would satisfy the requirement for someone that would probably not only understand your instructions but would kick some serious a** getting it done . . . these guys are literally the best and many of them continue to fly after separation from the military.

With all due respect but this was never into the question of this topic.
For what is worth, I am myself a parachute class D specialist with over 400 jumps. Never took my DVX under the chte though.

One thing that didn’t come up and kind of surprises me (but maybe that’s because we’re still clueless as to what your intentions are) is, would a “sky-cam” type setup give you what you are looking for; aka Garrett Brown/Jerry Holway Monday Nite/Super Bowl shots (or think Santa Anna’s first cannonball shot in the last remake of the Alamo)? Taking safety issues into consideration (and using experienced people/equipment) will not only allow you to get very precise shots, you will also be able to rehearse and replicate them.

I have no idea about the "sky cam". I will do some research.

I’m really interested in learning what you’re up to – fill me (us) in, will you?

I believe this technique can be used on everything... .. from weddings to sport events (car racing, motor-cross, hockey, soccer, etc), Real Estate, forensic/legal video, etc. At last but not at least music video-production.
Imagine following the singer running on the beach. How about the singer on the edge of a cliff. A panning shot that connects two frames; one before the camera movement and then a long shot that pulls in (birs's eye).

I don't know 'bout you, but only thinking of this shot I get the heebie me jeebies

 

[marinpa]

looks like you could take that shot just fine from a regular heli tho....

Let's say I want only a aerial shot of a building or a subject running on the beach. How much would cost me to rent a real chopper?
Second, the force of the propellers would rend the scene useless, having the threes waving on all directions, hairs in the air, sand in the eyes... ... you got the picture.
And no, using a long lens would not solve the issue, since a loner focal lens would distort the perspective.

 

[kimko]

i know of one in Cambodia, how remote is that.........but it's not working that ship went down in the jungle.

 

[OregonDank]

Let's say I want only a aerial shot of a building or a subject running on the beach. How much would cost me to rent a real chopper?
Second, the force of the propellers would rend the scene useless, having the threes waving on all directions, hairs in the air, sand in the eyes... ... you got the picture.
And no, using a long lens would not solve the issue, since a loner focal lens would distort the perspective.

i have no doubt that there are instances that the RC heli would be more useful, but the picture you posted is probably not one of them...often you can take scenic helicopter flights for relatively little money...anyway - every response you have given to everyones suggestions has been in strong defense of your RC helicam deal and it sounds like you already have your mind made up, so if you think that's the way to go then go and get one and post us some footage

 

[dregenthal]

i have no doubt that there are instances that the RC heli would be more useful, but the picture you posted is probably not one of them...often you can take scenic helicopter flights for relatively little money...anyway - every response you have given to everyones suggestions has been in strong defense of your RC helicam deal and it sounds like you already have your mind made up, so if you think that's the way to go then go and get one and post us some footage

Yeah, what he said . . . preferably flying it into a volcano, I'd like to see that one!
(or a tsunami).





P.S. Glad you got your "D" license, got mine in 1971 . . . D-3118

Good luck!

 

[dregenthal]

Thanks dregenthal,

That was a wise post. Still we would like to know more about those "mini-helicopters for camera" that you mentioned in your post as well. If possible could you give some links perhaps we may see some sense and make fair decisions.

I read about it in a mag last year . . . might have been "DV" anyhow, this one is what I was talking about only smaller:


http://www.coptervision.com/copter.html

 

[vidled]

RC Helicopters are definitely a cool [albeit expensive] way to take arial footage. I am not sure of what a return on investment would look like though.
Some other options would be helium ballons, also available as RC. Much gentler ride, less expensive, and safer.

 

[marinpa]

I read about it in a mag last year . . . might have been "DV" anyhow, this one is what I was talking about only smaller:


http://www.coptervision.com/copter.html

Dang it "Dregenthal".. .. is that a cool link or what?!? Thank you for posting it! I already sent them an email.

The more I read, the more I love the idea.. ..

And yes, guys, you are right. I was exchanging some info with some RC planes/helis pro pilots, wizards in their field, and they did confirm that once in a while, the choppers have the habit to fall from the sky. Ouch!!! The good part is that an RC helicopter, like a Nascar vehicle, can be fixed in no time. The bad part is that 90% of the time, the camera goes kaputski.

Ohhh well.. .. I'll keep my fingers crossed while I am flying the darn thing

 

[AvilesFilm]

Hello:
Theses links are interesting:
http://www.runryder.com/helicopter/f25p1/
http://www.helicam.com/index.html
http://www.neural-robotics.com/Products.htm
http://www.copterfilms.com.ar/

 

[marinpa]

Hello:
Theses links are interesting:
http://www.runryder.com/helicopter/f25p1/
http://www.helicam.com/index.html
http://www.neural-robotics.com/Products.htm
http://www.copterfilms.com.ar/

yyyyhaaaa!!! That's what I was looking for my friend!

Best regards,

M.P.

 

[Motherboard]

how often r u gonna use it?
there's an airport down the street and helicopter rides are $300, 4 people and gear from LAX to Long Beach, specific location gigs start @ 1k.
so try contacting your local airport and see if they offer anything like this.

 

[marinpa]

how often r u gonna use it?
there's an airport down the street and helicopter rides are $300, 4 people and gear from LAX to Long Beach, specific location gigs start @ 1k.
so try contacting your local airport and see if they offer anything like this.

Yes they are helicopter services, but the big machine is space confined.
And a helicopter company is ... just that. The pilots have no degrees of expertise in aerial filming. They can fly, alright, but they don't really have the experience and professionalism you need when comes to getting that exclusive special shot.

Keep the good ideas coming guys!

 

[im.thatoneguy]

If you're going to be hiring a pilot every time you want him to film... and he needs to be adept at using the system you're going to be using... why not find a pilot *with* his own chopper. Owner/operator for specific projects sounds like what you should look for. Not dropping the $$ to occasionally use somebody elses expertise on your equipment that just sits around when he's not there.

There was an old saying I think I remember for learning how to fly rc helicopters: Every vertical foot costs $500. Or something like that.

 

[marinpa]

If you're going to be hiring a pilot every time you want him to film... and he needs to be adept at using the system you're going to be using... why not find a pilot *with* his own chopper. Owner/operator for specific projects sounds like what you should look for.

Most of the heli guys have small helicopters, stunt helis, with no lift power.
And most of the time have no camera mount. The ones they do have, is just for mini cameras.

Not dropping the $$ to occasionally use somebody elses expertise on your equipment that just sits around when he's not there.

I am considering more to hire a pilot as part of the team. Hence by contractual clause, he will be responsible for everything means flying.
Including licences, maintenance, exercising, (playing with the chopper in his down time), etc.
Me, I want to stick to my camera, creative process and business management.

There was an old saying I think I remember for learning how to fly rc helicopters: Every vertical foot costs $500. Or something like that.

That is correct. However applies only when you fly the heli for fun in the park.
Yet if you are flying it for $$$, than every vertical foot might MAKE you $500.

By the way guys, just in case you didn't know, Fear Factor, for the vast majority of the time, for the aerial shoots, is using the RC Helis.

 

[marinpa]

Well... . on the other hand, this thread tells me that in Aerial Videography I won't have too much competition.. ..:beer: