GH5 Out-of-Helicopter shots using shoulder mount w/IBIS Only, Dual IS vs Gimbal

F

filmguy123

Veteran
If shooting out of a helicopter, do you think throwing the GH5 on a shoulder mount with IBIS is enough? If not, will Dual IS compensate?

I would *really* prefer the shoulder mount and IBIS/Dual IS options for ability to maneuver the camera better and perform manual focus, change settings, etc. IBIS only would be ideal for freedom of lens choice and aesthetic, but Dual IS would still be ok.

Next option would be putting it onto a zhiyun crane with a dual handle grip, I assume this would ensure smoothness, but you lose a lot of fine motor control, etc.

Thoughts?
 
When I worked in NEWS and we occasionally used a helicopter, they guys would hang the camera from a bungee cord to help steady it and isolate the vibrations. Choose a cord that stretches a decent amount, you want it to be able to stretch more if needed.
 
filmguy123 said:
If shooting out of a helicopter, do you think throwing the GH5 on a shoulder mount with IBIS is enough? If not, will Dual IS compensate?

I would *really* prefer the shoulder mount and IBIS/Dual IS options for ability to maneuver the camera better and perform manual focus, change settings, etc. IBIS only would be ideal for freedom of lens choice and aesthetic, but Dual IS would still be ok.

Next option would be putting it onto a zhiyun crane with a dual handle grip, I assume this would ensure smoothness, but you lose a lot of fine motor control, etc.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...

Old helicopter based news photographer here- pre-gyroscopic lenses and cameras, IBIS, OIS, NLE stabilization and the rest of the new goodies. I used to shoot with a Betacam handheld. With IBIS, OIS and post stabilization you'll be fine unless... you've never shot from a chopper before, use too long of a lens (shouldn't be a problem with your configuration) or the pilot has no idea on how to optimize flying for aerial photography. Oh... and make sure you have a harness if shooting from an open door. I wouldn't mess with the bungee cord at at all, and use the Ziyun only if you really want to push a long lens. Even then, it may be more hassle than it's worth.

Have fun.
 
Some notes...

A Pilot who specializes in Aerial Photography will greatly improve your footage, & be much safer to work with.

Typically the more rotor blades the smoother the ride.

Secure your gear well, & be very careful with lens changes. There are several stories of lenses falling from the heavens, some even crashing through houses.

Be prepared to be very cold. It can be freezing at altitude with the door open.
 
I'm not a fan of IBIS. It can sometimes produce a watery, "warp"-like image.

My preference would be for the gimbal first, OIS second, IBIS off.
 
If you decide to use the gimbal that you mentioned, a Movi or a Ronin be prepared for a massive amount of tilt and roll (horizon) drift if the helicopter makes a turn. Try to do your filming with the pilot flying in a straight line. If he does make a substantial turn it will usually take the gimbal a good while to come back to center on the horizon axis. If you plan to boot up the gimbal in the air I hope that your gimbal of choice has motion booting or the pilot may have to land somewhere so that you can get the gimbal to boot up.

I hope this helps


Wayne Mann
www.HeliCamhighdefmedia.com
 
filmguy123 said:
If shooting out of a helicopter, do you think throwing the GH5 on a shoulder mount with IBIS is enough? If not, will Dual IS compensate?

I would *really* prefer the shoulder mount and IBIS/Dual IS options for ability to maneuver the camera better and perform manual focus, change settings, etc. IBIS only would be ideal for freedom of lens choice and aesthetic, but Dual IS would still be ok.

Next option would be putting it onto a zhiyun crane with a dual handle grip, I assume this would ensure smoothness, but you lose a lot of fine motor control, etc.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...

Unless your shooting something really dynamic, the additional speed potentially provided by the shoulder mount may provide no advantage and possibly a disadvantage. Often times your not doing big focal length changes and your DOF is going to be rather large. IMO, unless shooting something really out of the ordinary, you won't be doing really dramatic or quick focal length and focus changes. Secondly, having a tiny camera (bouncing) up on your shoulder will most likely induce more shaking and quaking than if it was stabilized with your hands and arms. Lastly, wide angle to moderate telephoto focal lengths are the typical range... as you know wide angle makes everything smoother. ;-)

If you can, let us know what the subject matter is- that will clear a lot of things up.
 
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