Using AF100 to get a few (real) helicopter shots. Gyro or no? Which lens?

traviswears

traviswears

Well-known member
So my original plan was to mount the Tokina 11-16 on the AF100 and just hold it in my lap with a pillow or something to minimize shaking. I believe we'll be shooting out the open door of the helicopter. However, I mentioned this to a few friends and they seemed to think it would be too shaky.

I'm planning to shoot 1080 60p with a high shutter speed to reduce the shake. Should I be using a lens with IS?

The 14-140 perhaps? Or the 7-14 wide angle instead?

Tips?
 
How low will the helicopter be going and what are you filming? A lens with IS is definitely going to be a start, and I ask about the distance to subject because the Panny 12-35mm seems to be a great short lens with OIS and will greatly extend the life of the camera for an AF100 owner.

Also - did you manage to get your hands on an AF100 kit (if so ignore my message in your WTB thread).
 
Alán Ortiz said:
How low will the helicopter be going and what are you filming? A lens with IS is definitely going to be a start, and I ask about the distance to subject because the Panny 12-35mm seems to be a great short lens with OIS and will greatly extend the life of the camera for an AF100 owner.

Also - did you manage to get your hands on an AF100 kit (if so ignore my message in your WTB thread).
Click to expand...


Not sure of the height yet. I haven't used the 12-35. I'll check and see if there's one around town.

Yes, I picked up a used kit from another dvxuser member. Yours is a great deal though!
 
Sounds good - have experience shooting from helos but only with still cameras which is different altogether. If the 12-35 is too pricey the 14-140 can be had on the cheap. Goodluck!
 
jmarkham said:
OIS will not be enough to compensate .. how are you going to stabilize the camera?
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Was just planning to hold it and let OIS help stabilize. Maybe throw a sandbag or something over it. Is that not going to work?

I haven't done a helicopter shot before, not sure if there's a gyro near the location either...
 
traviswears said:
So my original plan was to mount the Tokina 11-16 on the AF100 and just hold it in my lap with a pillow or something to minimize shaking. I believe we'll be shooting out the open door of the helicopter. However, I mentioned this to a few friends and they seemed to think it would be too shaky.

I'm planning to shoot 1080 60p with a high shutter speed to reduce the shake. Should I be using a lens with IS?

The 14-140 perhaps? Or the 7-14 wide angle instead?

Tips?
Click to expand...

For stabilisation a FIG RIG http://www.manfrotto.com/fig-rig will help a lot, togheter with a Cinesadlle bag on your legs. If possible try to shoot on 48 frames.

Good luck!
 
I would just use a Go Pro 2, your audience is going to be looking at the framing and concept. IMO unless you have a real budget I would not be taking a $3000+ camera into the air and inventing on a shot more than likely is going to be so shaky anyways. No way in the world you having your camera on a pillow is going to compensate the several hundred of mph, wind and your fear. I've been in a helicopter before and unless you plan to edit really quick shots in and out, forget about it.

My suggestions are use a Go Pro, Rent a Gyro, have someone who specifies do this or last but not least just buy some stock footage.
 
I assume your not getting a helicopter with a stabilized camera rig, but try to atleast get a Pilot who scecializes in film. It will make for an easier day, & better footage.

And generally the more rotor blades the smoother the flight.

IS lenses are at best OK, but you'll likely get a lot of jumps, & won't be thrilled with the results. Gyros are much better, but a bit heavy.

Lastly bring warm clothes, hat, & gloves. It can get freezing.
 
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Bern Caughey said:
I assume your not getting a helicopter with a stabilized camera rig, but try to atleast get a Pilot who scecializes in film. It will make for an easier day, & better footage.

And generally the more rotor blades the smoother the flight.

IS lenses are at best OK, but you'll likely get a lot of jumps, & won't be thrilled with the results. Gyros are much better, but a bit heavy.

Lastly bring warm clothes, hat, & gloves. It can get freezing.
Click to expand...

You're right, they don't have a rig. I'm planning to rent a gyro for the shots given the advice I've received. I haven't used one before but I'll try and practice a bit before the shoot. I'm also going to try and use bungees to help ease the weight of the gyro.
 
traviswears said:
You're right, they don't have a rig. I'm planning to rent a gyro for the shots given the advice I've received. I haven't used one before but I'll try and practice a bit before the shoot. I'm also going to try and use bungees to help ease the weight of the gyro.
Click to expand...

Whomever you rent the gyro from will show you how to use it. Heed the "bring a jacket" advice .... and some of those
finger gloves. I don't know if you've considered the 60fps new firmware option for the AF100 ... but if you have,
now's the time to kick it in :-) Heli shots slowed down look way cooler.

jeff
 
I've hung a camera with bungees from the door frame in the past. The bungees absorb a good deal of the vibration and made for really good shots.
 
What ss should I use? 1/2000? Or would 1/1000 work? I'd like to be as smooth as possible replaying the 60p in 24p.
 
As Bern said, The bigger the heli the smoother the ride. If you have a good heli, good pilot and a steady hand then you can get really great smooth shots nothing but handheld. Check out the trailer for a feature documentary I worked on with a couple other guys.
http://defythemovie.com/
All shot with the HVX, Red Epic, Super 16mm and the Phantom. Most of the heli shots from the beginning were all handheld HVX footage with no Gyro or stabilization other than the rare smoothcam filter added in post .
Best of luck. Heli footage is one of the best angles and funnest to shoot.
 
So I rented a KS-6 gryo from Kenyon Labs, strung a single bungee up to help alleviate the weight a bit and they turned out gorgeous. Shot 'em at 1080 60 w/a 1/2000 shutter. Super smooth.

I still had a little bit of shaking from side to side but smoothcam took care of that. I'll upload some clips after I get this next project finished. Thanks for all the help everyone!
 
Some of the aerials I shot in NC made it into this video. I took the advice of several people here and rented a gyro and it made a huge difference. If anyone is interested, the link is below!

https://vimeo.com/51639574

Hope the info above helps someone else looking to do a similar shoot!

Cheers,
 
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