Yellowstone River Helicam Video

Great stuff, how much does one of these rigs cost. At NAB two years ago I saw one that was GPS controled and ran about $500,000.00. It was about 4 feet long but I don't think it would handle a hvx-200. On this unit you would program in your coordinates and away it went. I believe it ran on gas. Lots of fun to look at.
 
Thanks. We use several different types depending on the application. The one used for this shot is larger and more stable than most and can carry video and film cameras weighing up to about 20 lbs. and cost $15K for full manual control and another 5-10K for pre-programmed GPS way-point flight.
 
Sure thing. We have been flying the HVX on the Helis for a little over 2 years now so we have acquired quite an archive. I will try to get some more up soon. We plan to do some Red testing soon also.
 
Thanks,

I would depend on what you were wanting to do with it. People with good hand/eye coordination are learning to fly around in just a few months now. Computer simulators have really accelerated the learning curve and the quality of the models/electronics has improved dramatically in recent years. It still requires a fair amount of coordination and mental focus - much more than most other activities.

To use one for aerial video is something entirely different. I am a former World Champion in precision RC helicopter aerobatics with 25 years on the sticks and I still find it challenging to pull off good quality video shots. You need to be able to perfectly balance every part of the helicopter also, so you need to be as good a mechanic/troubleshooter as pilot.
 
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