My first flight video posted on the net

[pthompson24]

Guys,

I've been working towards this goal for about six months now. This hobby is fascinating but the best part for me is the aerial photography part. That's what keeps me going. I especially like the on board videos. Recently I order a 900 MHz wireless link and a micro camera from Rangevideo.

I loved the camera because it was light enough to mount on the tail of the heli to great effect. And the wider angle lens does wonders for the stability of the video compared to my canon SD630 which I was using. I'd love to have the wireless part but the link I bought sucked... it was fine standing still but was terrible when moving. I don't know if anyone has any advice on how to get a stable link but I'd love to get that working because of the light weight and video recording options, not to mention live viewing.

Anyway, to take advantage of the micro camera I found and bought a Neuros MEPG 4 video recorder which is light weight and records to compact flash cards. It works pretty well though I can't wait to get the high def thing going on a Trex 500 or 600.

Let me know what you think. I've only been flying heli's since 12/15/06.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1632644385771135975&hl=en

Thanks,
Paul T.

[phil007]

Paul,

That's a cool POV. I've been wanting to do the same type of video from the top of the raised tail on my Maxi Joker. The camera would be looking over the main rotor using a 4-6" high camera mount. I'll have to look at these small cameras again.

What camera are you using and did you add the wide angle lens?

Phil

[AZ ChopperCam]

hey that's cool! makes the video appear to be more stable than it is by having the heli in the shot.

nice!!!

[R1Time]

That was a nice vid!

[pthompson24]

What camera are you using and did you add the wide angle lens?

Phil

Here is the link to the camera....

http://rangevideo.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=18

It's the lens that it comes with but there are optional lens available for it here...

http://rangevideo.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=27

I should get the two wide angle lens for effect. I couldn't believe how much the little camera improved the image. I had be trying to calm the vibrations and extra movement with fancy camera holders and all I had to do is get a wider lens!

- Paul T.

[pthompson24]

hey that's cool! makes the video appear to be more stable than it is by having the heli in the shot.

nice!!!

Thanks DJ!

You are my hero of course, I love the HD videos you post and aspire to that level someday. Post some more of your Hi Def videos please when you can.

I'd thought about putting the camera way back behind the tail blades suspended by carbon rods to get the whole heli in the video but that seemed impratical, at least for the small one.

A side shot might be cool too!

-Paul T.

[AZ ChopperCam]

Paul, I've often considered mounting a small board cam on one of my camera ships using a long carbon rod. something like off to the rear and side and front and side to get most of the heli in the shot.

Then remove the rod in post with some wire removal software and stabilize as needed. basically just like they do when shooting cars/trucks for manufacturers driving down roads.

it'd be a sweet shot for sure!

[pthompson24]

Paul, I've often considered mounting a small board cam on one of my camera ships using a long carbon rod. something like off to the rear and side and front and side to get most of the heli in the shot.

Then remove the rod in post with some wire removal software and stabilize as needed. basically just like they do when shooting cars/trucks for manufacturers driving down roads.

it'd be a sweet shot for sure!

Yes, that would be awesome I think and quite possible on a larger helicopter. I can't recall seeing anything like this. I think you should do it and post it. I'll do it later this year when I get a Trex 500. I'd like to get a 600 but I really shouldn't be spending that kind of money right now. The 500 will be a much better deal if I can use the same batteries that the 450 uses. With a higher res mini camera and one of the new DVR's they are coming out with this is a great time to be in this hobby.

Thanks,
Paul T.

[1hoptycopter]

Here is a mini wireles camera mount made of carbon rod on my TREX 450 SEV2. It is 1/8" diameter rod and goes in the TREX extra antenna loops on the skids. You have to shorten it or everything is fuzzy. Cheers, 1hoptycopter

Link with photos.

http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=47824