There are many ways to enjoy the aspects of RC helicopters as a hobby,
but some people have taken it a step further and turned their hobby into
a viable and thriving business.
What I’m talking about, is using your RC helicopter for aerial
photography and videography.
Aerial Photography (AP) is the art of taking photos from the sky whereas
Aerial Videography is similarly the art of taking video from above.
In the old days, if you wanted an aerial photo of your house, land,
construction site, commercial building, farm or anything else, you had
to hire a pilot and plane at the cost of $500 to $1,000 or more.
That’s a thing of the past. With the new stabilization technology, high
power setups and compact digital cameras and video cameras, everyone
from small budget production companies to real estate agents to
construction companies to farmers to special event organizers are using
RC helicopters to take pictures and even video of their places and
events.
It’s even been used for filming footage for television news stations
that don’t have the budget or availability of a full sized helicopter.
In fact, RC helicopter based aerial photography is probably the most
versatile form of aerial photography and aerial videography available,
as it’s extremely accurate and has the ability to take aerial pictures
and video from unique angles that full sized aircraft can’t match.
Photography & Videography
Using radio control helicopters for aerial photography has certain
advantages when compared to traditional aerial photography, where a full
sized plane or helicopter is used.
They are:
• It’s much more cost effective than hiring a pilot with a full sized
plane or helicopter.
• RC helicopters can fly at any altitudes from ground level to about
500ft or more whereas commercial aircraft are often limited by how low
they can fly (traditionally 500ft to 1,000ft). Not only does flying
closer to the ground cut down on any haze or air anomalies, but it also
lets you capture your subject at unique angles.
• RC helicopters, especially electric RC helicopters, are also much
quieter and more environmentally friendly to operate that traditional
aircraft.
• You don’t need to have a nearby airfield or helipad.
• An RC pilot can arrive on location, take the pictures or raw video,
burn it to a CD and give it to you all inside an hour.
• Due to advanced gimbals, image stabilization software and newer camera
technology, RC aerial photography is the same or better quality than a
pilot taking a picture out the window of his or her plane.
Disadvantages Of RC Photography & Videography
Even though the list of benefits of newer technology and RC photography /
videography is long, it’s not without a few disadvantages. These
include:
• RC helicopters cannot operate in strong winds or rainy weather.
• RC helicopters have a maximum altitude of about 500ft in most cases.
• You need to watch our for potential hazards and low-lying obstacles
like power lines and trees.
• You don’t get the benefit of larger, production quality video cameras
and operators, therefore the video is somewhat jerkier than something
taken from a full sized helicopter.
Even though it has it’s disadvantages, many people are turning to the
cost effectiveness of RC helicopter photography and videography and
using it for everything like selling real estate, inspecting
construction sites or large buildings, video production and even
advertising for golf courses or wineries.
One RC heli that has revolutionized the RC helicopter aerial videography
scene is the Draganflyer SAVS (Stabilized Aerial Video System), which
is a 4 rotor gyro stabilized, self leveling RC helicopter.
It used patented thermal intelligence technology, which uses the
infrared heat signatures of the earth and atmosphere to keep the
helicopter level and stable when flying outdoors.
This 19 ounce Draganfly SAVS is portable enough for almost any
application, however it is limited by its 5-7 once lift capacity and 15
minute flight times. And because of its light weight and square shaped
design, it’s also quite susceptible to the wind, and can’t safely be
flown in gusts above 10mph.
But, because of its stability, anti-vibration camera mount and ease to
fly (when compared to traditional RC helicopters) this all in one
package makes a great budget platform for aerial videography amateurs or
the budding professional.
