vi360

I am new to the DF and looking for an AP platform for pro quality digital photos and video. From all I read the video in my area will not work due to interference from Google's city wide WiFi. So I am wondering if putting a Pentex 7 meg camera with a trigger (3.5 plus ounces) on a DF V Ti pro is possible. So far I read only a few brave and talented flyers have been able to get a 4 ounce plus load much higher than 50 feet. I saw one photo in Manila around 100 plus feet but it was blurry... maybe due to not being able to get a high enough shutter speed verses the DF vibrations? Helium balloon AP is too much a hassle and expense. I am using a 40 foot remote mast now but want to add 50 to 250 foot photo services. Any comments from long time flyers? Thank you.

Fesfly

I have been tinkering with a df and a canon camera - my findings so far - the flight time is 50% less - any wind, forget it, the only way to get a shot is to let the camera start shooting in continuous mode (I use a pico switch to trigger the camera) - the plastic blades flex too much with the weight causing the draganflyer to oscillate about 2 feet like a yoyo (I have ordered carbon blades to see if stabilizes). The added 3.5 oz weight guarantees heavy damage in a crash - I won't get into it, trust me I know. Another very important finding, by taping the support cross-member carbon rods so that they can't move, this makes the DF 100% more rigid and much easier to fly and control. Also, in a minor crash they won't pop out. Since using tape - I have removed my landing gear and am able to navigate through my house from room to room - which I could never do before making the frame more rigid. 50cent upgrade best overall improvement. I don't know if it is good for AP yet and am having fun trying, certainly if the conditions are right i.e. no wind you can get some good shots with the Pentax as others have shown.

techrtr

So you mean where the frame braces go into the end pieces, you just wrap the joint with electrical tape or something like that. Does DFI sell the frame bracing end pieces separately? I broke one yesterday in a crash (one of the nylon screws holding a blade sheared off and down she came) and didn't notice them being sold separately on their website.

Fesfly

Yes, wrap each frame brace rod with tape at the joint - scotch tape seems to loose its grip after a day or so. DF sells the frame bracing seperately.

vi360

I was afraid of that. The DF would answer so many AP needs... transportable, small, flexible and cost effective. Maybe someday with a 2 ounce super still camera or a better lifting DF (has to be cheaper than the $5k Pro). I would be somewhat happier if the video system was better. I am guessing that the limiting factor of the video system is the transmission and/or the cheap lense. Does anyone make a better coated glass lense for that cam? Stills from the video are almost good enough for small web site pix. Frustrating, almost the best AP platform.

techrtr

Draganflyers are really great little flying machines, but I don't think they are the best bet for really high resolution photos and video. I was checking out RCAPA.net and the equipment that people install on big copters and planes is pretty amazing. The video camera for DFs might be suitable for inspection or surveillance purposes, but it doesn't look like they are really useful for professional quality video. Maybe I'm wrong because I haven't tried to use a video camera on my DF but one of these days I will try it for myself.

vi360

Thank you for your input. I currently use a 45 foot mast for elevated photos and video, but would like to offer higher shots like 100 to 250 foot heights. I have seen 2 contributors here who have produced excellent photos with 4 and 6 meg cameras. However they had reservations about stablity and motor heat. SlCity has produced amazing video recently with the SVAS system. I guess I am hoping for someone with a magical solution. I looked at the RCAPA site and the photos were no better than i have seen here with the 4-6 meg cameras. The videos were not as smooth as the SlCity desert videos. So I am open to other comments on this subject.

scottslc

First, I love the tape idea. My stiffeners seem to come lose also.

As to stills, what are you using the photos for is the real question. When I first purchased my flyer I tried to attach a 3 oz panasonic camera. Way unstable and I had no way to frame my pictures. In using the SAVS, I can capture stills that turn out pretty good for Internet use, but they bite so far as printing goes. Here's a link to see a few: http://www.slcity.com/df/pics

Video wise, sure there are other platforms for shooting aerial video that produce better quality, but those I've seen use gas (which restricts where you can fly because of noise among other things) are way more expensive and I would assume more difficult to fly than the Draganfly. Once again, for dvd's and stuff, the video quality can't compare to a professional 3 chip camera. Hey, it's a glorified lip stick camera transmitting video through the air to a base station. What quality can you expect?

But for Internet use, it's great! Here's a proposal I'm putting together using the Draganfly. For the consumer, it's an inexpensive way to get video they couldn't otherwise afford to get. http://www.slcity.com/cliff I'd love to get some feed back on this.

The angle I'm pursuing is web content. All good sites have photography. But with high speed internet, I think more sites will be open to video to set them apart. The flyer is an inexpensive way to fill that void.

Hope this rambling helps.
Scott

http://www.slcity.com/df/ - here's a few of my other vids.

vi360

The cliff video is excellent! I saw it a few days ago and it is what I'd like to produce. I would be editing in ground video like you do using my HD camera, Glidecam and mini crane. I might need to either record the DF video in widescreen or crop in editing to widescreen to match the HD format. The only problem with video is that agents are not willing to pay for all the effort. I am hoping they will someday see the value and pay. What are you using to process the video? I hope an inexpensive stabilizing program will work.

vi360

I am also impressed by your 'crash' video. Not the crash part but the rest of the video with the Fish music. It looks like a National Geographic special on the internet. Shooting at sunset or sunrise like you did makes for beautiful colours. It seems you are getting less glitches lately or are you just editing them out more. The DF is far safer and smoother flying than other copters. Easier and more controlable than helium balloons. This is why I am trying so hard to get the most out of the DF platform. I am anxiously waiting for your (scottsk) next project!

Sky High

Vi360, what kind of jib do you have?

vi360

I think the name is something like DV mini-jib, but it is just a telescoping handheld jib. Extends to 8 feet and as you move it up and down the camera mount keeps its position. Its nice for quick crane effects up to 12 feet and down to the ground.

vi360

My town has been WiFied by google (they are headquartered here)... will this be a problem with the video system on the SVAS? Yes, they have WiFi units on top of every other lamp post. Has anyone tried 2.4 gig booster antennas?