Airborne Camera Systems
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Seattle, WA
Question about stabilized cameras
Hi everybody 
My boss has asked me to look into some kind of stabilized camera (or camera mount) for his helicopter. The catch is that he wants it to be "affordable."
I've done some research, and come up with a couple things (all, unfortunately, hovering around the five figure mark), but I thought that perhaps more informed minds could offer a bit of insight into shooting video from a helicopter. We're not talking movie-grade here, just better than we could get from duct taping a video camera to the skid.
Also, please let me know if this could, or should be in a more appropriate forum.
Thanks!
My boss has asked me to look into some kind of stabilized camera (or camera mount) for his helicopter. The catch is that he wants it to be "affordable."
I've done some research, and come up with a couple things (all, unfortunately, hovering around the five figure mark), but I thought that perhaps more informed minds could offer a bit of insight into shooting video from a helicopter. We're not talking movie-grade here, just better than we could get from duct taping a video camera to the skid.
Also, please let me know if this could, or should be in a more appropriate forum.
Thanks!
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 199
Likes: 0
From: oceanside
eblack: we make camera mounts for a variety of helicopters, we also work with most everyone in the camera / sensor world. send me an email off line and let us know your aircraft and mission and i'am sure we can steer you in the right direction
dr
dr
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
From: Caribbean
Try:
www.ken-lab.com
They make a handheld stabiliser powered by a small battery pack. It accepts all still and videocameras (normal tripod type screw in mount). It has two opposing gyros rotating at 20k+ RPM. Last time I heard they were just less than US$3k. Very very useful.
www.ken-lab.com
They make a handheld stabiliser powered by a small battery pack. It accepts all still and videocameras (normal tripod type screw in mount). It has two opposing gyros rotating at 20k+ RPM. Last time I heard they were just less than US$3k. Very very useful.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 764
Likes: 0
From: 48 Deg South
New FLIR Systems
I know there has been a lot of talk about the new Infrared systems out there so thought I would post this link so people can see for themselves what sort of systems are avialable.
Infrared FLIR Systems
Infrared FLIR Systems
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: UK
Kopter, I believe that HJS Helicopters of Peterculter Aerodrome (a few miles West of Aberdeen) ordered a camera system and mounting from a company for their B206. Haven't got their number, sorry, but it is in the BHAB guide. They might be willing to share info if you're not in competition.
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: N England
kopter
You could try David Ballie at Wildcat Flying.He has a special Gyro Stabalisation Camera that will do the job.
www.wildcatflying.com
Cheers
Barshifter
You could try David Ballie at Wildcat Flying.He has a special Gyro Stabalisation Camera that will do the job.
www.wildcatflying.com
Cheers
Barshifter
Last edited by Barshifter; 24th November 2004 at 19:09.
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: UK
Depends if you want Infra Red capability or Broadcast TV capability. For Thermal surveillance then PAS, or Aeromega at Stapleford, PDG Helicopters in Scotland, Sterling Helicopters at Norwich all have the equipment.
Send me a PM if you want to discuss further over telephone.
Send me a PM if you want to discuss further over telephone.
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 667
Likes: 0
From: Germany
FLIR, Cineflex, Wescam etc.
Looking at the filming market there seems to be an imense change towards HDTV camera systems.
Which Gimbal comes with what kind of camera? Can you put any kind of camera in any kind of gimbal???
Looking at the FLIR Ultramedia III HD that seems to be a decent solution (using the Sony HDC 950) but at what price???
Generally all the companies love to present their products and they love to praise their products but when it comes to prices they don't seem to know what their systems are worth. Or why on earth is it so hard to get your hands on some prices?
Which Gimbal comes with what kind of camera? Can you put any kind of camera in any kind of gimbal???
Looking at the FLIR Ultramedia III HD that seems to be a decent solution (using the Sony HDC 950) but at what price???
Generally all the companies love to present their products and they love to praise their products but when it comes to prices they don't seem to know what their systems are worth. Or why on earth is it so hard to get your hands on some prices?
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 1,187
Likes: 16
From: Waltham Abbey, Essex, UK
Quite simply, with the larger companies, the exact price fits the customers assumed worth.
Its a bit like buying double glazing but, unlike double glazing, the sensor companies rarely go so far as to advertise the starting price.
Equally the companies do not advertise the fact that they are primarily offering you a ball turret with a badge engineered content.
The only really effective control over every company having access to exactly the same cameras is for them to take over the supplier and 'corner' that particular camera option.
Its a bit like buying double glazing but, unlike double glazing, the sensor companies rarely go so far as to advertise the starting price.
Equally the companies do not advertise the fact that they are primarily offering you a ball turret with a badge engineered content.
The only really effective control over every company having access to exactly the same cameras is for them to take over the supplier and 'corner' that particular camera option.
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 593
Likes: 0
From: UK
Beware the HDC 950 which Sony have discontinued. Awaiting with interest to see what the replacement will be. And that's the problem with HD - rapidly shifting technology and changing standards.
USA is going its own way on standards - Europe still arguing as ever.
Agee about "badge engineering" on mounts - they all seem to have the same father : John Coyle. He currently works for Cineflex - Cineflex just bought by big LA operator Helinet.
The new Cineflex HD is a good piece of kit and only weighs 70 lbs with lens - but again, the camera has been discontinued.
The other prob with HD currently is the live link, if you need such a device. Big bandwidth required - they lashed one together for Live 8 Hyde Park but could only get a 2.5 mile range. Perfect for that job and they were lovely shots.
USA is going its own way on standards - Europe still arguing as ever.
Agee about "badge engineering" on mounts - they all seem to have the same father : John Coyle. He currently works for Cineflex - Cineflex just bought by big LA operator Helinet.
The new Cineflex HD is a good piece of kit and only weighs 70 lbs with lens - but again, the camera has been discontinued.
The other prob with HD currently is the live link, if you need such a device. Big bandwidth required - they lashed one together for Live 8 Hyde Park but could only get a 2.5 mile range. Perfect for that job and they were lovely shots.
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: suffolk uk
Actually, headsethair, the downlink for live 8 was normal bandwidth and the [live] pictures were standard definition. The HD was for the subsequent CD. The usual range for that particular downlink is never more than a couple of clicks although there are versions with almost unbelievable range.
Thanks for the kind words about the pics, though.
Thanks for the kind words about the pics, though.