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!

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

Thanks for the reply, I sent you a PM :)

If anyone else has advice or info, by all means let me know.

Don't buy - rent

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.

Wow, that's almost exactly what I was looking for, thanks!

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

Airborne camera system
 

Any advice on a reasonably priced airborne camera system for a B206? It need’s to have decent stability/zoom & night time capabilities.

Many thanks.:ok:

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.

W've got a FLIR.

Phil

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

There is no such thing as a reasonably prized with decent stability and night time capabilities...:E
Either it has a reasonable price or a decent stability.

Flir Uk
 

Does anyone have a contact for operators with FLIR capability for private lease in the UK. Many Thanks.
Tony

Try PAS 01452 857999

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

Fair enough Ian - but I'm quoting from the link specialists who provided the gear and they definitely told me that they achieved an HD link on that job.