NJphotodoc wrote:
Hi guys- need some advice. Besides my grandkids, one of my favorites things in life is flying low and slow in a C-172. I know a lot of the pilots use motion cameras like Go-pros for video, but I'm trying to see how I can use my D7200 with my 18-270 zoom for some fall photos and maybe some video as well. So before I start to clean and polish the plane's windscreen, has anyone used their DSLR to do this as the pilot photographer and what kind of rig have you used to hold the camera? I did build my own remote viewer screen using a 7" tablet and the HDMI output from the camera so I won't be using the camera's viewscreen and I have a remote trigger.
FYI I normally do take along a passenger for company but most of them are friends who are "tourists".
Thanks for any suggestions!
Hi guys- need some advice. Besides my grandkids, ... (
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Never done any aerial photography but back when I worked as a pilot for an FBO I flew with some pro photographers. I used a J3 Cub and an Aero Commander Lark. Also once hauled some sport jumpers in a 172. The Lark and the 172 both fly very nicely with the right doors removed and, as I recall, the doors are easily removed by pulling a couple of pins. The photographers in the right seat would have me side slip toward their subjects to reduce angular velocity. Worked very well. Of course, you'll have to have someone you trust in the left seat.
Photos are taken in bright, sunny days which means SEE and BE SEEN. The reality is that NO ONE can maintain altitude and air speed, look out for other aircraft and still take pictures. Photography and piloting...two skills best done by two different folks. There was a very experienced CFI (certified flight instructor) with over 11,000 hours who took several folks for a "low and slow" ride when he stalled at low altitude.....the only pictures taken were by the coroner and investigators.
If you remove the Screw that holds the brace to hold the window up on the right door. Then when you unlatch it, the air flow holds it open. Did that on a 180 this summer and it worked great. keep the camera inside and do not rest your arm , elbow or hand against the Airplane, as I am sure you already know' The vibration will make the picture fuzzy.. I do not know if the left side works the same, as the prop is coming up on that side.. good luck and do not donate any Cameras to the wide open spaces...
KaGee
Loc: Gippsland, Australia
As a professional aerial photographer for many years, I hold the Camera, with someone else at the controls, Seldom slower shutter than 1000, don't touch any part of the aircraft, open a window and off you go!
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