Mr Clickie Loc: Twin Cities, MN

Being a Realtor, I shoot all my own properties and want to get into aerial pics. Anyone have experience with a remote controlled quadcopter w/camera mount and live feed? Seem to all be DIY build projects and I'd rather buy something pre-tested ready to go. Still photo's mainly but video option would be good too. Budget $1000?

Falcon Loc: Abilene, Texas

I don't know about the aerial vehicle, but the GoPro cameras might be just the ticket for the photography. Their website doesn't seem to give much technical data, though.

Dietxanadu

We just had a New Topic about this same system last week. Check over older Topics for it.

Mr Clickie Loc: Twin Cities, MN

Thanks, I didn't think to run a search for this topic but apparently I'm not alone in my thoughts! I'll put my 2 cents in on that thread.

RAS

Mr. Clickie Hello. In response to your question. I would have to ask first if you are an experienced RC pilot either fixed wing or Helicopter. If you haven't flown before you'll find it is a lot more difficult than many people think. To go out and try it without training will turn your investment back into instant kit form before you know it. Beyond repair! (not to mention a huge liability issue if you aren't insured through the AMA or your business insurance) If you haven't already, find your local RC club and go to their field, watch them fly, and speak top some of the experienced people there. Also there is a lot of useful information through the AMA. (Academy of Model Aeronautics)The AMA can also help you find active clubs in your area. I have seen some pretty interesting stuff done from these little planes especially now since the introduction of digital gear. I do a lot of Architectural photography and also fly a lot of RC. My experience is, for commercial purposes, this is too unpredictable a system and not the way to go. I don't know how often you need to do this but by the time you make this investment and spend the time practicing and maintaining the gear you would be better off going to a local airport chartering a small plane and pilot to go for an hour ride and take vids or pictures yourself..Just my opinion based on some experience with both things you're wanting to do..Regards, Bob

Mr Clickie Loc: Twin Cities, MN

Hi Bob and thanks for your thoughts. Actually I am a private pilot (ASEL) so I do understand flight. My RC experience amounts to playing around with an entry level RC helo since xmas and it's still working and in one piece! Way too small for any kind of digital camera. I've been looking at the entry level Walkera mx400 quad. Not too huge of an investment and figured once I got that down I'd ad a mount w/some sort of tilt control and a gopro or similar, we'll see.

RAS

Whatsa matter can't shoot and fly at the same time LOL. Alright then - I still say the shooting from a model copter is too unpredictable for business IMHO unless you get one of the commercial rigs but all I can say is GO FOR IT - I'M ALL IN..I did a bit of small plane flying when I was younger (Cherokees and Cessnas) and the problem with the RC stuff, when I first started was, I didn't have the plane strapped to my ass. In all seriousness, it's been many years since flying the real thing and a few years since messing with RC copters so maybe/hopefully I'm off base and this works great for you. I would like to see how the project progresses so I hope you'll share your progress and results...Good luck with this and mostly HAVE FUN! Best, Bob S.

Sdaupanner Loc: South Dakota /New England

I got a copter for X-Mas and between my poor judgment and the cat it is now how did you say it RAS? it is back in kit form on top of the cabinet in the bedroom?

Meives Loc: FORT LAUDERDALE

Kites are a bit more reliable. You might google kite photography.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

I've got a friend that does exactly that. But he does build his own quad copters and uses a Canon 7D. If you want his facebook like let me know. I don't know if he'll help you though. He's rather secretive about all his photography. He's also trying to make a buck. He's a link to one of his Youtube movies.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3Bx-3jjr1o

Ok, He's using a Gopro camera in this video, but he's building a platform for a 7D

Meives Loc: FORT LAUDERDALE

I found a flickr site that I like on kites. Other sites show cost and how to build or buy one.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/83863798@N00/6941430231/in/pool-kiteaerialphotography

Mr Clickie Loc: Twin Cities, MN

Sounds like he's in a different league than moi. I'll be putting the gopro on my platform. That 7D is not only 4x's the weight but it's 4x's the cost of the quadcopter I'll be putting together! Besides, I'm a Nikon guy:)

Mr Clickie Loc: Twin Cities, MN

In theory, yes - very interesting and could be a lot of fun. Now in a subdivision of single family homes in suburbia USA, I think the chance for embarrassement could be much greater playing Ben Franklin rather than Chuck Yeager...

Sneidley Loc: Goodyear, AZ

You might want to check local laws also. I fly RC,too. I know that using RC plane or copter in and around LA for commercial purposes is not allowed. Too crowded and the possibility of crashing into some one or a house is too great.