shutterbug65 Loc: Oakville, Canada

Stonecherub well something like the Go-Pro hero is about $350 +/- not a great deal to put into a camera you are willing to loose. Not to burst your bubble I think you would have a blast sailing around the countryside taking aerial videos or stills. But you need to investigate your other expenses. You will need a big plane to carry the camera. It needs to be stable or the video will be real bouncy. You will need a transmitter and receiver. You need a source of locomotion, Electric motor motor or nitro engine or gas engine. Then there is some other goodies like servos run off the receiver. If you use an electric motor for power you need an ESC (Electronic Speed Controller), an electric motor and a good size battery or two. You might want to check out a hobby store or two that sells this stuff. You will find the camera is the cheapest part of this exercise.
I belong to a local flying club have flown for many years. Have a large number of my own planes. I also give flight instruction to new members. I would really like to see you succeed in your quest but I am afraid you need a lot of guidence to see this through. Unless you are willing to join a club and learn to fly. You will be spending a pile of money for nothing. You will not fly this plane, helicopter, quadcopter or anything else successfully without the first step. I have had so many people stop in at our field and inquire about flying. Usually the first words out of there mouth are I want to fly helicopters. How much are they.
Good grief I say a helicopter as your first venture into flying. Good Luck with that one. Try our trainers first.
Oh and by the way you will be tethered to an instructor on a buddy box. Just so you can remain in the air past 30 seconds. Just a little friendly advice.

stonecherub Loc: Tucson, AZ

Thanks, all, for the help. I have flown light planes in a previous life but the FAA frowns on having people with my balance problems doing that. I'm going to look for somebody already experimenting with drone photography to see if we can work something out.

shutterbug65 Loc: Oakville, Canada

Stonecherub, I hope you have a blast. you have a great combo to follow up with. I wish you great success with it.
Oh and don't forget to post some results. I would love to see more photos of desert and mountains from the air.
Cheers

Grimbo Loc: Alton, Hampshire, United Kingdom.

The Phantom by DJI looks a good place to start without having to fork out too much money and a good platform to build on or upgrade. Its got all the gizmo's for getting it back safely.... apparently :)
http://www.dji-innovations.com/