2.4GHz Micro Wireless Video Camera Systems & Accessories

Aerial Video From Radio Control Models

There are two methods of shooting and recording aerial video. The first method involves installing the camera and recorder or camcorder in the aircraft and carrying it aloft with the vehicle.

The second method utilizes an airborne video transmitter and a ground based receiver and recorder. Both methods are less expensive than manned aerial videography platforms such as helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.

The airborne recording method has the advantage of being simple to operate and is a relatively low cost solution. Depending on the camera/recorder used, useful footage maybe generated. The disadvantages are the lack of specific control over the composition of shots, the lack of control over the technical aspects of the shot such as focus and iris, lack of real-time monitoring and the vulnerability of the camera/recorder to mishaps associated with the model aircraft.

Ground based video receiving and recording has the advantage of not exposing the recording device to aircraft accidents. Modern micro video cameras and transmitters are very lightweight and do not require model aircraft with heavy payload capacities. The best results for ground based aerial video recording are obtained by using 2.4Gigahertz FM transmitter/receiver systems coupled with high-resolution CCD video cameras. These systems are less prone to signal interference and are used by local TV stations to broadcast live news events.

Model aircraft videography, both fixed wing and rotary wing, has the advantage of low altitude shooting. Full scale manned aircraft must fly at legally mandated minimum altitudes which necessitate the use of telephoto lenses. These types of lenses have narrower visual fields and require more light for a proper image. They also magnify vibrations, which can disrupt the image. By shooting video from a model from a lower altitude with a wide-angle lens more details are obtained, the perspective is more natural looking and vibration has less effect on the picture. Model aircraft have the advantage of maneuverability and a relatively low risk associated with obtaining unique shots.

Model aerial videography is susceptible to vibration so measures must be taken to reduce its effect. Isolating the camera from the structure of the model is the solution to vibration reduction. Various soft and flexible camera mounts maybe used to lower the frequency of the vibrations affecting the camera. High frequency vibrations have the most disruptive effects on video images. Computer software is available which can reprocess digital video to reduce vibration affected video images with varying degrees of success. Technical advancements are continuing to make model aerial videography more accessible, cost affective and qualitatively acceptable each year.