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Lets talk cameras...  total flying camera payload for the remote helicopter is about 10 pounds. For heavier cameras we can use a full sized helicopter. Here is the break down of cameras we can fly. If your camera is not listed please contact us let us know your camera type, size and weight.

Motion Picture Film Cameras Used For Remote Aerial Videography

- 35mm SL Cine SL35 Mark III - Specifications
- Super 16mm Ikonoskop A-CAM - Specifications
- Super 16mm Aaton A-Minima - Specifications


High Definition Digital Video Cameras Used For Remote Aerial Video

- Panasonic HVX 200
- Panasonic HPX 170
- Sony EX1
- Sony Z1U
- Sony HC5
- Or most similar cameras in size and weight.
 

Still Cameras Used For Remote RC Aerial Photography

- Nikon D2X 12.4 Mega Pixels
- Nikon D90 12.3 Mega Pixels
- Canon G10 14.7 Mega Pixels
- Or most similar cameras in size and weight.

 

Other Flight Considerations

The close range aerial filming via our radio controlled helicopter can access places full sized aircraft can not. The small size and light weight aircraft can fly closer to subjects with a low impact in the surrounding environment, such as sand, snow and water.

* The "Advantage Fly Zone" above is where SkyCamUsa can fly and film where full size aircraft can not. We can access tight areas, city streets, urban environments and other hard to get to locations. If a chase vehicle (car or boat) is used this distance can be greatly increased to thousands of feet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do you also fly full sized manned helicopter for aerial video?
A: Yes, we specialize in remote aerial cinematography, but we also utilize a manned helicopter for shots (or cameras) not possible to fly with the remote controlled helicopter.

Q: How much do you charge for a regular aerial  photography or video session?
A: Cost depends on several factors.
- Location
- Flying environment
- Shots needed
- Days needed
- Camera type needed
- Type of production such as an independent film or a Hollywood feature film
- Risk factor if any

Q: How much do you charge for a remote helicopter video or photo session?
A: Due to the complex nature of the current FAA legal structure we can not charge for remote helicopter filming or photos. We offer this as a supplemental FREE service to our ground based or manned aircraft aerial photography to ALL our clients. We do charge for ground based or manned aircraft photography and the editing of such media. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding this. Thank you.

Q: How high can the remote helicopter fly?
A: The helicopter range is about 1/2 mile feet but for safety reasons we fly at a max altitude of about 300 feet and a max horizontal distance of about 750 feet. If a chase vehicle is used this distance can be greatly increased to thousands of feet. FAA regulations keep us below 400 feet in altitude, but with permission may be able to go higher.

Q:  What kind of cameras do you use? How much can the helicopter lift?
A: See the top of this page.

Q. Is the camera system smooth filming? and gyro stabilized?
A. Yes films smooth with no vibrations and is Gyro Stabilized all 3 axis - Tilt, Roll, Pan.

Q Do you have insurance coverage?
A: Yes. Third party liability personal and property.
View Liability Insurance Certificate (password required)

Q: Can you fly indoors?
A: Yes we can fly indoors provided there is enough room for safe operation.

Q: What are the FAA regulations if any?
A: The FAA requires that we not operate above 50 feet in controlled airspace at anytime with out proper permission to do so if granted. We always are on the look out for full size aircraft. Our small aircraft pose little or no threat to full size aircraft. If there is any question we will fly a manned helicopter with FAA permission.

Q: Can you operate at night?
A: We can operate safely from dawn till dusk.

Q: How do you get flight information, GPS?
A: Our helicopters are GPS Enabled. With altitude, speed, distance and other relevant data.

Q: How close can you fly to subjects?
A: We can operate safely about 10-15 feet of an actor or subject in optimum location and wind conditions. (4.5 meters)

Q: How much room do you need to land and take off for the Remote Helicopter?
A: About 15 foot by 15 foot flat hard surface is would be best.

Q: Can what the camera is shooting be seen in real time?
A: Yes on a video screen on the ground.

Q: How do you do long chase shots?
A: We use a moving vehicle (car or boat) where the pilot controls the helicopter following the subject.

Q: Are any permits required for flying the helicopter for my shoot?
A: No special permits are required specifically for the helicopter's operation. With any large production a permit is required for filming.

Q: What is the maximum wind speed you can fly in?
A: We have operated successfully in 25 MPH winds but that is pushing it to the max. We recommended always filming in less than 20 MPH winds. Less is better. Less than 10 MPH is perfect. The average day is fine. High or gusty winds make unstable video and jeopardize our equipment. The use of video stabilization software is used to correct any unwanted video motion as needed.

Please see our services page for more details.

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