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Still Cameras Used For Remote Aerial Photography
- Nikon D2X 12.4 Mega Pixels - Various lenses available. (High
budget jobs)
- Canon G9 12.1 Mega Pixels - Stock Lens Only. (Moderate budget
jobs)
- Fuji Fine Pix F50FD 12 Mega pixels - Stock Lens Only. (Low
budget jobs)
Video Cameras Used For Remote Aerial Videography
For moderate to high budget jobs please
contact us to request your camera type.
Camera payload is about 7-8 pounds such as Panasonic HVX 200.
For low budget to moderate budget jobs we use a High Definition Sony HC5
Mini DV (HDV).
For some website quality only productions we can use a web
quality video camera
640 x480 25 fps if HD is not needed.
Other Flight & Cost Considerations
Flight in certain locations and environments
is considered more risky to our equipment than others. Depending on the
shots needed it may also affect cost. Here is are some conditions that
we consider when computing cost and safety.
-Flying near our maximum range (see chart below).
-Flying near or over water.
-Flying in a very tight urban environment such as down a city street.
-Flying close to our maximum range in an urban environment.
-Flying over a ground depression such as a canyon.
-Flying in a desert, near sand, or in dusty conditions.
* 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much do you charge?
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 high can the helicopter fly?
A: The helicopter range is about 1000 feet but for safety reasons we
fly at a max altitude of 750 feet and a max horizontal distance of about
750 feet.
Q: Can you fly indoors?
A: Yes we can fly indoors provided there is enough room for safe
operation. We use electric aircraft for indoor use when ever possible.
Q: What kind of cameras do you use?
A: Please see the top of this page.
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.
Q: Can you operate at night?
A: We can operate safely from dawn till dusk.
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.
Q: How much room do you need to land and take off?
A: About 15 foot by 15 foot
flat hard surface is would be best.
Q: What about flying in crowded areas or cities?
A: Flying over crowded areas is dangerous, when ever possible we try
not to fly in congested areas. If a permit to film is obtained and our
flying area is closed to the public it ok.
Q: How long can the helicopter fly? How fast? And how far?
A: Flying time is about 5 minutes before we need too land and
refuel. We can repeat this process. We can fly up to about 40 MPH
forward.
Q: Can what the camera is shooting be seen in real time?
A: Yes on a LCD screen or virtual reality headset on the ground.
Q: How do you do long chase shots?
A: We use a moving vehicle 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. High or gusty winds make unstable video and jeopardize our
equipment. We use a video stabilization software to correct any unwanted
video motion as needed.
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