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Lets talk cameras...
total flying camera
payload for the remote helicopter is about 10 pounds. For heavier cameras we
suggest a full sized manned 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.
Proven
High Definition Digital Video Cameras Used For Remote Aerial
Video
- SI-2k Mini -
Details
- Sony Ex1
- Sony Ex3
- Canon 7D
- Canon 5D Mark II -
Details
- Canon 1D
- Canon T2i - EOS 550D
- Panasonic HVX200
- Panasonic HPX170
- Sony Z1U
- Sony HC5
- GoPro HD Hero
- Other cameras may work as well, some may require testing.
Contact us for
more info.

Proven
Still Cameras Used For Remote
RC Aerial Photography
- Canon 7D
- Canon 5D Mark II -
Details
- Canon 1D
- Canon T2i - EOS 550D
- Canon G9, G10, G11, G12, G13
- Other cameras may work as well, some may require testing.
Contact us for
more info.
(Under Development) Motion
Picture Film Cameras Used For Remote Aerial Videography
These film cameras should work according to all calculations but will
require some testing
-
35mm
SL Cine SL35 Mark III -
Specifications
-
Super 16mm Ikonoskop A-CAM -
Specifications
- Super 16mm Aaton A-Minima -
Specifications
- Other cameras may work also, some may
require testing. Contact
us for more info.
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: How many helicopters do you have?
A:
We have several helicopters each designed for a specific function
and camera type. Smaller helicopters are for smaller cameras, and larger
cameras our for SkyCam1 our largest helicopter. Depending on what
helicopter is needed based on clients requirements also determines cost.
Q: Do you also fly full sized manned helicopter for aerial photography
and video?
A:
Yes, we specialize in remote aerial cinematography and photography,
but we also utilize a manned helicopter for locations (or cameras) not possible to fly
with the remote controlled helicopter.
Q. Do you offer in house video and
photo editing?
A. Yes to both. For customers who want a complete aerial video package
from A- to Z we can handle that as well.
Q: How high can the remote helicopter fly?
A: For safety
reasons we fly at a max altitude of about 500 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
500 feet in altitude, but with proper 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: What if the weather is bad the
day of my shoot?
A: We will be glad to reschedule your shoot for another day at no
charge.
Q: Is the remote helicopter gas or
battery powered?
A: Clean, Quiet, Electric power. 5-10 min flights, 2 min to swap
batteries and fly again.
Q. Can the camera tilt, roll and
pan on the helicopter camera ship?
A. We have several helicopters for different applications. All pan, some
tilt, some roll, tilt and pan.
Q. Is the camera system smooth
filming?
A. Yes films smooth with no vibrations.
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: Can you operate at night?
A: We can operate safely from dawn till dusk with night ability
coming soon.
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 if the shoot takes place on private property. With any large
production a permit is required for filming with the helicopter.
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 10 MPH winds.
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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