Camera Craniums: The Photography Community for Enthusiasts

After seeing Tripod's (John's) image in the gallery, shot using a DJI Phantom Plus Quad Copter,

This image.
(http://cameracraniums.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10061/normal_Winters_Sun_mail.jpg) (http://cameracraniums.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=17397)


I was wondering if anyone else here has tried it.  These things are amazing nowadays, what with all the new technology that goes into them.  I know a couple of you have experimented with aerial photography using Kite's but the Quad copter just seems more up my street.

And,  just to test my freshly installed Youtube mod. And to see what they're getting up to with these quad copter thingy's.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2itwFJCgFQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FY6AbEc9sF4

A couple of lads in our club have spent a day with a 'copter photographer and were amazed at both the performance of the gizmo and the quality of the images. The stabilising mechanics of the equipment seemed to ensure sharp images at all times.

Not too sure my flying ability would allow me to use such a thing with any confidence. I remember way back building a model glider over many weeks and taking it out for a maiden flight only to crash it at the first attempt ending up with a crumpled heap of balsa and paper which only got worse as I stamped on it with frustration and anger. So an expensive bit of gear with an equally expensive camera attached wouldn't let me enjoy the experience. :doh:

Mind you such a thing would give the equipment fans plenty to talk about. ::)

Yes, Rick had one for a year and a half now. A six bladed affair. Being photographers, the Go-pro did not have the image quality we were looking for. Mounting a DSLR under the beast reduced the flying time too much and best results were with the Sony NEX system.  Had some amazing shots of all the wedding guests on the lawn in front of a manor. (that lead to inquiry about  hotel group wanting aerial pics in the lake district) Was great to use for architectural shots of factories and businesses. Fun as a hobby, but for commercial work it is now too regulated. I believe the thing is up for sale. Easy to fly but need some practice!!, broken at least 10 props and 3 arms to get used to it.

Way out of my price range.

  There are some VERY strict laws about the use of such devices and gaining the required licenses/qualifications is almost as difficult as those required to fly a real helicopter.

Just read in the paper, about some dangerous near-misses with passenger aircraft.

No doubt. I can't imagine using one at home as I'm under a flight Path Canada's busiest airport. But I'd love to try one out up in cottage country wilderness. I wonder if they can be rented.