What are the advantages of using a Helicam for Aerial HD Video capture?
There is a precise 3 dimensional point that best presents an object being filmed or photographed from the air. Quite often this point is an oblique angle that can only be captured by a helicam. For low to medium altitudes and in tight confined airspaces this is the method of choice. The helicam is less intrusive than full size aircraft and is not subject to many of the same airspace restrictions. The risk to persons and property is also far less than full size aircraft. The helicam uses less energy to perform the task and so has a smaller carbon footprint. For higher altitude/long continuous shots we still rely on full sized aircraft however.
How does the cost of Helicam Aerial HD image capture compare to full size?
Compared to a Jetranger with a Tyler Mount our rates are typically less than half.
How far and how high can the Helicam fly?
The helicopter is operated by the pilot within "line of sight". Due to the large size of our aircraft combined with our world class pilots skill, this range is typically 900 feet in the horizontal and 400 feet in the vertical direction. Longer distances are possible with the addition of a second pilot in tandem mode. Higher altitudes are possible in unpopulated rural areas if certain safety precautions can be taken to avoid full size aircraft. We tell our clients to think of the helicam as a hybrid dolly and jib with an insane range of motion.
What type of aircraft do you use for Aerial Video and Photography?
We use both gasoline and electric powered models. For HD Aerial Video and 35mm Aerial Cinematography we use large, powerful and very stable twin cylinder gas powered helicams. We typically carry cameras weighing up to 10 lbs. and these larger aircraft can carry this payload continuously, even at high altitudes, for up to one hour. This has proven to be a huge advantage for film directors during complex scenes requiring coordination of large casts and equipment. For indoor aerial video and aerial photography we rely on 700 class electric powered aircraft. We have recently added helium filled blimps to our arsenal of aerial video and photography platforms for a wider range of capabilities. Coverage of live events, auto racing and traffic studies are just a few of the many possible applications for our tethered airships.
What are your weather limitations?
We can fly in temperatures from 0 degrees F. to over 115 degrees F.. We can also fly in gusty winds however It should be noted that in high winds the stability of the video images starts to suffer, even with gyro stabilization. Perfect Perspectives reserves the right to cease flight operations should high winds pose a safety concern. Software is available however to correct much of the instability caused by wind gusts in the post production.
Can you offer turn-key video and DVD production?
Yes, call us with the details of your project for a quotation.
What cameras do you use for close range Aerial Imaging?
We have successfully flown the following cameras -
- Canon 5D Mark II, Canon 7D, Canon T2I
- Go Pro HD
- Panasonic HVX200, Panasonic HPX-170, (Panasonic AF100 coming soon)
- Sony EX-3, Sony EX-1
- Red Epic M
- Modified 35mm motion picture film cam (100 ft load, video assist / primes)
Can you fly Aerial Video from moving vehicles?
Yes, we can fly up to 75 mph forward, 45 mph backwards and 35 mph sideways from a wide array of vehicles such as atv's, automobiles and boats.
Do you fly Aerial Video over water?
Yes, all the time. There may be an additional charge however due to the additional risk to the equipment if applicable.
Are you insured?
Yes, we have 2 million dollars in insurance coverage.
Do you fly Aerial Video internationally?
Yes, we are equipped to fly world-wide. Due to the large size of our aircraft we ship our equipment via air-freight in custom designed shipping containers. Our home port is Dayton Ohio in the Midwest area of the U.S. but we routinely travel across the globe in search of high adventure and groundbreaking aerial imaging opportunities.
Do you have a minimum charge for HD Aerial Video Services?
Yes, we have a base mobilization rate.
How smooth is the HD Aerial Video you provide?
Our video is comparable to that supplied by a full sized helicopter with a steadycam or other gyro stabilized mount. Using advanced equipment and engineering, our video is some of the smoothest and most stable in the industry. This comes from the combination of 3 decades of designing, building and piloting remotely piloted aircraft.
Can you capture Aerial Video over large crowds?
For safety reasons we never fly over groups of people using our helicams. Great shots are still possible from a safe offset distance or using one of our tethered airships.
How do you know what you are filming?
The camera operator controls the camera from a mobile downlink station. From this station the camera operator can see the photo or video image in an LCD display and can control pan, tilt, roll, gyro gain, zoom, iris and record on-off. A separate LCD display is also available for the client, director or DP. For 35mm filming a video assist is used which has built in roll confirmation.
How precise is your control of the Helicam?
Our chief pilot is a world class pilot and mechanic. This has been proven by over 20 years of international competition. This means that when the helicam is close to the pilot, he can control its movement within a few inches. As the model is flown further away, depth perception comes into play and must be accounted for in placing the aircraft relative to other objects. Spotters with 2 way radios can minimize this obstacle if required.
