Aerial Video & Action Cams Systems

System Identifications;

Helicam System: Land Ops built a radio controlled (RC) Align TREX 600 helicopter to carry our HD cameras over and above the of road action.

Camera Systems: We launch two different cameras on our helicam 1.) Sony HDR-CX100 video camera and 2.) The GroPro HD series. We'll be giving Contour HD cam a test soon.

Camera Mount: The fixed camera mount was purchased from a company called Helicam Solutions.

Forums and Support: You can get much technical support and ideas from Helifreak.com

RC Aircraft Equipment

We purchased our electric RC helicopter kit, radio and other supplies from several different local hobby shops including Hobby People.

Buy online and save.

Why I chose to build and deploy an aerial helicam system;

As I considered what type of system to use to capture aerial video a few priorities were established;

1.) The system had to be controllable so that we could direct the camera where we wanted.
2.) The system had to capture motion and chase sequences.
3.) It had to be able to get video from a high stationary point (hover).
4.) It had to be as affordable as possible.

Well, that pretty mjuch narrowed it down.

RC Helicopter Decision
I arrived at my decision to build and learn how to fly an RC (radio controlled) helicopter. I still, to this day, do not know how to fly a radio controlled airplane. I understand they are considerable less expensive and easier to learn to fly, however, priority number three above could not be met using an rc airplane.

If you are a first time helicopter controller I would highly recommend three preliminary steps that will save you a lot of money and preserve your helicopters life span and fly time.

1.) Learn to fly really really well using a simulator program first. I learned in a few months after playing that thing like a video game. Remember, the real helicopters do not have a reset button. When they crash they are very expensive to repair.

2.) Practice real flight using a smaller, cheaper helicopter. I used the Blade 300 ( a couple hundred dollars) and although I was pretty good starting out I still crashed it twice and finally bent the drive shaft. The real experience of controlling a model aircraft was invaluable.

3.) On your new (larger) expensive TREX 600 or similarly sized bird be sure to invest in a stabilizing system you can attached to your helicopter. I use a product called Co-Pilot II. It is the closest thing to a reset button on a real RC helicopter system. It has saved me from at least one accident.

To this date, I have flow my TREX 600 without serious incident. I still practice on the simulator before I take the real thing out. I focus on stable flight and easy, smooth flying. To date I have logged over 100 flights. I rarely fly for fun. If I fly its because I want to get video and that's it.

Incident report: One incident occurred on about flight number 50. After landing I changed batteries and was about to launch for a second flight. Right before lift off I detected something not working quite right. I shut down the motor, opened the canopy and plunk, off came a servo wheel. That would have been a serious disaster for both the helicopter and possibly those standing nearby. Close call. A rule to remember; Always check, recheck, and check your helicopter again and again. 99% of successfully flying an RC helicopter is making sure it is properly connected and tuned before you take off.

Watch more aerial test flight videos below;

Sunset photography (above and below)
by Land Ops member Jennifer Williams

This videos was shot using the
GoPro HD
camera mounted on a TREX 600 Helicam system.

Land Ops owns several GoPro HD cams for multiple angles during off road chase sequences.

Helicopter canopy removed. Chris Doering explains what's under the hood to member Amy Horst. Photo by Jennifer Williams.

Photograph by Land Ops
member Gene Alatorre

Awesome
Contour Cam
Promo video in Utah with mountain biker Cam Zink.

The Contour Video
This company isn't INC 500 #7 fastest growing U.S. for no reason. Bring it on, baby! Another popular personal action sports camera is the Contour. If you're into sports and adventuring like us you might use multiple cam systems for different purposes. This one is perfect for mounting just about anywhere with a little creativity, even RC aircraft, but it works especially great as a helmet cam.

I get a lot of first person shots by wearing a camera on my head. This one will wear on my head better than the GoPro. Get the camera that best suits your use and application.