Camera Suggestions...

[GmeisteR]

I saw the other camera thread but noticed its over a year old so im making a new one

I'm looking for a good camera that takes good AP/Video, that has a mechanical Remote shutter function, that also will allow for a FPV setup all in one camera. Is this Possible?

I'm looking to put it on my new 600mm hexa thats currently being built and im not really sure on its payload capabilities but its running off 30amp plush turnigy esc's and 350 watt avroto 2814-11s motors...

anyone have thoughts or comments for me as this is my first multi-rotor....so all comments are welcome.

 

[yeehaanow]

The hacked GH2 takes the cake easily for best video quality. You can get a gentFocus that will allow you to control the shutter from a spare channel on your rx. It has a couple hoops to jumps through for fpv out (hdmi --> a/v converter, as others do too)
The stock 14-42 lens is very decent and has good image stabilization.
It is sensitive to rolling shutter/ jello in 24p or 30p, but much less in 60p (although you can't use the hdmi out in 60p, so you need a separate fpv cam for that mode)
it takes great pictures in RAW mode. Jpg, not so good. You can't do pictures and video in the same flight like the Canons can, but it's lighter than almost anything else in it's class so a hexa will carry it no prob.

 

[GmeisteR]

Come on guys, Now I know there is more than just one person that does AP/FPV any other suggestions for the noobie?

 

[Bowley]

I dont have a great amount of experience with different camera's but I am in a position of selecting a few cameras. and have done a little research. what type are you looking for? compact mirrorless, DSLR or point and shoot. you should steer clear of IS that you cannot switch off.
I think I will be going for a Canon S90 for stills and after that I think a 550D for video and stills when I eventually get a rig big enough to carry it. Canons have AV out and are remotely controllable to varying extents with various aftermarket devices if you install the CHDK hack.
For now I just use a gopro 2 for AP and AV, It has everything you need and you can get a device to trigger it from Gentles ltd. If the wide angle gets too much you can get alternative lenses for it from Sunnex or Ragecam. I like the Gopro 2 but I would like the S90 for lower light conditions and higher pixels, and also it is CCD so not as effected by vibration.

 

[tstrike]

I guess it depends on your definition of the word "good". Find the guys who are hittin it outta the park, study their work, and use what they're using. The camera is only a tool dependent on the skills of the craftsman, blah, blah, blah, put your money in the lenses and plan on replacing the body every 2 years.

 

[Macsgrafs]

gopro HD is great for FPV & recording, plus has video out. chenge the lens to a 3.6mm or so I'm told & enjoy. If you want higher quality then its the GH2's + 2d's & 5D's. Have alook at the little panasonic handicam range, see what takes your fancy. I have a HDC SD9 panasonic & still prefer the gopro for better quality on a vibrating platform.

Ross

 

[GmeisteR]

Thanks for the reply's guys keep em coming ! I'm looking to take video and photos commercially so when i say good, i mean the best i can get for under $2000. I'm not doing long video shoots or anything so I have no problem lifting a DSLR with my hexa.

 

[OneSkidShort]

Take a look at the Canon S95. Great camera, good in low light, video out and works with CHDK.

edit: Just saw your budget....never mind....better out there

 

[Bartman]

gmeister
I think the road you're heading down will lead to the same conclusion that a lot of us have already made and that is the Canon T2i. Yes it's heavier than the GH2 and yes it's limited to 30p (frames per second) at 1080 but, to be completely honest, I don't love the way 60p looks at normal playback speed. I've got a Sony NEX5N that I'm trying to work into my operation but the 16mm lens is so much narrower than the 10-20mm lens on my T2i I just can't see myself using it as a replacement on anything but the most generic projects. The HDMI converter that it needs is a huge pain in the *** for a number of reasons; it's big and awkward to mount, it needs its own voltage regulator, and HDMI cables are tough to find with the right ends and short length. If a video-only HDMI converter were made available that was smaller and could run on 2 cell Lipo power then these issues would vanish and the outcome of the discussion might change.
But, until that day comes, the T2i accepts a mechanical shutter release so a servo output can be rigged to trigger the shutter (via a $20 pico switch) at its full continuous speed which is about 3.5 frames per second. With the gentLED you can start and stop video from your transmitter and also trigger the shutter although the shutter rate is slowed to one per second. The same servo output can be set up to control both the Pico switch and the full functions of the gentLED.
With the Sigma 10-20 lens my T2i weighs about two pounds so I pay for that with slightly shorter flight times but I love the width of the frame and the flexibility it gives me to fly in close to things and still have everything I need in the shot.
Having said all that, the GH2 is a great camera as is the NEX but the T2i wins in the simple-set-up department and it's not a shabby performer in photo/video quality either.
THis being the sensitive subject it is I expect a fair amount of flame to come my way so I'll don the flame-suit and stand by....

Bart

 

[tstrike]

I like the T2i, lot of bang for your buck there, I got my son one for his first "real" camera and he loves it. What copter/mount do you fly that with?
Your first camera won't be your last camera that's for sure.

The op might want to keep his eyes peeled for a used 5dmkII, now that the mkIII is out guys are dumping the bodies for what a 7d was going for 6 months ago.

 

[GmeisteR]

gmeister
I think the road you're heading down will lead to the same conclusion that a lot of us have already made and that is the Canon T2i. Yes it's heavier than the GH2 and yes it's limited to 30p (frames per second) at 1080 but, to be completely honest, I don't love the way 60p looks at normal playback speed. I've got a Sony NEX5N that I'm trying to work into my operation but the 16mm lens is so much narrower than the 10-20mm lens on my T2i I just can't see myself using it as a replacement on anything but the most generic projects. The HDMI converter that it needs is a huge pain in the *** for a number of reasons; it's big and awkward to mount, it needs its own voltage regulator, and HDMI cables are tough to find with the right ends and short length. If a video-only HDMI converter were made available that was smaller and could run on 2 cell Lipo power then these issues would vanish and the outcome of the discussion might change.
But, until that day comes, the T2i accepts a mechanical shutter release so a servo output can be rigged to trigger the shutter (via a $20 pico switch) at its full continuous speed which is about 3.5 frames per second. With the gentLED you can start and stop video from your transmitter and also trigger the shutter although the shutter rate is slowed to one per second. The same servo output can be set up to control both the Pico switch and the full functions of the gentLED.
With the Sigma 10-20 lens my T2i weighs about two pounds so I pay for that with slightly shorter flight times but I love the width of the frame and the flexibility it gives me to fly in close to things and still have everything I need in the shot.
Having said all that, the GH2 is a great camera as is the NEX but the T2i wins in the simple-set-up department and it's not a shabby performer in photo/video quality either.
THis being the sensitive subject it is I expect a fair amount of flame to come my way so I'll don the flame-suit and stand by....

Bart

This is what im buying....will this lift a gimbal and a 2ti?? http://www.rc-drones.com/grandopening.php

 

[Bartman]

i'm not familiar with that frame.....it looks kinda flimsy for the weight of a DSLR plus the mount that would carry it. 6 Tiger/Avroto/QC/etc. motors would be fine if the frame were suitable. Maybe limited to one big battery though with 6 motors although I flew the T2i with an MKTR mount on an original Mikrokopter Okto II (110w Roxxy motors), 10" props, and two 5000 mah battery packs and it took beautiful pictures.

if you're going to buy a nice camera and possibly use a wide angle lens, 6 motors would be better off in a coaxial Y configuration to enable you to get the benefit of the lens without motors and booms being in your shots. Droidworx makes a nice y6 frame that you can mount an AV130 to for your T2i. Where are you located?



Bart

 

[yeehaanow]

While the T2i is easier to implement, I will admit, the Gh2 has about 50% better resolution, which is what matters most for aerials. I've looked at old footage from my 7d and t2i and it looks like mud compared to what I'm getting now. I think they are equal in the stills dept. which is very dependent on lens anyway.
It was nice to be able to trigger stills and video in the same flight but in practical uses I never used both from one flight. They always needed something different. So losing that is no big deal.
A t2 is still a nice camera and gofor real cheap nowadays though, so it makes an attractive option with video good enough for web viewing.

 

[tstrike]

View attachment 3725The landing gear won't support a gimbal, but landing gear can be replaced. Has anyone flown the vixia hd, I've kind of set flying that camera as a goal for my next copter build only because I've got a guy willing to sacrifice his if I could lift it. It's about 26 oz. with battery and fairly compact.

 

[GmeisteR]

yeah the ladning gear i would be replacing and i also would be getting a good gimbal. that same site also has a 650 mm Y6 would that be better than the hexa? i like the looks of a Y6 better anyways, plus it seems it would be easier for orientation

 

[tstrike]

If you can swing the extra cash for the t3i, go for it. The swivel screen alone is worth it, I have one on my 60d and it's a godsend sometimes.

 

[GmeisteR]

If it helps and someone feels like being kind, they can link me to a RTF copter, list a camera and a mount to go on the said copter. my budget will be aroun d $3500 for everything :X the copter doesnt have to have the DJI wookong, im okay with a naza


Note also, I dont mind having to upgrade parts just as long as I get a Copter that can be upgraded meaning, the frame and motors are strong, i can always save up and get a better landing gear/gimbal/camera later just want the copter to be good

 

[GmeisteR]

Bart...I'm in FLorida

 

[midnight999]

Hi Gmeister, I'll add a vote for the NEX5, it's been a great camera and done everything I have asked of it, I have a HDMI converter on mine and while it requires some modification (removing from case, removing some connectors) I just sling mine under the camera mount, shortening the HDMI cable is a bit of a nightmare but luckily my mate is a genius with a soldering iron.

 

[Bartman]

Hi Gmeister, I'll add a vote for the NEX5, it's been a great camera and done everything I have asked of it, I have a HDMI converter on mine and while it requires some modification (removing from case, removing some connectors) I just sling mine under the camera mount, shortening the HDMI cable is a bit of a nightmare but luckily my mate is a genius with a soldering iron.

can you post a pic please showing how you mounted it?