How does prop / RPM / pitch relate to Aerial Video ?

[BIGTACO]

I am in the midst of building a heavy lift copter for high end aerial video using high capacity (heavy lipos). I have already selected my motors and ESC's. I have run my calcs on how much thrust I will need @ 50% throttle to be in a hover. Now that I have this value its time to select Lipos cell count and props...

My question is directed to those forum members who are very experienced with heavy copter builds for high end aerial video platforms. Can you tell me a general rule of thumb for "Smooth video" meaning lessen the effects on vibration on the gimbal/camera? I realize motors and props will need to be balanced but even with that you still have some imbalance in the rotating assemblies. Some of this can be midigated by proper antivibration design of course.

There are two routes I can go with props/lipo selection.

1) Higher cell count on Lipo (meaning more RPM) + reduced pitch and prop diameter, to get to my 50% thrust value.

2) lower cell count on Lipo (meaning less RPM) + increased pitch and prop diameter, to get to my 50% thrust value.

I am just looking for a "general rule of thumb" here from those with experience. What have you had great results with? Any insight is greatly appreciated.

 

[onlocation]

Pick your cell count and props based more in regards to efficiency than vibration. They will all vibrate about the same so you need to account for that.

Typically higher cell counts drawing lower amps makes things more efficient and reliable.

Also to account for gust tollerance and stability usually a smaller prop that has a higher disc loading is better than a larger prop with a lower disc loading (same theory for single rotor and multirotor).

So to answer your question, high voltage, low amperage, small props with high pitch is best for heavy lift multis (and of course this is all relative).

 

[BIGTACO]

This is exactly the guidance I was looking for. Thanks!!