Guide to Remote Controlled Helicopters with Cameras

Remote controlled helicopters with cameras are a fascinating innovation in the world of photography and videography. These small, agile helicopters enable photographers to capture angles and footage not possible with traditional photography equipment. They offer flexibility and creativity, providing the opportunity for professionals and enthusiasts alike to push the boundaries of their craft. Remote controlled helicopters with cameras have become increasingly popular over the years and are no longer the exclusive province of only high-budget film productions.

The type of remote controlled helicopter you choose will greatly impact your experience and the footage you produce. While some models on the market are better suited for indoor use, others have more powerful motors that can operate in large, outdoor spaces. Other factors to consider when selecting a remote controlled helicopter include battery life, camera resolution, and the type of gyro technology utilized in the helicopter. It is essential to do research and read reviews before purchasing a remote controlled helicopter to ensure that it meets the needs of your project and budget.

Once you’ve selected the right remote controlled helicopter with camera, flying it can take some time to master. But with practice and patience, you can take awe-inspiring footage that is impossible to replicate with traditional equipment. Flying a remote controlled helicopter requires careful attention to the environment and a steady hand, so keep in mind that it is not necessarily a skill that can be mastered overnight. With dedication and readiness to learn, however, you can elevate your photography and videography to another level.

Types of Remote Controlled Helicopters with Cameras

Not all remote controlled helicopters with cameras are created equal. Below are the types of remote controlled helicopters to consider:

Toy Remote Controlled Helicopters

• Inexpensive and suitable for beginners
• Usually lightweight, making them unsuitable for high-resolution cameras

Quadcopters and Drones

• Higher-end but affordable gadgets utilized for aerial photography
• Equipped with a built-in camera or camera mount to connect to GoPros
• Capable of flying in areas where helicopters cannot reach

Gimbal Remote Controlled Helicopters

• The most sophisticated type of remote controlled helicopter with camera
• Equipped with a motorized gimbal capable of steady shots while flying in windy conditions
• Uses advanced technology for dynamic stabilization

It is recommended that you do extensive research and read reviews on specific models before purchasing one. Websites such as Amazon and B&H are reputable and trustworthy e-commerce sites where you can find a plethora of options to choose from for the type of remote controlled helicopter with camera that suits your project requirements.

Key Factors to Consider Before Buying a Remote Controlled Helicopter with a Camera

Before purchasing a remote controlled helicopter with a camera, there are key factors you should consider:

Budget

• Toy remote controlled helicopters are relatively inexpensive, while high-end gimbal helicopters can cost several thousand dollars
• Decide on a budget before committing to a purchase

Camera Resolution

• Determine the level of resolution you require for your project
• Higher resolution cameras deliver better quality footage, but also cost more

Gyro Technology

• Gyro technology helps the helicopter maintain stability while in the air
• Consider purchasing a remote controlled helicopter equipped with a 6-axis gyro, as it provides more stability than 3-axis gyros

Flight Time and Range

• Check the helicopter’s battery life and range to ensure that it meets your needs
• Consider purchasing spare batteries if you anticipate filming for extended periods of time

Popular Brands

Brand	Product Range
DJI	Phantom, Mavic, Spark, Inspire
Parrot	AR.Drone, Disco, Bebop
Syma	X5UW-D, X11C, X8HG, X22W

Some lesser-known brands include XK, MJX, and JJRC, however these brands are cheaper and provide low quality cameras. DJI phantom and Mavic series have become popular for their quality cameras and portability – Amazon and DJI’s official website list a full range of the latest models suitable for different levels of expertise.

How to Fly a Remote Controlled Helicopter with Camera

Flying a remote controlled helicopter with camera requires a bit of practice and skill. Here are some basic tips to get you started:

Familiarize Yourself with the Controls

• Take some time to get used to the controls before trying to fly the helicopter with the camera attached
• Become familiar with the various functions such as the throttle, yaw, and tilt control

Start Small

• Start by practicing with a smaller, less expensive helicopter before moving onto more advanced models
• This will help you develop your technique and prevent potentially costly mistakes

Choose the Right Location

• Make sure you choose a safe and open location in which to fly the helicopter
• Avoid areas with trees or overhead wires as contact can damage the helicopter

Record Footage Carefully

• Keep a steady hand on the remote control to prevent shaking
• Avoid flying too fast, as this can make the footage jerky and difficult to work with

Practice and Patience

• Practice frequently to improve your skills
• It takes time and patience to master flying a remote controlled helicopter with a camera

To help with your practice, there are several online videos and tutorials available. DJI‘s official website and YouTube channel offer helpful guides on flying and operating their drones remotely.

The Best Way to Edit Footage from a Remote Controlled Helicopter with Camera

Editing footage from a remote controlled helicopter with camera requires suitable software and some basic knowledge of video editing. Here are some tips to help make your footage editing look professional:

Choose the Right Software

• Choose a user-friendly software that suits your needs and skill level
• Popular editing software for remote controlled helicopter footage includes Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro

Organize Your Footage

• Create a separate folder for each project
• Organize your footage in a chronological order

Cut, Crop and Trim

• Cut out the unwanted footage
• Crop frames and trim clips to create a smooth and seamless video

Use Music and Audio

• Make use of music and audio to enhance the viewing experience
• Ensure the music track fits the tone and mood of the footage

Color Correct

• Enhance the color of your footage with color correction software
• Use color grading to create a professional look and feel to your video

Finally, once you have edited your footage, watch it a few times to ensure everything flows correctly. If you’re struggling with editing, there are several online resources such as YouTube tutorials and community forums where you can gain advice and tips on video editing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, remote controlled helicopters with cameras offer a unique perspective for photographers and videographers to capture beautiful aerial footage. Choosing the right helicopter and camera combination is important to ensure that the footage captured meets your requirements. Additionally, learning how to fly the helicopter and take good footage is essential to get the most out of the device. Once the footage is captured, editing is the next step. With suitable software, some basic knowledge of editing, and a few tips, anyone can create professional-looking footage.

If you are interested in buying a remote controlled helicopter with a camera, do thorough research to make an informed decision. Consider your budget, camera resolution, and gyro technology. Websites such as Amazon, DJI and Walmart offer a wide range of helicopters with cameras to choose from. Finally, practice flying and shooting to improve your technique and create stunning aerial footage.

Overall, remote controlled helicopters with cameras are a great addition to any photographer’s or videographer’s equipment collection. With their unique perspective and flexibility, they offer an exciting way to take photos or capture video footage. With a little bit of practice and the right editing software, anyone can make stunning aerial footage that showcases the amazing views from above.