Spanky1

In your opinion, what is the best camera view/angle?

When you are stuck inside, can't fly and you are watching your flights over and over. What camera position makes it all worth while? Fixed mounts and panning mounts.

Just curious
Spanky

CenTexFlyer

I have an opinion, but it depends on what I'm flying.....

For video... I like to have a forward facing camera mounted on a servo so it can be panned down toward the ground.

For digital stills, I prefer a down and to one side of about 30 degrees. That way I can judge by the stripe on the left wing what I'm pointing at. I can get oblique photos by flying straight and level, or I can get orthagonal pics (straight down) by entering into a gentle left had turn.

At least that's what has worked for me.

CTF

Spanky1

Cool! Where is the camera for the video mounted? It seems like if you looked more level at the horizon for take off, then as you climb to an altitude pan toward the ground would be optimal.
Spanky

CenTexFlyer

That's it exactly, Spanky!

The ZagNutz flies just a bit nose high and the camera is embedded in the right wing facing forward and if it's placed on level ground - it faces a little down. The servo is also embedded in the foam and it is on my channel 5, or landing geear servo so I only have an "up" and a "down". When I hit the switch, the camera pans straight down to the ground. Works OK for me. The left/right pan just doesn't seem like it's really required since the ZagNutz is so manuverable.

CTF

W4UAV

Mines mounted on a Standard servo, normally straight ahead, hit a switch, looks down.

Heres a pic:
http://home.bellsouth.net/p/s/commun...geid=88269&ck=

yb2normal

If I'm flying a single camera then it's gotta be on a tilt so I can look up and wave at myself

Otherwise, dual cameras make for some interesting video:

Video is just under 4 meg:
[link=http://www.yb2normal.com/homercam2.zip]Homer-cam[/link]

jimlynn

What is funny (haha, not strange) is that when you do a cut, the background changes, but the plane is static because its' frame location is tied to the camera position. Neat stuff!

Chris-_-Memphis

My Feedback: (3)

yb2normal how do you like that homer flying machine.. what all does it take to operate it and up keep on it.. ive been looking at one to fly in the field behind my house while i am learning on my avistar at the club field.....

yb2normal

The homer-plane (aka Soarstar) is a fine electric airplane. It is very lightweight and has very good payload capability. My only complaint is that when you buy it, they bundle it with crappy connectors and charger. I wish they'd strip those out of the bundle and take a few dollars off.

Like other planes in it's class (lightweight electric) it does not like the wind, but it's handling is predictable and you can wrestle it around in all but the stiffer winds.

Oh, and be sure to speak the phrase "mmmmm, beer" before each launch

Chris-_-Memphis

My Feedback: (3)

ive been thinking hard about getting one.. i was trying to wait for the "mivestar" -multiplex usa (what a crappy, retarted company they are) keeps saying they are gonna realse it to the states.. depends on what person you talk to in the company..one says it is released , 2 of em say its not gonna be realease and 2 emailers say its coming soon... ERRRR!

Spanky1

Cool homer video yb2normal. Nice work. What are you using to hold the camera out in front? Balsa stick or wire or what?

KE4UVQ, is that mount on an electric? It's an excellent mount. It would seem that the fuel would slime it up. I put mine up 18 inches over the tail (held it w/a cut off arrow) and it helped a lot.

Spanky

PlaneKrazee

My Feedback: (14)

yb2normal,

That is the best!

Do you use a mux to switch the video signal or turn the cameras on and off?

yb2normal

Spanky1,

The camera is duct taped to a CF arrowshaft which in turn is duct taped to the wing.

Skypilot, I use a video mux designed by RC-CAM. Both cameras always have power.

Regards,
Bill

IA-Flyer

You really need to start making & selling those switches Bill.
I'll give you $30.00 for the one you’re using, I'd offer $50 but it's used!