Helicopter or Drone?

Over the past couple of years I have had the pleasure of directing photoshoots with DC based photographer Alan Goldstein. During down time on set we talk about new ideas and technology that have become available to our industry. I mentioned that we had been using GoPro video cameras to generate video content for our clients. Without hesitation he jumped up with excitement saying he too has started into the world of video — but he is doing it via remote control helicopter!

Alan uses what is called a quadracopter for his filming. These are identified by the four rotors located at each corner of the craft. Mounted to the frame are some cool toys, the first being the small camera that is the eyes for Alan while flying. This camera sends a wireless signal to goggles he wears while operating the craft. A second camera is the GoPro. This is housed on a contraption called a gimbal. The gimbal holds the camera steady during flight compensating for turbulence or operator error to ensure a smooth picture.

This type of filming technique is now being used for large scale TV production. A recent behind-the-scenes look at the filming of Discovery Channel’s show Gold Rush shows a hexacopter (six rotors) capturing magnificent overhead shots of the gold mining site and equipment. View some of Alan’s aerial work here or here.

The next time you look to the sky you might not just be seeing a bird or a plane or even Superman. Quadracopter filming is becoming a great new tool to give an entirely different visual experience.