Quad/hex/Oct-copter with DSLR payload

[tfarrenkopf]

Hi,

I was wonder if anyone here has used a quad/hex/oct-copter to take aerials photos/video. I'm looking for one that is capable of carrying a 5d/7d.

Is this http://www.quadrocopter.us/ a reputable dealer with good quality? Any other suggestions?

Thanks,

Travis

[webdr]

Yes, Adam at Quadrocopter.us is a great guy. Always replies back quickly.
I have a droidworx AD-6, which can lift a T2I or other "rebel" sized DSLR, but for the heavier 7D youll most likely want a hexa xl, or octo xl.

Are you going to build or buy RTF? Keep in mind they run up in the thousands either way. Fully built will cost ya, no matter who you go with.

Also, anything Mikrokopter is more of a "science experiment" as far as testing, tuning, building, troubleshooting, deciphering the german-to-english translated wiki pages, etc. But one you get it dialed in and flying, its a joy.

[tfarrenkopf]

I'm looking to build to save some money. Plus, from what I see, it's inevitable that I'm going to need to fix something so I feel as though I'll be better at determining problems down the road if I build it myself.

Are there any other brands you'd recommend? Any tradeoffs? Specific gimbal you recommend?

Do you use a video downlink? If so, do you mind telling me what kind of tx/rx?

How would you compare the difficulty of flying RC heli's over these? I can currently fly some micro helis fairly well and am thinking now might be the time to jump up. I feel like I'd be more comfortable with flying quads+ rather than a heli.

Thanks for taking the time to answer.

[tfarrenkopf]

I'm looking at building it myself both to save money and because if I build it myself I'll have a greater understanding of how it works and how to fix it when it inevitably needs fixing.

Are there any other brands you'd recommend? Any trade-offs?

Is there any particular gimbal you'd recommend for smooth, unjittered video?

Any video downlink system you'd recommend?

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

[BruceHuang]

If you are going to build it yourself, you can also look at Gaui and xaircraft. Gaui is more of a cheap option and it works well. You may need hex to lift a 7d if you use props less than 13". But if you use 13"+ props with suitable motors, you can lift a 7d confidently.

Also, the lens you use is a weight factor as well. If it is L range lens, that is going to be very heavy. For videos, 18-55kit lens will do the job.

I have never owned a quad or hex etc. But I did loads google because I also would like to have one.

[59caddy]

In May of 2011 miniature aircraft usa is bringing out 2 models for just a fraction of the price of the german "mikrocopter"
And they are very impressive models

59caddy

[Pabloreg]

Hi 59caddy,
I take a look at miniature aircraft but i didn't find any model link Mikrokopter that can handle with a canon 5d or 7d. Maybe i'm looking at wrong place, can u help ?

Pablo

[arrinick]

I am flying an Xaircraft x650 modified to an x8. I use the photoship one mktr mount and fly a t2i. the advantage of the x8 over a hex is that you can lose a motor, and hardly notice (i've had it happen, it's kind of amazing).

Nick

[Pabloreg]

Hi Arrinick, i take a look at Xaircraft x650, its a lot more cheaper. But i didn't find anything about a x8 model... and i think i don't have the hability to build one. What do u recommend?

Did u got a video fpv? so i can see the stabilization of it, camere mount model also.

Thanks!

[arrinick]

The xaircraft controller can do an x8 you just set it up that way in the software. I used 4 more x650 motors and 1 more xaircraft esc board. You can use different motors and escs to lower the price. It's very simple. The only tool you need is a band saw to make the motor mounts, but really you could do it with a hacksaw blade wrapped in tape.

Here are some of my first tests with a canon t2i. I used smoothcam to post stabilize, but over all once you dial in the on board stabilization is pretty good.

[ame]http://vimeo.com/24540999[/ame]

That's using the Photoship One mkTR mount.

Nick

[Pabloreg]

Oh great! Very Nice! did u have some picture how they looks now?

This Photoship One mkTR mount isn't heavy? What is the payload ?

i'm thinking now to buy and build one these!

[PhotoShip One]

Looks great Nick!

[arrinick]

Thanks DJ. Now I just have to figure out how to modify the mkTR so it has pan ;-)

Thanks for making a great mount.

Nick

[rahuldutta]

great discussion

iam india based fashion & advertising photographer ...exploring the ideas of going "arial" .... X 650 looks like a gud way to start .

pls throw some more info on how easy or difficult it is for someone who has never touched RC helicopters ever in life .

do we only need a Quad copter ??? or we need few other things as well to make a decent package ??? ....like some camera mount system , stabelizer system , ground control etc ??

this is my first post