Hi,
As it says in my bio, I would like to build a drone rig to support my Canon 5D Mark II. I can't find a good DIY tutorial or resources to build what I'm looking for. The rigs I've seen at expo's and ones able to support my camera cost 1500 per day to rent which seems to me a little expensive. I was wondering if there was a way to build a DIY solution (or hire someone to build one) to have a permanent and more cost-effective solution. Recently I've started watching this series called "Flashpoint" which has some really great aerial videography of my city, Toronto, and I know they used actual helicopters for their shots but I was thinking a drone might be an easier alternative for the indie filmmaker.
I'm looking for the drone to be able to:
- reach very high altitudes and still be able to be wirelessly controlled (high enough to get above the CN Tower).
- have wireless focusing and zooming
- have the ability to pan and tilt wirelessly
I don't know anything about drones, I don't know if this is realizable if it is legal to fly a drone that high in a city, or anything of the sort, so this is just me doing a little research. Everything I type in google leads to this website so I figured writing all my questions in one post would be easier.
Thank you,
Ted Mihu
Replies
I'm building an octo with same motors also for a canon 5d mk2. I've not flied yet but i've almost finished.
I plan to use wood props 13x4.5 gemfan, more stable I think. 2 x 6000mah 5s batteries.
My frame is 100% DIY, 13mm alum square tubes and CF plates., about 980mm diam.
hey Ted - I'm in Toronto as well, and am building an octocopter for a Canon 7D. I've got all the parts laid out for the chopper, but I too am trying to sort out the gimbal without having to rewind motors or potentially making my own rig. here's my thread:
http://diydrones.com/forum/topics/designing-a-heavy-lift-octocopter...
the last post was entirely useless - there doesn't seem to be too many eager people here to give some straight facts unfortunately. You're more than welcome to bounce stuff off me at simeon. hunter at gmail.com
If you plan to use frequently enough such a platform, it is then a good idea to make (or buy) your own drone. To be able to embark a canon reflex,you will need at least an hexa, maybe an octo ( becaue the payload to carry would be at least 2 kg).
If you want to buy a commercial system,it shall cost you around 10k versus if you build it in the open source model,around 2-3k.
There exist gimbals for reflex cameras less than 1k to do what you want in a professional quality.
I do not know what are the legal limits where you live, but you certainly need flight plans and special authorizations to fly in city.
If i were you i would invest some of my time reading the arducopter wiki and forum, before doing any investment move.