Hey everyone!
This forum has been awesome for teaching me about UAVs and mapping techniques, so I appreciate everyone's contribution. Keep up the great work!I am an undergraduate research student looking to create an aerial imaging and mapping rig on a very tight budget. I currently am running an Iris+ with a GoPro Hero 4 Silver and have been trying to create maps and 3D meshes using Visual SFM and CloudControl software. The GoPro imagery is way too distorted at the edges, even with 60-70% overlap, to create good 3D meshes. I am looking to purchase a new camera (<$300-$400) for use in aerial surveys of habitats and rock outcrops/geologic features and to create maps and DEMs. I have heard many people suggest the Canon S100-120 Series (also the Sony NX Series) as an ideal camera, but that is on the upper end of my budget. Does anyone know of any clones which would work well?
Additionally, the best camera I can only wish for at this point is the Parrot Sequoia, are there any clones or similar cameras to that at a lesser price (I may be able to apply for a grant if there is). I would like to stay away from GoPros on my next camera, as I need a larger sensor with better resolution and something that doesn't have a bad fisheye effect. Ideally, the camera could also shoot in RAW format, but this is not a necessity.
Thanks in advance!
-Cody
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