Best medium priced RC helicopter for taking aerial pictures

by Colin Sharratt
(Cheshire. United Kingdom)

Hi,
I work with archaeologists on excavations and on many occasions need vertical pictures taking of ruined buildings etc. I thought a RC helicopter would be just the thing for taking vertical shots whilst hovering above the site. Could you advise me please which make, or type, of helicopter would be most suitable for stability whilst hovering and also be able to carry an infra red digital camera weighing just 110grams.
Unfortunatley, being new to the hobby I have just bought a 2 channel helicopter which I am finding difficult to control. Wish I'd read your advise sooner!! Your comments would be much appreciated.
Regards. Colin Sharratt.

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Best medium priced RC helicopter for taking aerial pictures

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Nov 15, 2008

Helicopter for aerial photography
by: Pete

Hi Colin, given that you're a beginner and you need good stability, I'd recommend a co-axial electric rc helicopter. These are very easy to fly straight out the box, and are very stable - more so than conventional single rotor helicopters.
A good one is the E-flite Blade CX2, which comes with 2.4GHz rc system (no interference issues!), and I'd imagine that would lift 110g OK. The older and uglier Megatech Horsefly is larger, and another option for outdoor work.
There should be both helis kicking about on eBay, I should think...

Nov 16, 2008

RC helicopter for taking arial pictures
by: Colin Sharratt

Peter, Many thanks for your most helpful comments and advice concerning the best type of RC helicopter for taking aerial pictures.
Cheers, Colin

Nov 17, 2008

Shutter operation...
by: Pete

Of course, something I completely overlooked was having a spare channel available for the camera operation! I believe the Blade CX2 has a 5 channel set which will be fine - it's something you'll need to bear in mind when looking at the helicopters!

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