A photographer named Jason Lam has created the SkyShutter Aericam, a Erector Set-like remote control helicopter that you can mount a digital SLR to in order to film aerial shots easily and cheaply.
It’s probably not the safest way to get your best shot, but it is a huge money-saver in terms of hiring a full crew. The rig is about 30 pounds and can carry a payload/camera up to 7 pounds. The entire camera and helicopter require two people to control — one to steer the helicopter and the other to control the movement and direction of the camera. A kit costs $9000 and a completely assembled version costs $12,000.
If you want to check out some sample shots from this setup, watch the video below. Otherwise, enjoy the nice looking photos after the video.
I loved watching this promo/recruiting video of the NYPD Aviation Unit. It certainly made me want to be up in the skies over Manhattan.
If you watch until the ending, you’ll get to see some rarely-seen footage of the 9/11 attacks from the view of an NYPD helicopter that was over the scene during that day. [via]
Factor-Films just released this teaser for a film they are working on called They Came From…
The film captures the spirits of several snowboarders on the mountaintops as they glide down the slopes with helicopters and cameras overhead. The helicopter shots are actually quite nice. Can’t wait to see more!
A Japanese design company by the name of Igarashi Design has created this mockup of a concept helicopter that looks like something straight out of anime. The design firm basically threw out all ideas about how a traditional helicopter should appear and created this single-seat flying machine that looks like a beast. [via]
Click inside to see 2 more images of this fake flying beauty.
