Aerial Mounts and Lenses
Aerial Mounts and Lenses
WESCAM (or similar)
The Wescam is a 3 axis gyrostabilized camera platform with 360 degrees of continuous
pan and tilt angles of between 30 degrees up and 90 degrees down. This allows
you to shoot directly ahead as well as directly below the aircraft. It can be
nose or side mounted depending on the application. It uses a Sony 3CCD broadcast
video camera with a component output that can recorded on the format of your
choice. The Wescam type mounts provide the most stable images especially with
long focal length lenses, keeping the horizon level at all times, however they
are the most expensive option and take time to fit.
All camera, lens and steering functions are remotely controlled and monitored on the colour video assist monitor and on the operator’s console. In addition to the more common helicopter application, the Wescam can also be used on track systems, cranes, cables and boats.
Tyler Middle Mount (with or without Gyro kit)
The Middle Mount is a helicopter camera mount designed to capture an aerial perspective from the side of the helicopter, providing 100 degrees of pan, tilt and roll movements, making it ideal for air-to-ground or air-to-air, scenic aerials or fast action sequences. Straight-forward or straight-back shots can be made by crabbing the helicopter; up to @ 40 mph, although a Wescam will do this faster and is more suitable for this type of shot. With the optional Gyro Assist, the Middle Mount performance is enhanced allowing greater focal lengths to be achieved with the same ease of operating. The biggest draw back of the Tyler mount is it's limited pan and tilt range of only 100 degrees, however setup and used correctly (especially with the gyro kit fitted) it will provide very stable pictures. The middle mount is reasonably quick to fit, however installing it does mean the (quick) removal of the helicopters rear seats. Much cheaper than a Wescam type unit to hire, but has it's limitations.
Schwem Gyrozoom
The Schwem Gyrozoom uses a gyro stabilised prism to maintain a steady image even when used in a noisy vibrating helicopter. It is only suitable for shots requiring a long focal length (60-300mm) and there is quite an art to using one as when you pan the camera, the lens takes time to catch up. This lens is excellent for slow moving sports such as sailing and when used correctly can produce excellent rock steady images. From £200.00 per day to hire.
Canon J13a x 9B KRSV
The Canon J13a x 9B KRSV uses a special prism to reduce the effects of vibration and movement. The wider angle compared to the Gyrozoom makes this lens particularly suitable for scenic and panoramic shots. From £100.00 per day to hire.