New Pilot Traveling for Documentaries

[lukepadgett]

Hello - I'm new to helicopters. Been flying a small quad for a few months. Been a filmmaker for about 10 years, learning this new platform is fascinating. S800 Evo will land here next week and I'll be taking it on the road. Utah, New Zealand and Canada will be droned during the next 6 months.

 

[RC Flying]

Hi there, sounds really interesting. I tested an EVO last week with a Panasonic GH3, was very nice.

 

[lukepadgett]

S800 Evo to go

Hey that's great to hear. Is your GH3 a US model that defaults to NTSC? I've heard that the monitor output on the zenmuse is configured for PAL and has some issues with the US hdmi boards. Nothing extreme, just wondering if you had used the wireless fpv for the gimbal.

Also, looking for any travel tips for LiPo batteries and people's pelican case configurations and ideas. I'm looking to build a two-man backpackable system my operator and I can hike into remote locations.

 

[RC Flying]

Funny you should say that, the FPV output was all choppy and broken up. Couldn't figure it out, thought the Zenmuse was broken but later discovered the camera was NTSC, swapping to a UK PAL camera fixed it. I would have thought a good US dealer would know that though and have it setup for NTSC? If not you could use the Sony NEX 5 etc instead, equally as good I think, better in some situations, like inside large buildings where the light is lower.

 

[lukepadgett]

Yep, that's the idea. Aerial Media pros told me before I ordered the gimbal. They say DJI knows about the problem and is suppling a new NTSC board for the zenmuse that will be available in the next few weeks - AMP tells me they will switch out the board at no charge. So far, they seem to be exactly who you mean by a good dealer. I'm going with the GH3 for its higher bit rates and frame rate, as well as the fact that I can use it on the ground too. The NEX is nice, but lacking in just a few key work-a-day video features.