peter nap said:
We're entering an interesting era havasuphoto...
I'm getting old. I've been through film, digital, SD to HD, to 4K...from cutting room to computer and now to low cost aerial. :?
OT
Me too.....I retired 5 years ago. And, have always been a hobbyist in Photography and Video. Had my own darkroom, and would go through reels of 35mm film, and Dektol film developer. Then came color and Cibachrome($$$$-was using 4X5 color positives).
I've flown real helicopters for a few productions, but primarily I flew for EMS(life-flight), and out in the Gulf.
Nm=
Nautical Miles......
And, the Washington DC FRZ does not include certain airspace below 700 or 1200 feet above ground.
My point was; you're not going to be able to pull your Phantom out, at the Capitol Mall, and just fly around. You may do it once.....but, me thinks they will confiscate your Phantom, and lock you up for the night. That one is guaranteed to get you arrested.
And, if/when you factor in the Insurance-it won't be low cost aerial anymore. But, it will still be cheaper than having a real helicopter. There are just some shots a real helicopter can't get........so, there is still room for both in a production.
And, the "big-boys" with their Oct-copters are still safe too. We can't carry a Red One....they can. But, those rigs start at 10 grand, and go up. The Red One camera, just to rent, with a few lenses and associated equipment, is $1000/day!!! That's just 1 camera, and some lenses and a few batteries. No operator....no dolly, no gimbal.
But, there are Production Companies out there, looking to cut costs. And the Phantom/Go Pro 3 fits nicely, for certain situations.
OT
I found out Today, on my 2nd, 3rd, and 4th flight, that in gusting winds(10mph gusting to 20mph), the Phantom is a "no go".
Even with the Zenmous Gimbal/Gyro, GPS, etc....it still can't compensate for the mechanical turbulence coming off my house, the neighbors house, etc. It was a lot of throttle and yaw work to keep the aircraft relatively stable. I still suck at flying this thing-and have only flown it in my backyard so far-so I haven't even flown it far enough away where I can use IOC or CL.
Sorry, never mind the OT stuff
The problem we encounter is that a cop can arrest you for any reason at anytime with little or no repercussions. Especially, if you mouth off to the security guard or park worker and they are "buddies" . Whet Ive been doing is trying to takeoff from areas away from the officials eye or anyones eye and still gives me a good view of the bird. If I get caught, I play dumb be nice pack it up explain what she is which usually breaks the ice. I than fly at a different location dor awhile before I make my inevitable return
Bull shXt!!! I used to be one-before I started my flying career-and that statement is just plain false.
IF, you get arrested for basically doing nothing-call the ACLU!! Or, find an Attorney, and sue them into the next Century.
You have Rights!!! But, you need to learn them. Otherwise, you can and will be bullied by over-paid security guards.
You're smart in just doing your own thing, out of the way of everyone else. That's what I'm doing right now, by flying in my backyard.