AerialPhotography
Latest
Remote controlled Aeryon Scout snaps stills from above
Though certainly not the first gizmo designed with aerial photography in mind, the Aeryon Scout is a notch above most alternatives. The hovering platform enables users to capture still shots and log digital video from up above, and while it can be controlled remotely, we're also hearing that autonomous navigation isn't totally out of reach. Currently, the device is still looking to escape the prototype stage, but its creators are already eying police forces, security firms and surveying / engineering businesses in hopes of landing a few clients. Considering the stunningly high $30,000 to $50,000 price tag, we'd say they're looking in the right (read: only) direction.[Via Coolest-Gadgets, image courtesy of InventorSpot]
DIY'er crafts affordable gyro-stabilized camera platform
We've definitely seen a camera(phone) holding on for dear life whilst snapping pics of the world below, but an adventurous DIY'er apparently felt the need to conjure up an inexpensive alternative of his own. Aiming to keep the camera steady while the conjoined aircraft moved above, a relatively thin sheet of aluminum, Canon point-and-shoot camera, an "off-the-shelf heading hold gyro (preferably one that resists gyro drift)," and a few utensils were basically all that was needed to finish the job. Best of all, the creator was kind enough to leave us a few templates and words of advice, but for those just window shopping for DIY endeavors, check out the video waiting after the break.[Via HackedGadgets]
Quadrocopter project takes aerial photography open source
While there's already at least one relatively-inexpensive device out there to let you partake in some aerial photography, those not satisfied with ready-made solutions may want to give the OpenSourceQuadroCopter project a look, which (as its name suggests) takes a decidedly more hands-on route. Apparently the result of some 75 developers from around the world, the system is supposedly easy to assemble and, from the looks of it, can be attached to a variety of remote-controlled helicopters. What's more, the system can also be outfitted with a range of add-ons, including a GPS module and a parachute that can be automatically-triggered when the copter runs into danger. While you'll obviously have to supply some of the components yourself, you can order a kit with some of the key parts for just 25 €, or about $34.[Via MAKE:blog]
