Remote Control Helicopter Surf Photography

Remote Control Helicopter Photography I recently saw a remote control helicopter called the DraganFlyer IV, Intended for aerial remote control photography. I’m wondering how this might be useful for surf photography and whether it would have a meritable use? I'm going to ask John Carter,Dave White, and Erik Aeder, all veteran pro windsurf and surf photographers to look at these now on our behalf. Please watch this space for their views. Looking at the claims it seems it might have a place for getting unique views of water sports, such as surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and sailing without the expense of hiring the real thing. RC Toys say this about it: ‘The Draganflyer V Ti R/C Helicopter is small and agile at just 30 inches in diameter. This compact flying-masterpiece lifts off effortlessly with its ultra-lightweight carbon-fibre body and stylish lines. Unlike gas-powered or other electric radio-controlled helicopters that are complicated and difficult to fly, The Draganflyer has been designed for beginners. The Draganflyer V Ti RC helicopter uses a heading-lock yaw gyro which helps simplify flight in all conditions and gives you complete control over yaw, pitch, and roll - full aerial manoeuvrability - using a patented control board that is so elegant it uses 95% fewer parts than conventional helicopters. The Draganflyer V Ti comes as a complete package requiring a simple, quick, and straightforward assembly of only 30 minutes’. Is it tough enough for idiots like me to bash it around at my local beach above the surf? A fair point at just short of 900 US bucks. They go on to say ‘The Draganfly V Ti's durability is unmatched by conventional RC helicopters. The Draganfly's body is virtually indestructible due to its tough carbon-fibre and high-impact nylon construction.’ Ask them how high it’ll go? ‘It flies up to 30mph and as high as you can see (at 200ft the helicopter is a dot in the sky) even though the radio range is approximately 1/2 a mile. The Draganflyer V Ti can lift 4 ounces, effortlessly and also uses thermal plastic rotors that are efficient, safe and inexpensive to replace’ Yeah right, but I’ve broken hundreds of supposedly indestructible things in my time. But apparently ‘Thermal Intelligence eliminates most of the dangers and provides both safety and fun while training and flying. If you run low on batteries, the innovative electronic control system prevents battery over-discharge by limiting available power. Lose transmitter signal? It will descend safely and autonomously outdoors. Incorporated into each Draganflyer V Ti's patented control board are four infrared heat sensors and three state-of-the-art piezo gyros which provide automatic self-levelling for an effortless outdoor piloting experience’. Sounds ideal. Not sure if that means the Thermal intelligence will sit my bird down on the water or the land in a fresh trade wind! Whilst you fly it about playing tunes from Apocalypse Now, it’s got a wireless colour micro-video camera mounted onto the Draganflyer's frame, which sends high-quality video signal to a small, portable base station. This footage can be viewed in real-time, or recorded onto VHS or digital video camera. You will indeed be able to film if Charlie can or cannot surf, no matter what Napalm smells like in the morning. There could also be a sideline for real estate aerial shots etc. in your local neighbourhood. Maybe you could at least justify this to yourself or spouse as a means for this toy paying for itself! It looks like there could the start of a revolution in aerial surveillance and footage about to break out! Anyone who has tried one of these or is tempted to buy one please drop us a line and let us know if you’ve used it for surf shots. Thanks.