look to start taking some aerial photos

[mdmedicgod]

Hey folks,

I am relatively new taken photos. When I fly (have my pilots lic) I usually bring my camera and take some pics. Right now, I use a canon rebel w/ the standard lens. I usually set the lens to 80mm and let the AF do the work. I think the it takes decent pics, but would like to see better detail on buildings and landscapes. What would be good lens size to use. I typically fly 500ft-1000ft above the ground.

[neil_r]

I typically fly 500ft-1000ft above the ground.

What the heck are you flying that low...... a kite?

N

[Moppie]

I thought 1,000ft AGL was the international standard for the lowest your allowed to fly unless landing or taking off, or with out permission from your local aviation authourity.

And do you really want to take your hands off the controls at 500ft to take a pic? :shock:

[awagner]

I had the chance to take aerial Photography a few time. A few tips:

Fly early; that way theres less chance of turbulence.

Set you camera to AV, and use speed of at least 1/800 or faster shutter speed to get sharp images

As for focal lenght: i find at 500 of the ground 50 to 100mm and at 1000' 200 mm does the job depending in the subject.

moppie: are u flyuing yourself or with an other pilot?

( for the non-pilots :wink: )As for distance from the ground, not to get technical, but over built-up area 1000' above and non built-up (farm-land) 500'

[Moppie]

moppie: are u flyuing yourself or with an other pilot?

( for the non-pilots :wink: )As for distance from the ground, not to get technical, but over built-up area 1000' above and non built-up (farm-land) 500'


Sadly its been nearly 10 years since I last flew a plane, but clearly if you have another pilot with you then it would make it much safer.
Its quite possible to trim a plane out so it flys straight and level at 500ft, but the margin for error becomes so slim I would never try it.
Flying is only safe because of the rules, regulations and process put in place to make it so, and because people are trained beyond what is needed to simply control the aircraft.

And here in NZ, its 1,000ft agl everywhere, even over water (or it was 10 years ago). I guess there are differnt standards between countries.

[neil_r]

( for the non-pilots :wink: )As for distance from the ground, not to get technical, but over built-up area 1000' above and non built-up (farm-land) 500'

I would not take my A320 that low :?

N

[awagner]

And here in NZ, its 1,000ft agl everywhere, even over water (or it was 10 years ago). I guess there are differnt standards between countries.

Interesting enough actualy here in Canada if there nothing (no houses building structures ie trees or farm land) as long as you stay 500' from buildings or people (ie on the lateral if you want) you can go as low as you can!....

as doing it in a a320.... i think you could rent a safety pilot and a cessna for cheaper :lol: .... but man when your shoting with the side doors open at least you dont have to worry about those wings struts beeing in the way. :lol:

[Moppie]

I would not take my A320 that low :?




ding dong!
"Ladies and Gentlemen this is your pilot speaking.
You may notice a small drop in altitude, please do not be alarmed, I have simply spotted a particulary rare bred of Heron but was unable to pack my 3m lens. Please remain seated and don't make any noise!"
ding dong!

[Persian-Rice]

And here in NZ, its 1,000ft agl everywhere, even over water (or it was 10 years ago). I guess there are differnt standards between countries.

Interesting enough actualy here in Canada if there nothing (no houses building structures ie trees or farm land) as long as you stay 500' from buildings or people (ie on the lateral if you want) you can go as low as you can!....

as doing it in a a320.... i think you could rent a safety pilot and a cessna for cheaper :lol: .... but man when your shoting with the side doors open at least you dont have to worry about those wings struts beeing in the way. :lol:

Scary story, last year a cessna crashed into a house about 10 mins from my house. The scary part? I lived in that exact house 3 years go.

Supposedly the plane was flying too low before he was about to land and well, something went wrong.

[awagner]

Persian-Rice:

Yikes..!talk about coincidence!

[Jon]

Use a haze filter - it adds up. B&W photogrammetric/mapping photos are usually done with Wratten 12 (minus-blue) or Wratten 25 (red) for better haze penetration.

IS is good; there's lots of extra vibration from the engine. By the same token, don't let the camera touch any part of the aircraft - use yourself as a shock damper. You'll also want to use your highest possible shutter speed - between airframe vibration, turbulence, and motion from your airspeed, you're going to see a bunch of blurring from camera motion. Most photogrammetry-type aerial photo missions are flown during the couple of hours either side of solar noon, as this minimizes shadow areas. Mid-day also helps keep down the backscatter (sun at your back is almost always better for reducing atmospheric backscatter). Polarizers can help, too, especially if there's water in the picture - you can tone down the glare that way. Paradoxically, if you want any water penetration, your best options are earlier in the day, when the sun's less likely to be glaring off the water into your lens.