stabilisers/support for videoing aircraft-everyday

Hi ,could i pick some brains on here please,I am attempting to video aircraft with the 5d mk11 and mostly using the 100-400 IS L lens.The I S does help alot BUT it is certainly heavy.
I have thought about using a monopod with a fluid head but not sure whether it would keep up with fast panning movements.
For the slower movements it is acceptable but could be better.
I don't just use it for air displays but use video in conjunction with everyday photography so portability when walking is a bonus.

This year is the first i have used the dslr for video so learning the ropes and editing -great fun.

This will give you an idea of the problems
http://www.youtube.com …=UUDA4JvpJ5bbTv​B_sc8PyQcA

Many thanks
All ideas welcome Thank you.

You need to invest in a good video tripod. Check the support section on dvinfo there should be some recommendations for current stuff. I have a Cartoni Focus which I like a lot. Adjust the rotational drag to permit you to smoothly follow the fastest track across the frame, like a low pass along the runway in your example footage. The problem with the monopod is no drag on rotation coupled with drag on tilt, making things shaky on one axis. This will be magnified with your long fl lens as I'm sure you're aware. Pick up a red dot style rifle sight and mount on your camera which might help quickly getting frame on aerobatic performers.

DSLRs are not the right tool for action video. There will always be jitter, severe blurring, and bad focus when using a DSLR on fast moving subjects because of technology of CMOS sensors. The prime benefit of DSLRs is ultra high image quality and low depth of field-which are not that significant for flying video because the target is so far away.

Camcorders have great IS, extra long zoom lenses, and smooth focusing and zooming which will give you far superior videos of flying planes. Use a camcorder on a tripod with a fluid video head and your flying video will improve 1000%.

Take your camera to Best Buy and compare to a camcorder on a good tripod.

An interesting comment with regard to the red dot sight. I wonder if it would work.

I've tried various set ups for air displays and not been 100% happy with any of them.

The fist issue is acquiring the plane. Certainly a shoulder rig with a loupe is best in that respect as the camera seems to point where you look. While easy to obtain the target, keeping the shot steady after that isn't easy.

A tripod has the potential to keep a steady shot but acquiring and keeping a plane well framed is very difficult.

A monopod has similar issues to that of a tripod but is easier with a loupe.

I think I got my best efforts with a shoulder rig, loupe and monopod but even then I wasn't 100% happy with the results.

Hi ,i have a digital video camera but to be honest i am fed up with taking 2 lots of cameras,chargers batteries etc with me.
The DSLR is used pretty much all the time and the bonus is it does take nice video as well.
I am happy with most of it but would like to try to just get it a bit better.
Focussing for aircraft really doesn't seem to be an issue ,,just off infinity seems to be the key.

Trumper wrote in post #16137404
Hi ,i have a digital video camera but to be honest i am fed up with taking 2 lots of cameras,chargers batteries etc with me.
The DSLR is used pretty much all the time and the bonus is it does take nice video as well.
I am happy with most of it but would like to try to just get it a bit better.
Focussing for aircraft really doesn't seem to be an issue ,,just off infinity seems to be the key.

Your 100-400 lens weighs 3lbs and a camcorder .5 lb. Do you feel that the video quality of your sample is "nice"?

sspellman wrote in post #16137352
DSLRs are not the right tool for action video. There will always be jitter, severe blurring, and bad focus when using a DSLR on fast moving subjects because of technology of CMOS sensors.

Don't contribute this strictly to CMOS. While CMOS sensors are different from CCD, a CMOS sensor need not have a "rolling shutter". It's all a question of how much hardware that are invested in the read-out logic.

Well,i dug out my video camera, Panasonic hdc-sd90 http://www.trustedrevi​ews.com …hdc-sd90_Camcorder_review and it does take lovely video BUT i just cannot get the quality transferred onto DVD.
In the UK we have PAL so any ideas on how i can edit/convert for a good quality copy on a dvd please.
At the moment i am using the Sony Vegas HD Platinum which does really well on the Canon 5d mk11 .mov files.
Unfortunately until i can get the AVCHD format working properly the Canon is still a better bet for me.

I was wrong re the monopod, looks like something of this sort might work.

J Michael wrote in post #16156790
I was wrong re the monopod, looks like something of this sort might work.

Thanks for that ,i had looked at the combination,just need to get to a shop so i can see and feel it in action.Internet is a wonderful thing but it can close down the local shops as well.

Your Panasonic camcorder is a killer little camera! I used the HDC-TM90 (TM adds 16GB internal memory) for two years. I just got a Canon XA20 but the Panasonic will be my backup for the forseeable future. You should be shooting in 1080p60 for maximum image quality. That 60progressive will also give you great slow motion if needed! You will have to play with your settings for transcoding in Vegas. I use Adobe CC so couldn't tell you where to start. It will be a big downgrade in quality regardless going to DVD where max resolution is 720x480.

Bob

Yes i agree,the files played from the camera are very good but trying to get them converted onto a dvd is not good even thought the 5D MK11 quality is terrific.