ZagiCam On-Board Video Setup
In-flight video footage was taken with a cheapo digital camera that I
bought from Staples, encased in foam (should the unexpected
occur), and wedged into a pocket cut into the wing.
- The DSC 350 supports two resolutions: 320 x 240, and 160 x 120. Taking video at the larger resolution supported by the camera (320 x 240)
didn't work well. The video was so jumpy as to be worthless. 160 x 120 isn't
good, but at least it's fairly smooth.
- At the lower resolution, it can capture up to 4 1/2 minutes of video (not
bad for $100).
- The camera works best at a decent range. Fast flybys result in a blur (no
surprise).
- To get forward-facing video, I wedged a mirror wedged into
the wing. Facing forwards is good; there's a lot less blue sky-only footage. I
was also able to get another plane in view briefly by chasing it.
- That mirror doesn't help the flight characteristics any. The Zagi was just
able to stay aloft under power, and wanted to yaw left (the mirror is indeed
on the left side). Even under full throttle, the plane flew at roughly 60%
of normal speed. It would barely loop. A smaller mirror, closer to the
camera, would probably be a good idea. Maybe I'll try a fish-eye bicycle
helmet mirror.
- Taking stills along the wingtip is fine, but there's a lot of blue sky time (roughly 50%) since there's
not a lot of level flying going on. On the other hand, it's actually easier
to take shots of ground targets in this configuration.
- I thought I flew pretty smoothly while I was taking the video. I was
wrong. I'd hate to be a passenger on one of my planes.