Steve, the blogger behind A mile of runway will take you anywhere, has written a very lengthy post about how to create great flying videos. At the beginning of his post, Steve listed the following equipment that he uses:
- Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera
- Kodak Fisheye Lens
- Sigtronics SPO-42 Portable Intercom
- Arcsoft MediaImpression video editing software (included with camera)
- 3.5 mm stereo audio cable
- RAM Long-Arm Suction Mount
- RAM Tripod Mount
- RAM Yoke Mount
(Full disclosure: Steve works for Kodak – hence there might be some bias in the equipment he chooses to use as he gets an employee discount)
Steve noted that he flies both a Cessna and a Cub and these aircraft require a different setup and mounting system. In a Cessna, Steve will attach a RAM Suction Mount to the side of the windshield that is to the left of the pilot while in the Cub, he will attach a RAM Yoke Mount to the tubing inside at the top of the cockpit so that the camera hangs upside-down (he then rotates the video 180 degrees using software).
Steve also added that if he wants to capture audio, his current equipment dictates that he needs to use a portable intercom. When he is flying Cessnas, he will plug the intercom into the pilot or the co-pilot’s position and then use a 3.5 mm stereo audio cable from the intercom up to the camera. However and in the Cub, Steve will rarely wear headsets and hence, he never captures intercom audio.
Finally, Steve wrote about the video editing software he uses but he was also quick to add that everyone has their own way and preferences when it comes to editing videos. He suggests that you experiment with various video editing software and more importantly, to have fun with any software you choose to use.
If you intend to take video along with audio of your flying adventures, then Steve’s entire and very detailed post is a must read.
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