Filming Airplanes
 

Hi Pros,

I am planning to film airplanes landing.What camera setting will you guys be recommendin? 24F or 30F also the shutter speed. I'll be zooming in on the plane in the air and as it comes to land I'll be zooming out and pan it.

Thanks in advance.
Matthew

I will tell you one of my pet peeves with airplane footage and you can see if it matches yours.

I hate the audio I hear on almost every piece I have ever seen. It is possible for you to setup stationary stereo for your audio? When a plane is going left to right and we can see it, the audio should too. And when you get the one 650+mph high speed pass, it should rip across the audio too and NOT be auto noise leveled. And then in post, they put music over the top of a screaming Merlin. sigh...

If you want some inspiration, check out the Alexis Park Inn site at http://www.alexisparkinn.com/aviation_videos.htm#Videos

I helped consolidate some military footage there (unique F4 footage shot by the RIO, Jack. - flying inside the Grand Canyon! - old 8mm converted to mpeg4 - not quality, but total cool for its unique history).

I remember reading that 60i is best for fast motion, if you want progressive than 30fps no doubt. Good luck, shooting aviation is fun.

Aviation Audio
 

I have to agree with George on this one. As a pilot and Videographer myself, nothing aggravates me more than seeing great footage of aircraft but hearing some cheesy song over the actual footage. Music has its place but when you’re trying to conviegh the power and performance of today’s modern aircraft, I recommend leaving the actual audio intact.

Great web site. I can watch airplane videos for hours. Thanks!
By the way, a bit off-topic, does anyone know a good place for plane spotting around SFO?

A while ago I made a short background thing with a few planes on it, first time I took a videocam to a runway:

http://www.xs4all.nl/~erwinvd/anet/K...t-1-4-2007.wmv

I didn't pay attention to the audio, it was supposed to play without sound.

Things to keep in mind:
- they go REALLY fast
- you need a lot of tele
- a good and heavy tripod to keep it steady enough
- windy conditions are killing
- set the drag for the pan & tilt rather high
- you have to pan 180 degrees so you need some space around you
- be sure you can easily watch your camera's lcd
- practice for a while
- start with wider shots

Kind regards,
Erwin

Thank you all, for great information and advises.

Thanks
Matthew

Hey Scott thats great to know! I'm an A&P technician, just got certified a few months ago and in the same boat. I love to shoot on side for me as serious hobby and looking to get into aviation videography more. I'm still attending Embry-Riddle for my degree so hopefully I can contribute to more aviation films, especially taken on local observation flights on the new Diamond Diesels!!!

I have a question for those out there that have some experience. What are the best types of mics for fast aircraft passes? I know some phantom powered mics are way to sensitive and can be damaged. I'm thinking large diaphragm types?

I would challenge that bit about phantom powered mics being too sensitive (well, F4 powered mics, maybe ;) ) I picked my mic because it had a wide useful range. My problem with loud it that the mic generates more voltage than the pre-amp can handle. So, I have attenuators that I use (AT8202 - 10/20/30 dB selectable and pass phantom voltage.) A fast pass is not going to be louder than a Harrier in hover.

A stereo pair would be the best. I have the ugly compromise, an AT-835ST.

But, I think this question would be best answered in the audio section.

I started this breakout thread. http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...003#post689003

George thanks for the quick reply I'll check out the link.