Attaching your own camera to a drone can be harder than it looks, but with Yuneec drones’ modular design, it is fairly easy compared to other drones. Here’s how to do it!
UPDATE: Added info re UCEC ballhead
BACKGROUND
My first two drones were DJI Phantoms (a Phantom 2 and a Phantom 3 Standard). However, when it came time to upgrade, I decided to get the Yuneec Typhoon H, which I learned about from panoramic photographer Mark Banas of DPReview.
The Typhoon H has several very useful features:
– hexacopter is more quiet and can carry heavier load; is more stable in wind
– even if one propeller fails (e.g. bird strike), it can still fly/land
– retractable landing gear
– gimbal has unlimited 360 rotation (can keep rotating any number of times)
– team mode capable (1 person flies, the other person controls the camera)
– controller has integrated Android tablet
– follow me (from behind) AND watch me (from front)
– Point of interest AND orbit me (it will continuously fly an orbit around you as you move)
– unlike DJI, won’t accidentally turn off the engine using a combination stick command (CSC)
– snap on propellers means no accidental spin-off
– folding rotor arms for compact storage
– ultrasonic collision avoidance
– optional Intel Realsense module can go AROUND obstacles not just avoid crashing.
– responsive customer service.
The Typhoon H is very well suited for use with a 360-degree camera or even a small rig such as the Brahma. As a hexacopter, it can carrier a heavier load than similar quadcopters. Its removable gimbal and camera means you can free up additional payload capacity. Finally, its retractable landing gear can move out of the way so that your 360 camera can have an unobstructed view. Moreover, Yuneec has a camera mount with dampeners that can also be used for 360-degree cameras.
WHAT YOU NEED
3. Mini ballhead with hotshoe to 1/4-20 adapter
OR: if you already have a mini ballhead (with less than 1 inch in diameter), you can just get:
3. Hotshoe to 1/4-20 adapter, with check nuts:
4. Rubber washers with up to 1.25 inch outer diameter, such as these:
Any footage plese? Without a gimbal how you can achieve non-shaking / stable footage?
Hi! You can use a stabilized camera like the Xiaomi Mi Sphere, or just do without stabilization, like many aerial 360 videos on Youtube.
Best regards,
Mic
Would that be sturdy enough to carry a bigger camera like the Sony A7R ii (ca. 700g with small lens)?