GoPro + Drone + Vegas firsts

Gary James wrote on 8/2/2014, 9:11 AM

The video below is the result of experiencing several firsts. This was the 1st flight on my DJI Phantom 2 Quadcopter. This was also my 1st video using a GoPro camera. And finally this was my 1st time editing GoPro footage in Vegas v11.

Let me start with the GoPro. I was blown away when I received the GoPro HERO 3+ Black camera and for the first time saw how incredibly tiny it is; smaller than half a pack of cigarettes. I set the camera to film at 1080p 30fps using the Narrow lens angular degree setting ( normal view vs. a fisheye effect ). The results are amazing for such a microscopic sized camera. The files are stored in AVC format in an MP4 file on the micro SD card. Dragging the file into the Vegas timeline went without a hitch. Rendering using the Vegas MainConcept AVC/AAC Internet 1080p template generated a file that was perfectly acceptable to Youtube; resulting in a Youtube video with multiple SD and HD playback resolutions.

The DJI Phantom 2 is also an amazing piece of technology. From my first flight shown below, you get some sense of how smooth and stable it is as a camera platform. The Zenmuse H3-3D 3-Axis Gimbal with hollow rubber ball shock mounts virtually eliminate all the vibration that the Phantoms four dual blade props generate. As you can also see in the video the only weak point in the entire aerial camera system was the piloting skill of the operator. I made two mistakes that ended in a crash. Fortunately the Phantom hit the leaves on a small tree only about 10 feet from the ground, causing it to spin down hitting the back corner of my garage. The only damage was one of the four propellers.

The combination of a Phantom 2 Quadcopter, Zenmuse gimbal, GoPro camera and Sony Vegas is an excellent setup for aerial photography, Once I get the flight controls mastered I'll have the confidence to film far more interesting subjects than my backyard storage barn.

You can get a better idea of the GoPro cameras capability if you watch this on Youtube using wide screen mode and 1080p resolution.

Comments

NormanPCN wrote on 8/2/2014, 9:56 AM

The results are amazing for such a microscopic sized camera.

It may not have an aperture or shutter and things that real video cameras have but it does have a pretty good lens resolution and it encodes with high bitrate AVC. Especially the Protune mode, which I like use.

Protune is handy to help deal with bright skies and dark shadows in the same shot. I created a Vegas filter package for Protune adjustments with curves, saturation and sharpening (convolution kernel) effects.

I have a 3 Black and 3+ Black, but no copter.

Gary James wrote on 8/2/2014, 10:54 AM

I had Protune turned Off because in earlier static tests, I thought the video looked washed out with less vivid colors.

Birk Binnard wrote on 8/2/2014, 11:51 AM

Nicely done - thanks. I've read that the typical first-time user needs about 2 hours of flight practice to learn how to properly fly the Phantom 2. Your video makes this questionable. I was surprised that you picked such an obstacle-laden space for your first flight.

Somewhere on the Phantom website they talk about a new model that has no gymbal, but instead uses a 180-degree fisheye lens pointing at (I think) 45-degrees forward. The camera uses software to take a 16x9 aspect ratio rectangular image from the 180 degree sensor data and run it through software to "un-bend" the image into a normal looking 1920x1080 image. In other words, it uses fancy software to create the illusion of a controllable HD camera from a real fixed position lens/sensor.

Since this model does not use a gymbal & associated circuitry it's supposed to sell for about half the price of the Phantom 2. The device was slated for sale in November.

John_Cline wrote on 8/2/2014, 1:52 PM

"I had Protune turned Off because in earlier static tests, I thought the video looked washed out with less vivid colors."

The Protune mode IS washed out and has less vivid colors, that's the whole point, it records using a log curve so it can capture details in the shadows and prevents the highlights from blowing out. You must either manually color grade it after the fact or use their GoPro Studio software to convert to a Cineform .AVI and tell it to apply the Protune LUT to the clip. It's pretty powerful stuff.

Here's more on the subject:

http://cineform.blogspot.com/2014/03/protune-20.html

Also, there was a design decision made with the GoPro Hero 3+ Black cameras of which you should be aware; they made it "33% sharper" by slightly adjusting the focus of the lens to be sharper close up. Of course, the trade-off means the focus beyond maybe five feet ends up being softer. GoPro has changed the later production runs of the Hero3+ Black models back to the previous focus settings. You may or may not have one of the "close up" Hero models but it could be an issue for you because you are using it on a drone which requires focus at a distance. There is no way of knowing based on serial number. I hear that you can get in touch with them and send them a landscape photo taken with your camera and they can determine whether it is one that is affected and needs to be sent back if you need distance. There are lots of videos on YouTube which demonstrate the problem and explain how to make the adjustment yourself, but it involves some potentially risky procedures. Mine is one of the affected cameras and I'm trying to muster up the courage to make the mod. Watch this video in particular:

NormanPCN wrote on 8/2/2014, 3:08 PM

The Protune mode IS washed out and has less vivid colors, that's the whole point, it records using a log curve so it can capture details in the shadows and prevents the highlights from blowing out

Agreed, and why I have my standard Protune adjustment filter package I normally use as previously stated. The color curve always needs adjusted to the specific shot. My saturation and sharpening adjustments are basically unchanging.

Gary James wrote on 8/2/2014, 3:34 PM

John, how old is your GPH3+B. I just received mine two weeks ago from B&H Photo. I would assume that being a relatively recent production version it doesn't have the problem. Do you agree?

Gary James wrote on 8/2/2014, 3:46 PM

Birk, yes I do have many trees in my yard but most are along the property line. I figured I had a relatively large open area in the center that I could test the Phantoms Ascend & Descend capability.

I've watched several Youtube videos that suggest I should have at least 10 hours flying the Phantom before going off and doing tricky stuff. As you saw in my test video I flew it mostly near the ground until I finally flew into the open and then added some altitude.

I'm sure that DJI will come out with newer models of the Phantom series. They make the Phantom 2 Vision Plus that has a proprietary 3 axis gimbal and 1080p HD video camera that sells for about $1200. But I opted for a pricier custom built system that included the Zenmuse gimbal and GoPro Black camera because the Phantom Vision Plus camera can't be detached from the drone.

Rv6tc wrote on 8/2/2014, 4:54 PM

Excellent. Nicely done.

I'm afraid you're going to cost me a lot of money. I'll be following your progress, so post a lot of video!

Keith

John_Cline wrote on 8/2/2014, 5:17 PM

Gary, I bought mine two months ago. I would assume that your GPH3+B is OK, but it depends on what batch it came from. I first heard about the issue when I stumbled across this thread on the GoPro forums:

http://goprouser.freeforums.org/difference-in-focal-range-sharpness-hero3-blk-vs-plus-t14637.html

What is your full serial number? (on the silver label inside the battery compartment.)

Arthur.S wrote on 8/3/2014, 4:52 AM

These things are incredibly cheap now, and open up some fascinating options for wedding shoots. (I know there are people out there already doing that). I intend doing a survey later this year with as many wedding venues as I can, to see what their take is on somebody flying one of these around their grounds. The potential for damage to buildings (and many of them are historical buildings too) plus the insurance implications for personal injuries to wedding guests and staff are more than a bit worrying. But....it's so tempting! :-)

Gary, what made you choose that version over the one with the built in HD camera?

Gary James wrote on 8/3/2014, 7:14 AM

I wanted to be able to remove the camera and use it for other things, rather than paying for a camera with a dedicated use. The built-in camera on the Phantom 2 Vision + is an excellent camera as you can see in the comparison video below. If you buy a Vision + you have to remember that you only get half the solution. You still nee something for the FPV display unit. if you have a smartphone with WIFI this will work.

Rv6tc wrote on 8/3/2014, 10:05 AM

Gary,

What's your impression of the 2 vs 3- axis gimbal?

Gary James wrote on 8/3/2014, 10:17 AM

Since my Phantom 2 has the Zenmuse H3-3D 3-Axis Gimbal, I can't really make a comparison with something I'm not familiar with. But here's a pretty good video showing a comparison between the older Zenmuse H3-2D vs. the newer Zenmuse H3-3D gimbal.

warriorking wrote on 8/4/2014, 7:10 PM

I don't have the Phantom, however I use the Walkera X350Pro Quad with great results using the new G-3D Gimbal attached to my GoPro Hero 3..
Here is some of my footage from Downtown...

MTuggy wrote on 8/4/2014, 11:54 PM

Like you, I just got my Phantom about 10 days ago. I made this video of my first flight. Amazingly easy to fly (in open spaces...)

Enjoy, especially my wacky dog Tusker at the end.

Mike

Gary James wrote on 8/5/2014, 9:47 AM

Mike, your Phantom 2 Vision Plus setup certainly has produced some spectacular video. Is that where you live? If so, you are located near some truly magnificent natural surroundings. The United States has such a vast number of unique and beautiful topographical variances. First in the U.S. Air Force, then later for business, I've traveled all over the country, and all over the world. I have to say, the Pacific Northwest is one of my favorite places.

Birk Binnard wrote on 8/5/2014, 11:43 AM

Mike:

Nicely done video that shows how stable the Phantom2 is. It's also nice to know that it's possible to fly a successful first flight.

There are 2 things that bother me however:

1. The motion of the pan motors is not smooth at the end of a pan - as a result the start/stop of the pan operation gives a very mechanical sense to the viewer. This is like the Vegas Pan/Zoom control lacking the Smooth option.

No doubt this could be fixed by a tweak to the Phantom's internal software.

2. There is noticeable fisheye-type lens distortion in the video. Of course this is the result of the wide-angle lens used on the camera. I wonder if it's possible to get a different lens that does not have this distortion.

I realize both if these are nits and really more personal peeves of mine. It's pretty clear the DJI folks have done a great job in integrating all the technologies used in the Phantom2.

Gary James wrote on 8/5/2014, 12:54 PM

In a Phantom setup panning is performed by applying Left or Right Yaw to the entire Phantom itself. Turning the Gimbal Left or Right would put the camera in a position where it would be filming the Phantoms landing gear and various accessory modules and antenna. That said, there is a slight amount of Left and Right rotation of the Gimbal when Phantom yaw is applied. This provides a bit of "look ahead" so the camera is looking into the turn.

I believe once the feel of the control sticks are mastered, smooth panning will come along with it.

The Phantom 2 Vision + camera, like the GoPro has fixed settings that can widen or narrow the cameras Field Of View (FOV). The camera supplied with the Vision + has a smaller range of adjustment than the GoPro. Personally I prefer to use the narrowest GoPro FOV setting. Wide angle FOV is great if everything is on a horizontal plane. But if you have something vertical in the shot, it tends to get bent out at the middle in the recording.

johnmeyer wrote on 8/5/2014, 6:03 PM

Ever since the first Draganflyer, I've wanted an aerial video platform. Now is obviously the time to buy. Gary's video totally convinced me.

Here's my problem (help me, please!): I know what I want, but don't know how to get it.

I want:

1. DJI Phantom 2 (I know how to get that -- this is the easy part)

2. The Zenmuse H3-3D gimbal, or something equivalent that will work with my Sony AS100 action cam I can buy a GoPro if that's the only way to get what I want, but I was hoping to use my AS100 because, based on my own tests (after Spot convinced me that this is the camera to get), I think it takes much better video than the Hero Black 3+.

3. Something that will let me see the video while flying, and also let me control (tilt & rotate) the camera. I think this is called FPV.

Number 3 is the part of the equation that I need help with, but if someone knows how to mount the Sony Action Cam, I'd love to know about that as well.

Thanks!

John

Gary James wrote on 8/5/2014, 6:49 PM

John, the only Phantom setups I've seen use either the proprietary DJI HD video camera in the Vision+ model, or the GoPro. They do make bigger gimbals for the DJI Hex and Octo blade machines that can carry specific models of DSLR cameras. But I've not seen anything for the Sony action cam. Of course that doesn't mean that nobody's made one. Do a Google search for DJI Phantom 2 and Sony AS100. Something may turn up.

johnmeyer wrote on 8/5/2014, 7:05 PM

Thanks Gary!

The Sony camera I'm talking about is a direct competitor to the GoPro and is roughly the same size and weight, so it is not a DSLR. Spot posted about it a few months ago,

POV cameras and Sony Vegas

and based on his post, and also my own tests with the GoPro Hero Black 3+, I purchased the Sony. I knew at the time that the one major downside to the Sony is that it doesn't have the huge third-party support enjoyed by the GoPro line of cameras. This example of not having a 3D gimbal for the Phantom that supports my Sony AS100V is a good example.

I've also posted on several Phantom sites, and I'm starting to get the picture. The easiest thing to do is just get more or less the same package as you have, and then buy a GoPro. The price is still amazingly low when you compare it to any other alternative that would give you this quality of near-ground aerial video (like a boom).

PeterWright wrote on 8/5/2014, 8:05 PM

John, I also have an AS100 ( and an AS30 and AS15) and as you know, with a supplied attachment it has a standard 1/4" thread like every other camera, and even the GoPro has an attachable mounting containing a similar thread. Does the gimbal of the Phantom not have the ability to accept this? If not, that's a very short sighted design decision.

Regarding your earlier question about seeing the frame being recorded, I assume you have now found the app PlayMemories Mobile which receives the camera pic via wi fi to your cell phone. Control of the camera tilt angle however would presumably have to be a feature of the gimbal or the Phantom - not sure whether the quadcopter can be "tilted" - probably just panned.

Gary James wrote on 8/5/2014, 9:00 PM

The Zenmuse gimbal does not employ a screw mount. From this image you can see the mount fits snugly over the back of the GoPro camera and is held in place with a threaded bracket and two screws. I've already decided the bracket is a P.I.T.A. so I've switch to using cable ties instead; much faster to install and remove.

Also, before you remove the camera from the mount, you must be VERY CAREFUL to unplug the USB video cable (shown at the right of the camera) that feeds the low bandwidth video stream to the on-board 5.8 GHz WIFI booster transmitter that can be picked up by the pilots Smart phone or dedicated 5.8 GHz Receiver / Monitor (which is what I have). Failure to unplug the USB connector and flat cable before removing the camera could end up breaking off the connector - IT IS VERY FRAGILE. AND YES I DO HAVE A REASON TO KNOW ABOUT THIS. Fortunately they give you a spare with the Gimbal parts. So I now have a bright Blue cable tie around the USB connector making it nearly impossible to overlook.

PeterWright wrote on 8/5/2014, 9:53 PM

Thanks Gary - presumably that means the built in Wi-Fi is not powerful enough to reach a ground based receiver once the 'copter is aloft. If this is so, the Sony cams have their own non-USB connection (same as Samsung Phones), and I'm not sure whether this includes a feed for wifi, but even if it does, it would need the Phantom to have an adaptor if it were possible to mount the Sony cams.

I forgot to mention earlier that I also have a Sony RM-LVR1 which you wear like a wrist watch, which receives the wifi pic and can control some cam functions remotely, including record on-off. Easier to use than a hand help cell phone.