OT: Shooting thru airplane window without glare

Rich Parry wrote on 7/24/2014, 1:03 AM

I will be shooting Alaska video through a closed window from a small airplane (4 person plane). I believe I will be able to clean the window but the reflecting light coming from inside the airplane cabin will destroy any hopes of getting decent video.

I thought a possible solution is to place the camera close to the window and then "drape" a cloth over the camera to remove light that comes from inside the airplane cabin. This should mitigate any window reflections. I admit, this is a kludge at best. Got any better ideas besides hangout outside the plane.

I have a Sony AX100 camcorder, Canon DLSR 5DM3, and GoPro 3+. Ideally I'd like to use or try all three.

Rich in San Diego

Comments

Dexcon wrote on 7/24/2014, 1:57 AM

Many years ago, I used a collapsible rubber lens hood on my then MiniDV camera. Though it was designed for a still camera, it slipped on really well over the outer lens ring of the MiniDV camera and was tightened by a thumb screw. The advantage was that extension and flexibility of the lens hood outwards was sufficient to allow a limited but useful amount of camera movement when the lens hood was placed up against a plane or train window, sort of like a suction cap but without the suction. And it got rid of reflections from inside the plane/train, though I recall that there was occasionally a reflection from the window of the lens itself when the sun was in certain positions.

Given that I'm most probably going to get an AX100 in a few weeks time, I think I'll investigate the collapsible lens hood again, the old one having long since split apart - so it's timely that you've posted this now.

I hope this suggestion helps.

Cheers

Conrad

John_Cline wrote on 7/24/2014, 2:08 AM

You can also try a polarizing filter, it screws on and can be rotated until the offending reflection is cancelled out. In certain circumstances, it will completely eliminate the reflection and in other circumstances, it is mostly eliminated.

I already had a 55mm polarizer for my Canon DSLR so I got this 55mm filter adapter for my GoPro 3+. (There may be others and they could be less expensive.) I believe that the AX100 takes 62mm filters.

Barry W. Hull wrote on 7/24/2014, 6:46 AM

+1 John Cline

Rich, I spent many years inside a Navy jet taking pictures and video, and a polarizing filter was the best method I found.

Just make sure to get in the habit of rotating the filter each time before you start shooting or change angles, zoom in/out, etc. As you rotate the filter you'll find the glare patterns change. With the wrong rotation, you won't see the benefits you seek.

Have fun on your flights.

musicvid10 wrote on 7/24/2014, 7:32 AM

Whether a polarizer works depends entirely on the window construction and materials. Sometimes laminates make it worse by causing interference patterns.

Steve Mann wrote on 7/24/2014, 9:50 AM

The polycarbonate windows in a small aircraft will give you bizzare artifacts with a polarizer.

mountainman wrote on 7/24/2014, 12:17 PM

Some light planes have a small sliding window. Inconvenient but works. If its just you and the pilot, ask about opening the side window. If its a Super Cub you can just fly with the door down. JM

Laurence wrote on 7/24/2014, 12:40 PM

You can push the camera lens right up to the glass.

vtxrocketeer wrote on 7/24/2014, 1:19 PM

Rich, I did exactly this years ago when flying in a puddle jumper (~15 seats) in Costa Rica. Environmental factors helped me to pull off terrific shots. I used no polarizing filter nor did I drape any cloth. In my case, the day was mostly overcast, so light ingress to the cabin was minimized, and light generation within the cabin was zero. I got fantastic footage. I pushed my lens close to, but not flush against, the cabin window.

Um, any chance you can mount your GoPro to an outside wing strut?

Steve Mann wrote on 7/24/2014, 3:15 PM

"You can push the camera lens right up to the glass."

You do not want the camera to touch any part of the airframe - you will pick up a LOT of vibration.

GeeBax wrote on 7/24/2014, 7:57 PM

Very basic I know, but put the sun behind you when positioning the aircraft for shooting, it will minimise a lot of reflections off the plexiglass. And I also endorse what mountainman said about using the small sliding window on some aircraft, if available. However if you do use the small window, remember to remove your lens hood first.

Don't' ask me how I know this, and if anyone found mine, can they please return it.

Serena Steuart wrote on 7/25/2014, 2:11 AM

A polariser can help or hinder (as various posts have indicated) and reflections from bright things inside the cabin (and beyond) are hard to avoid. A black surround to the camera (close to the window) is a good step. Polarisers work when the window polarises reflected light, which it doesn't do normal to the surface. The incidence angle of maximum polarisation for glass is is 32 degrees, so at greater and lesser angles a polariser can't block the reflection completely. Plexiglass windows are seldom free of scratches and these add diffusion to the image (fog filter). I'd do some experiments to develop a workable technique. Obviously shooting through an open window can't be beaten.

Rory Cooper wrote on 7/25/2014, 2:37 AM

If you are going to do this type of thing often get yourself some grippers they are not expensive.

http://www.proaimshop.com/pas/CAMTREE-Gripper-G-51-Campod-Suction-Car-Mount.html

I have worked on a Car spot for local network so I have a rubber and foam mount that sits between the cheese plate and quick release plate.
And always have an adjustable short safety cable from the plate to the body for when things get a bit hectic.

Smaller rig
http://www.proaimshop.com/pas/CAMTREE-Gripper-G-2BH-Pro-Car-Suction-Mount.html

they are also cool for rigging lights from windows, fridges, tiles etc .

arenel wrote on 7/27/2014, 4:39 PM

Are you hiring this plane? Is it a Cessna 172, 180 or 182? Is the pilot a CFI (certified flight instructor.) With the aid of a small screwdriver with multiple tips The window can be made to open all the way, and if the pilot is a CFI he can sit in the right seat legally. The prop wash will keep the window open without support, and need only be open when shooting. You didn't mention what season of the year!!?? Hopefully you might have some leverage. Attaching anything to the outside of the plane probably requires FAA approval and would need more than suction cups! ie safety wire and steel clamps.

Ralph