Continuing with more tests in an attempt to create a gigapixel photo from the air, I chartered another Helijet flight on October 25, 2012. For this attempt, I mounted the Clauss RODEON VR Station robotic panohead inside the helicopter and had the doors removed.
Because the German-made Clauss RODEON VR is one of the fastest panoheads available, I was hoping to shoot a gigapixel photo under 3 mins. And by using a fast shutter speed along with the fast rotation of the RODEON VR, I’d be able to compensate for the stabilization and vibration issues of the helicopter.
All photos courtesy of Ashley Drody
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Unfortunately, I didn’t anticipate the wind factor. The wind was pushing us around giving Capt. Dudley Jacobsen (in the photos above) a difficult time trying to maintain a steady hover. In my attempt to resolve the stabilization issues, I over-compensated and set the Clauss Rodeon to shoot too fast. These 2 factors caused missing frames in the panorama.
Another attempt will be made in the coming weeks weather permitting. I have to recompute the rotational speed based on the lens and camera exposure settings.
Thanks to Capt. Dudley Jacobsen and Helijet for their invaluable help and assistance for this project. Special thanks to Ashley Drody for the behind-the-scenes photos.