Camera techniques and controls.

4.

a. In aerial motion picture photography, three things

that differ from

ground photography are; choice of focal length, frames per

second (fps), and

shutter opening (with adjustable shutter).

To some extent,

the lens size is

governed by aircraft altitude and the size of the image you

want. The normal

lens is usually suitable.

b. When shooting from a moving platform, you should use a faster shutter

speed. Usually 32 to 64 fps is best. The lower the altitude or the longer the

focal length lens used, the faster the shutter speed selected.

Also, the

faster the platform is moving, the faster the shutter speed should be. If you

are filming another aircraft (air-to-air filming), or are on the ground filming

an aircraft (ground-to-air filming), the normal 24 fps can be used. This does

not mean that faster fps cannot be used; only that normally it is not

necessary.

c. A problem you will encounter while flying in any aircraft is

vibration.

If you have ever filmed scenes from a moving vehicle, such as an

automobile or train, you realize that vibrational motion exists. All aircraft,

especially helicopters, have comparable vibrations. One of the basic rules for

aerial photography is: "Make sure that the camera is well insulated from

aircraft vibration."

d. When using small handheld cameras, hold them in such a way that your

body insulates the camera from the aircraft. Do not allow the camera to touch

the aircraft. This will transmit any vibrations to the camera.

e. It is important to remember that when shooting from a moving platform,

i.e., airplane or helicopter, that the camera is moving as fast as the

platform. As a result, you must not use a small-angle shutter opening if your

camera has an adjustable shutter. The degree of shutter opening (DSO) must be

at least 100 or more. A small DSO will give you choppy footage. This is due

to the fact that the shutter is closed most of the time.

As a result, the

camera has moved (in relation to the ground) a great distance.

If you keep

your DSO greater than 100, there will be no problem.

5.

Exposure.

a. Exposure control is no different than when shooting on the ground.

The use of an exposure meter is suggested. A word of caution: DO NOT take a

reading that includes the sky. This is a problem encountered by all cameramen

when first shooting from the air.

Make sure your meter is aimed toward the

ground.

You may also use a gray card.

Make sure the sunlight (if any) is

falling on the card.

b. When setting your exposure, make sure you compensate for any change in

DSO, shutter speed, and filter. The cost of sending a cameraman on an aerial

mission is high. You must plan and adjust your camera with great care.

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