Recently, I designed and built a wing-tip tie-down mount for my GoPro Hero 5.  It works great, but I have to admit I really worry about having that expensive GoPro hanging out there!  Also, I thought I might like to make some videos with 2 cameras - one outside on the wing and one inside behind the pilot/passenger.  So, I did a bit of searching and decided to get an inexpensive camera for the wing so as to cut my losses should it part ways with the airplane! Ha!  I settled on the Akaso EK7000  - only $43.25 at the time I purchased it!  It has a reasonable number of features and comes with a waterproof case and several accessories for mounting which, while not GoPro quality, are certainly GoPro compatible.  It can transmit and be controlled by a WiFi app on your phone and also comes with a wrist-mount remote control.  It does not come with a memory card (can use up to 32 GB), but it does come with 2 1050mah batteries and a charger.

I knew I would need a neutral grey prop filter, so I mounted the cam in it's waterproof case and used an old "Flight Flix" filter that I could just tape in front of the lens.  On Ebay, I found a very inexpensive neutral grey plastic filter that will clip over the waterproof case and provide a little better protection.  I've ordered one and will see how it works, but the taped-on filter works OK for now.  (The taped-on filtter is slightly shading 2 corners of the video.) The case has a GoPro-compatible mount, so I mounted it to my tie-down mount and made this test video: Akaso EK7000 Test Flight

I was very pleased with the image quality and color.  The image seems quite stable despite the cam does not have image stabilization.  The microphone is obviously inside the waterproof case, but the engine sound was still picked up and I didn't notice any wind noise.

... and obviously, the camera stayed with the airplane for the entire flight!  ;>)

Thought this might be of interest to anyone wanting a low-cost video option for aerial videos.

John

N750A

Views: 311

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Nice John...like the way you keep innovating and sharing!!  I would like to do something similar to catch video of ski and amphib T/O & LDGs

Nice work, in the last few weeks I’ve been searching Craigslist for used GoPro cameras. Maybe I’ll take a look at that camera too. The quality looks to be on par with the older GoPro’s, maybe better?

I suspect the image is "close" in quality to the GoPro in good lighting conditions. My test video was shot at 1080p 60 fps. The Akaso does not have image stabilization but that did not seem to be a problem for this application.  Akaso sells a slightly more expensive version, the "Pro," with stabilization but I saw a comparison video on YouTube and it doesn't look much better than the basic EK7000. My GoPro, however, has stabilization and it works great

It comes with 2 1050 mah batteries.  If you turn WiFi on to use with phone app, it eats the batteries like crazy.  It's better to use the wrist remote and no WiFi to preserve power.  I'm ordering some 1400 mah batts - they're very cheap - about $15 for 3 with a charger!

I noticed Amazon just hiked the EK7000 price to $60, but it goes up-and-down and likely can be bought again for less in the future.

John

RSS

New from Zenith:

Zenith Planes For Sale 
 

Classified listing for buying or selling your Zenith building or flying related stuff...


Custom Instrument Panels
for your Zenith
:

Custom instrument panels are now available directly from Zenith Aircraft Company exclusively for Zenith builders and owners. Pre-cut panel, Dynon and Garmin avionics, and more.


Zenith Homecoming Tee:


Zenair Floats


Flying On Your Own Wings:
A Complete Guide to Understanding Light Airplane Design, by Chris Heintz


Builder & Pilot Supplies:

Aircraft Insurance:

 
 

West Coast USA:

 
Pro Builder Assistance:

 

Transition training:

Lavion Aero

K&S Aviation Services

Aircraft Spruce & Specialty for all your building and pilot supplies!

How to videos from HomebuiltHELP.com

Developed specifically for Zenith builders (by a builder) these videos on DVD are a great help in building your own kit plane by providing practical hands-on construction information. Visit HomebuiltHelp.com for the latest DVD titles.

© 2024   Created by Zenith.Aero.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service