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Sony LenStyle QX1 takes the Land, Sea, Sky & Space


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Sony Lenstyle QX1 has been released to the market for a while now and yet it has been underrated for its true potential in shaping the world of photography and videography. Due to its size, light weight and unbeatable low price this camera could revolutionize the way we look at all conventional photography techniques in the whole new level. Here’s how:- 

 

THE LAND

 

3GfCvzU.jpg

 

Image stabilization is the utmost importance in getting non shaky shot and useable footage. Companies spent tons of money for ridiculous looking mechanical bodysuit stabilizer for that purpose alone which could be a real bane for the cameraman and as a deterrent to get the creative idea flowing. That said a small 3 Axis gimbal for Phantom and Go Pro is powerful enough to hold QX1 158g+67g Sony SEL16f/2.8 Prime Wide Angle Pancake and positioned it roll, tilt & yaw. With Sony Pistol Grip GP-VPT1 which has buttons to snap photo, start/stop video or even zoom in/out (works with zoom lens) you are ready to go. With minimal effort and cost we could be creative in any situation or location and everyone can be a film maker. 

 

THE SEA

 

8ShuDMR.jpg

 

QX1 could be treated with Liquipel or similar waterproof nano coating treatment but Sony has SportsPack 5M waterproof housing for handycam that could fit QX1, lens and Xperia phone. Put all in this housing and view the display via the side reflector. Like the pistol grip, the housing can be connected via QX1 multiport to control Shoot Photo/Start/Record Video with easy access buttons. Now we are ready to get nice underwater shot in low light.

 

THE SKY

 

73lFkj3.jpg

 

DJI Phantom has long known capturing aerial photographs and videos with Go Pro camera but the camera has limitation due to small sensor. While they do made bigger multirotor craft and gimbal to carry GH4 but logistically and cost wise are not viable to most. The affordable Vision 2/+ san the camera are more practical as they operates in 2 bands 2.4Ghz & 5.8Ghz. Since QX1 uses 2.4Ghz, any dualband wifi extender (i.e TPlink usb powered) could be used to add extra range and prevent interference (if any). For First Person View (FPV) any Xperia phones or the best is Google Glass could be used as it's very important that we have visual of the drone position to anticipate the video it records or picture it takes. After all,  the whole idea of using bigger sensor camera is emphasizing on getting a useable quality shot in any light condition. In addition to that, a retractable landing skid could prevent skids or props interframing in the footage. Detach the gimbal from the pistol grip and fix it to the phantom and we are ready to conquer the sky.

 

THE SPACE

 

3oJ7z3Z.jpg

 

QX1 can be used without any lens attached, this has made mounting any telescope for astrophotography possible with e-mount adapter. We can trick QX1 to have aperture wide open, 30″ and up to ISO1600 in S Mode and lock it with lens cap closed. Only thing it focuses the cap instead of ∞. Capturing faint object like Milkyway Galaxy could be possible with just S mode else we could just preoccupy ourselves shooting other celestial objects like Nebulae, Planets & Galaxies with the attached telescope while waiting for Playmemories upgrade the true Manual mode. This is definitely astronomy on the cheap since most hybrid or reflector telescope like Celestron Nexstar 4Se (pic) could be used daytime for birdwatching too.

 

The Logistic

 

wG08Vqs.jpg

 

Other than preventing skid and props in the shot, the retractable landing skid has also revolutionized the carrying bag/case for the phantom. Since now the skid is collapsible, it’s possible to put phantom with other cameraman essential devices in one slim stylish bag. This is how we could carry all those camera essential equipment without ruin our vacation when the idea is to travel light and get the quality job done and most importantly without looking like a camera crew.

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Sony Lenstyle QX1 has been released to the market for a while now and yet it has been underrated for its true potential in shaping the world of photography and videography. Due to its size, light weight and unbeatable low price this camera could revolutionize the way we look at all conventional photography techniques in the whole new level. Here’s how:- 

 

THE LAND

 

3GfCvzU.jpg

 

Image stabilization is the utmost importance in getting non shaky shot and useable footage. Companies spent tons of money for ridiculous looking mechanical bodysuit stabilizer for that purpose alone which could be a real bane for the cameraman and as a deterrent to get the creative idea flowing. That said a small 3 Axis gimbal for Phantom and Go Pro is powerful enough to hold QX1 158g+67g Sony SEL16f/2.8 Prime Wide Angle Pancake and positioned it roll, tilt & yaw. With Sony Pistol Grip GP-VPT1 which has buttons to snap photo, start/stop video or even zoom in/out (works with zoom lens) you are ready to go. With minimal effort and cost we could be creative in any situation or location and everyone can be a film maker. 

 

THE SEA

 

8ShuDMR.jpg

 

QX1 could be treated with Liquipel or similar waterproof nano coating treatment but Sony has SportsPack 5M waterproof housing for handycam that could fit QX1, lens and Xperia phone. Put all in this housing and view the display via the side reflector. Like the pistol grip, the housing can be connected via QX1 multiport to control Shoot Photo/Start/Record Video with easy access buttons. Now we are ready to get nice underwater shot in low light.

 

THE SKY

 

73lFkj3.jpg

 

DJI Phantom has long known capturing aerial photographs and videos with Go Pro camera but the camera has limitation due to small sensor. While they do made bigger multirotor craft and gimbal to carry GH4 but logistically and cost wise are not viable to most. The affordable Vision 2/+ san the camera are more practical as they operates in 2 bands 2.4Ghz & 5.8Ghz. Since QX1 uses 2.4Ghz, any dualband wifi extender (i.e TPlink usb powered) could be used to add extra range and prevent interference (if any). For First Person View (FPV) any Xperia phones or the best is Google Glass could be used as it's very important that we have visual of the drone position to anticipate the video it records or picture it takes. After all,  the whole idea of using bigger sensor camera is emphasizing on getting a useable quality shot in any light condition. In addition to that, a retractable landing skid could prevent skids or props interframing in the footage. Detach the gimbal from the pistol grip and fix it to the phantom and we are ready to conquer the sky.

 

THE SPACE

 

3oJ7z3Z.jpg

 

QX1 can be used without any lens attached, this has made mounting any telescope for astrophotography possible with e-mount adapter. We can trick QX1 to have aperture wide open, 30″ and up to ISO1600 in S Mode and lock it with lens cap closed. Only thing it focuses the cap instead of ∞. Capturing faint object like Milkyway Galaxy could be possible with just S mode else we could just preoccupy ourselves shooting other celestial objects like Nebulae, Planets & Galaxies with the attached telescope while waiting for Playmemories upgrade the true Manual mode. This is definitely astronomy on the cheap since most hybrid or reflector telescope like Celestron Nexstar 4Se (pic) could be used daytime for birdwatching too.

 

The Logistic

 

wG08Vqs.jpg

 

Other than preventing skid and props in the shot, the retractable landing skid has also revolutionized the carrying bag/case for the phantom. Since now the skid is collapsible, it’s possible to put phantom with other cameraman essential devices in one slim stylish bag. This is how we could carry all those camera essential equipment without ruin our vacation when the idea is to travel light and get the quality job done and most importantly without looking like a camera crew.

Nice Ad,

 

It deserve it,

 

Hope Sony rewarded you ;)

 

Best regards,

 

Thomas

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Nice inspirations - but I have several practical doubts:

  1. I do not think that current GoPro gimbals will be able to stabilize the QX1 + lens (even not with the 16/2.8 pancake). If you could give an example that you tested successfully, that would be helpful!
     
  2. I have serious doubts that the Phantom 2 can carry the QX1 + lens + gimbal + range extender + retractable landing skid. Can you show examples of a flying configuration? Even if it could take off, there would be nearly no reserves to fight against wind.
     
  3. If you can not use the Vision+ built-in link to the ground station app, you would need another solution to transmit and control telemetry data (e.g. battery voltage) which would add extra weight and interference with the WiFi signal. How long did the battery last in this configuration?
     
  4. Examples that I saw with other QX models attached to the Phantom (damped but not gimbal stabilized) showed strong jello in the videos. Can you please show original footage that was recorded with this configuration?
     
  5. Even with a WiFi range extender the operational range is quite small. The problem is not only the weak signal from the QX1, also the smartphone has only a small range. Perhaps another range extender on ground could help but I am not sure if such a configuration will work.
     
  6. At the moment the DJI RC transmitter shipped with the Vision+ is the only 5.8 GHz TX available. It has only 7 channels. Six are consumed to operate the copter, the seventh could be used to control pitch of the gimbal. How will you control the retractable landing gear?
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Nice inspirations - but I have several practical doubts:

  1. I do not think that current GoPro gimbals will be able to stabilize the QX1 + lens (even not with the 16/2.8 pancake). If you could give an example that you tested successfully, that would be helpful!

     

    Not exactly the same but these are some gimbals made for other QX series

     

    5RS3tNo.jpg

     

  2. I have serious doubts that the Phantom 2 can carry the QX1 + lens + gimbal + range extender + retractable landing skid. Can you show examples of a flying configuration? Even if it could take off, there would be nearly no reserves to fight against wind.

     

    Phantom 2 could carry DSLR 

    Panasonic GH4 (560g) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6hIOJ3Hjco

     

     

  3. If you can not use the Vision+ built-in link to the ground station app, you would need another solution to transmit and control telemetry data (e.g. battery voltage) which would add extra weight and interference with the WiFi signal. How long did the battery last in this configuration?

     

    Archer-T4UH-08.jpg

    We could use TPlink usb Powered dualband (5.8Ghz/ 2.4Ghz) wifi extender on the ground to extend range. Its connected to QX1. No extra device (weight) added on phantom. This could add another 100m. Remember range more than that phantom is no longer visible. The idea is to get quality photo/video by anticipating what the camera is capturing not to fly the drone km away. If we want to capture above cloud scenery, the signal may lost but QX1 will continue recording the video.

     

  4. Examples that I saw with other QX models attached to the Phantom (damped but not gimbal stabilized) showed strong jello in the videos. Can you please show original footage that was recorded with this configuration?

     

    Video not exactly on phantom but you'll get the idea

    Video http://player.youku.com/player.php/sid/XNzExMTA4NDQw/v.swf

     

  5. Even with a WiFi range extender the operational range is quite small. The problem is not only the weak signal from the QX1, also the smartphone has only a small range. Perhaps another range extender on ground could help but I am not sure if such a configuration will work.

     

    As answered #3

  6. At the moment the DJI RC transmitter shipped with the Vision+ is the only 5.8 GHz TX available. It has only 7 channels. Six are consumed to operate the copter, the seventh could be used to control pitch of the gimbal. How will you control the retractable landing gear?

     

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...

Thanks for your answers. As further inline-comments would get too confusing, I will answer cumulative.

  • The gimbal examples you showed for the "QX series" have already significantly more weight and are still not designed for the QX1 + lens, which is even heavier.

     

  • I have seen the examples of Phantoms carrying a DSLR or a GH4 before. They are foolish. The Phantom operates at it's limit, has no reserves (fly against wind etc.). When it descends, it is quite hard to stop it going further down. The flight time gets infinitesimal. In all these examples the camera was attached without gimbal and without dampers, so you have no stabilization and most propably jello. "GH4 (560g)" is correct - but without lens...

     

  • The QX1 WiFi range may be about 20-30 m, same for the smartphone. So you would need WiFi extenders on both ends. Don't now if this works - and you add even more payload to the Phantom. You still do not get telemetry data (voltage) from the Phantom.

     

  • No, this give no real idea - the video shows neither a Phantom nor a QX1...

     

  • see #3

     

  • OK, I see they have a workaround to control the landing skid without an extra channel. Looks nice but again adds significant extra weight.

 

Conclusion:

Stabilized footage from a QX1 + 16/2.8 lens with live view, acceptable flight behaviour and flight time with a Phantom (even without retractable landing skid) is just phantasy.

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Thanks for your answers. As further inline-comments would get too confusing, I will answer cumulative.

  • The gimbal examples you showed for the "QX series" have already significantly more weight and are still not designed for the QX1 + lens, which is even heavier.
    QX10 105g, QX100 175g QX30 193g QX1 216g

    Gimbal for NEX Camera 14ohm motor (GoPro 10ohm)

    $T2eC16JHJH8FHQ4CnjhRBS,P+uMj1g~~60_3.JP

    400g Gimbal + A5000 Smallest APSC NEX camera 224g without lens

    Still be able to fly 

     

     

  • I have seen the examples of Phantoms carrying a DSLR or a GH4 before. They are foolish. The Phantom operates at it's limit, has no reserves (fly against wind etc.). When it descends, it is quite hard to stop it going further down. The flight time gets infinitesimal. In all these examples the camera was attached without gimbal and without dampers, so you have no stabilization and most propably jello. "GH4 (560g)" is correct - but without lens...

     

    read #1

     

  • The QX1 WiFi range may be about 20-30 m, same for the smartphone. So you would need WiFi extenders on both ends. Don't now if this works - and you add even more payload to the Phantom. You still do not get telemetry data (voltage) from the Phantom.

     

    Actually QX! range more than that look

     

    we only need phantom to carry QX1 + Gimbal. Battery level is showing on the controller. Wifi extender is merely needed. Even if it does we only need one on the base station. 

     

     

  • No, this give no real idea - the video shows neither a Phantom nor a QX1...

     

    What idea you have in mind? Heavier gimbal with almost similar weight with QX1 

     

  • see #3

     

  • OK, I see they have a workaround to control the landing skid without an extra channel. Looks nice but again adds significant extra weight.

     

    that skid only 80g 

     

 

Conclusion:

Stabilized footage from a QX1 + 16/2.8 lens with live view, acceptable flight behaviour and flight time with a Phantom (even without retractable landing skid) is just phantasy.

 

What exactly you expect from this project? 2KM range with 25min flight time? Even with DJI HD 3D gimbal flight time already reduce to 18min or less. Similar to Inspire 1

 

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  1. Your weight specs are still wrong. The A5000 weighs 269g with battery and you still have to add the lens. You also have to add the weight of the controller, cabling, mount etc. Don't forget to power that gimbal...

     

  2. see #1...

     

  3. Correct, the flight controller "sees" the battery level but not the pilot. So you will not notice that the battery is empty before the Phantom goes into fail safe mode (with this payload approx. after 2 minutes...).

     

  4. Different copter, that can carry significant more load and has larger batteries.

     

  5. OK, may be the WiFi range is 30-40m under optimal conditions. Still not enough.

Unless you do not provide a video that proofs how (and how long and how far) your phantom with QX1, lens, gimbal (including controller), WiFi extender, retractable landing gear can fly and securely controlled and how the footage recorded from it looks like, this discussion becomes useless.

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  1. Your weight specs are still wrong. The A5000 weighs 269g with battery and you still have to add the lens. You also have to add the weight of the controller, cabling, mount etc. Don't forget to power that gimbal...

     

  2. see #1...

     

  3. Correct, the flight controller "sees" the battery level but not the pilot. So you will not notice that the battery is empty before the Phantom goes into fail safe mode (with this payload approx. after 2 minutes...).

     

  4. Different copter, that can carry significant more load and has larger batteries.

     

  5. OK, may be the WiFi range is 30-40m under optimal conditions. Still not enough.

Unless you do not provide a video that proofs how (and how long and how far) your phantom with QX1, lens, gimbal (including controller), WiFi extender, retractable landing gear can fly and securely controlled and how the footage recorded from it looks like, this discussion becomes useless.

 

 

Ok stop discussing then, from what i gathered phantom is able to carry heavier camera like GH4 and even a DSLR. There is no reason why it could not fly QX1 like you've doubted. 

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  • 1 month later...

Ok stop discussing then, from what i gathered phantom is able to carry heavier camera like GH4 and even a DSLR. There is no reason why it could not fly QX1 like you've doubted.

Of course we have seen the stupid video of someone attaching a DSLR to the Phantom...

...and we have seen, that it became almost impossible to be controlled...

...and we have seen, that it was attached without gimbal.

 

You try to explain to us that a Phantom, that can carry load A, load B and load C also must be able to carry A + B + C alltogether and this simply isn't the truth.

 

Proof it with a video - until then all you wrote is phantasy.

 

Now DJI has the same idea like mine, detaching the camera gimbal from the drone and fix it to the handheld

Many of the third party gimbal manufacturers also offerer handheld grips for their gimbals including Joysticks etc. for land based footage long time before DJI. See e.g. http://www.grousehousetechnologies.com/GHT_Pro_Hand_Held_Mount/p2202005_12832828.aspx

 

By the way: Do you have the rights to publish pictures from other sources?

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