Ren, I like what I see as well. They've obviously had enough experience to offer a myriad of levels of sophistication. I'm not sure which picture you are refering to, but they do list a T2i in their mid-sized DSLR balloon systems. They have specific mounts for cameras and camcorders that they've chosen to mount. I chuckled when I saw under their list of options that the Emergency Cut-Down Device was "highly recommended", and for a mere $350. "You can force the entire rig to come down by electronically cutting a repairable hole in the aerostat." The good news with aerostats, as IJO has correctly intimated, is that they come down soft, hopefully not damaging too much in the process. Referring to the Kingfisher's near calamity while shooting the Discovery Channels' Shark Week, the site says "The Kingfisher demonstrated its resilience after coming into contact with the water, boat and other obstructions. (Obstructions? Ha, they're at sea - must have been the boat or a seagull.) There were some tense moments, followed by shouts of elation, as the Kingfisher provided the platform necessary for getting what was until now, an impossible shot." Please note that in the pictures, the camera mount is attached to the tether and not to the aerostat directly. I believe this gives a certain "steadycam" stability to the shot that otherwise could not be possible if connected directly to the bobbing Kingfisher. Analagous to a fishing rig that ties the sinker to a separate part of the line so as not to disturb the fly, but yet keeps its focus and depth in the direction it needs to go. Very cool company, glad to know Glenn and Tony have made this connection.
bank
