Hi to all there!

My name is Fabian and I'm a enthousiast photographer and videographer who happens to fly RC Heli's for fun.

Just recently some fool (just kidding) showed me video's from an ARdrone... At that moment my mind was working overtime to see new options for my hobby.
Unfortunately I cannot be satisfied with the videoresults and stability of this machine... so I started searching for something better....

At this moment.... I know this can be found, BUT unfortunately I don't have 15.000 euro's available .
The good news is, there is a budget, and at this moment I'm thinking of 2.500 to 3.500 euro's.
If the ultimate solution for my intentions cost just a bit more... I know that I will go for this....
But maybe this isn't necessary yet.

So my background:
# driven RC Cars (electro, fuel Marder)
# fly with Raptor 60 / 90 (just very simple 3D things)
# Photographer (5D MKII with lots of lenzes)
# Videographer (Panasonic SD900 at this moment)
# Working at a professional AV company (sales for broadcast quality camera's)

So, what is missing is something to get my camera's for photo and video in the air.
My 90-size heli puts out too much oil... no good for the camera, moreover the people watching the movies get sick due to the shacking .

I read quite a lot all over the internet, but sometimes it's all in the details.
As I don't want to ask questions which will be answered with 'use the search engine', I would like to ask if there is someone who will help me in the right direction.

I think I know the direction I would like to calculate (to see if it is in range for me), but I can't seem to find what is needed to get a working system which is 'workable'. I hope to get some nice inspiring respons from experiences users. I know which decissions I want to make, I just don't know what the options are

For a start:

MUST HAVES
- Aim for 15 minutes flight in low windy conditions with SD900 camera
- 5D MKII airborne would be a killer...
- GPS functions (keep position, return to base, safety etc)
- Camera Stabi
- Complete transmitter

VERY NICE TO HAVE
- Photo Camera Shutter
- VideoCamera Zoom
- Telemetry information

JUST IF POSSIBLE WOULD BE NICE
- Photo and video preview on ground
- Waypoint flying

And I'm sure... the more I read, the more will be added to the list.
The one mistake I don't want to make is buy a setup and than have to buy a complete new one just to upgrade for a new option. I'd like to start good and then be able to grow with new options :-).

Questions will certainly be added from me

Thanks for helping me with this addiction!


Fabian

you need a price?

Prices are a good starting point, but I also want to learn about different system configurations.
But maybe the things I ask start at 10.000 euro's, then I have to reset my goals I think

Sometimes choosing one product removes certain options... So the product which gives me the best flexibility within a reasonable price will have a good chance :-).

price is in AU but it is a starting point.

http://extremeaerials.com/buy-a-octocopter/

Look at kopterworx.com under RTF.