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A "Pole Cam" as High as Mt. Everest?

By Lee Alley

Services for Real Estate Pros with Pro Mobile Photo

September 26, 2012 12:44 AM

This takes "pole-cam" to a whole new level.

NPR's "The World" Ran a Story on This

Aerial photo of home for sale from ultralight at 1,000 feet. Well, I've taken many aerial photo's of homes for sale in the Black Hills near Rapid City. Especially horse properties and land for investment. I take some photo's from 1,000 feet above ground using my ultralight airplane. And many of my advertisements for listings include aerial views taken with pole cams. Sure does differentiate my sellers' listings because so few realtors use aerial photography.

Pole-cam aerial photo of home for sale

So, here are these mountain climbers on a trek to the top. But how do you get a pole cam to stretch that high?

Fly!

Dedicam Helicopter

Why Not a Regular Helicopter?

The NPR story teller asked the Dedicam folks (www.dedicam.tv) why not use a regular helicopter. Well, duh. They carry their 'copter in a back pack to the scene. And they can get a -lot- closer to people and rock faces without so much life and money at risk.

Watch It in Action

Here is the (a-hem) "meta-video" on vimeo. Enjoy.

Hmmm... maybe I should take up model airplanes again.

Find your Black Hills dream home at Rapid City Search .com

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Lehel Szucs

All Seasons Real Estate, Inc. - Covina, CA

REALTOR of choice

this sounds like a good idea ... now all I need is a property worthy of this kind of marketing

Sep 26, 2012 01:20 AM

Paul Viau

Nova Scotia Real Estate Blog - Halifax, NS

Nova Scotia Real Estate Blog + Photo Services

To rich for my blood! My 38' radio controlled unit on a pole will have to do for now. I checked out the Dragonflyer x8 out of saskatchewan . They want $35,000 for one! it is absolutly beautiful. GPS and a gyro keep it still in any wind. Has quite a payload too.

I think I will get the radio shack version for $350.00 - MORE my style!

Nov 27, 2012 11:00 AM

Lee Alley

Pro Mobile Photo - Snohomish, WA

DIY Your Own Expert Smartphone Photography

Lehel: I agree. Interesting that aerial photo's seem to make higher valued properties look better, and lower valued properties look worse. I usually expect more from aerial photo's of listings over $350,000.

Paul: 38 fEET?!!! That's quite a pole length! How do you steady it in any wind at all?

Nov 27, 2012 12:08 PM

Sorry for the late comment. I built an elaborate 8 ft wide base/tripod that I sand bag. I fit the pole into the base. If it is really windy I can hold the pole still with a guy but have only used it once. I rairly have to go 38' but if I have a waterfront prop - I prety much have to.

I will post my video so you can see.

Paul

May 19, 2013 12:32 PM

Sam Miller

RE/MAX Stars Realty - Howard, OH

Knox County Ohio Real Estate Specialist

Lee, I am a fan of both pole photography the use of drones for videos and photos.

May 08, 2014 12:24 PM