If there is one payload item on your balloon, make it a camera. Seeing the imagery and the whole launch and descent from a first person view can be breath taking. Cameras are also mandatory for participation in the GSBC.
Here are the things you should think about when getting your camera ready for flight:
- The air can be full of precipitation and other particulates. We recommend housing your camera in a strong case to protect the lens through launch and touchdown.
- Make sure you have enough memory storage and battery capacity for the whole flight (which typically lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours for your average latex balloon).
- The upper atmosphere can get cold. This means that water can condense and cloud up your view. We suggest stuffing some anti-fog strips in your camera case to soak up any condensation. Also, if you’re not using a rugged outdoors camera (like a GoPro), we also suggest sticking a handwarmer on the back of the case to keep the camera and the battery from freezing.
Advanced balloonists may want to consider 360 cameras, stereo vision 3D cameras, or multiple panorama view cameras.
Check out this awesome tutorial by @NearSpaceBallooning on HAB photography and this article on the Pi Camera, a very cheap option for countries like South Africa, by SA's Space Engineering Academy.
Suggested Suppliers
Go Pro Hero 3/4 or higher
Canon Powershot SD870 (or similar Canon camera)
Keychain Cameras (example)
- Allows video and still pictures
- Very light weight option, however many require reprogramming
HackHD Camera
- Allows video and still pictures
- Wide angle lens, HD
Battery Chargers (example 1, example 2)
- We recommend flying with chargers that can extend the battery life of your camera
Rasperry Pi HD Camera
