Photography

Portable camera parachute elevates aerial GoPro photography

Portable camera parachute elevates aerial GoPro photography
Birdie offers GoPro Hero 3 or 4 owners the ability to capture aerial shots at a fraction of the cost of expensive equipment
Birdie offers GoPro Hero 3 or 4 owners the ability to capture aerial shots at a fraction of the cost of expensive equipment
View 13 Images
Birdie offers GoPro Hero 3 or 4 owners the ability to capture aerial shots at a fraction of the cost of expensive equipment
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Birdie offers GoPro Hero 3 or 4 owners the ability to capture aerial shots at a fraction of the cost of expensive equipment
By itself, Birdie weighs a mere 3.5 oz (100 g) and measures 13.3 x 11.8 x 9.8 in (34 x 30 x 25 cm) when fully deployed
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By itself, Birdie weighs a mere 3.5 oz (100 g) and measures 13.3 x 11.8 x 9.8 in (34 x 30 x 25 cm) when fully deployed
Birdie's construction is simple, with parachute fabric joining six plastic arms that connect into a bumper-equipped base
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Birdie's construction is simple, with parachute fabric joining six plastic arms that connect into a bumper-equipped base
Birdie can accompliosh different shooting angles by varying the types of throw
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Birdie can accompliosh different shooting angles by varying the types of throw
Birdie can help photographers take some spectacular aerial shots with a GoPro Hero 3 or 4 camera
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Birdie can help photographers take some spectacular aerial shots with a GoPro Hero 3 or 4 camera
With Birdie, users can choose to play catch or simply let the camera land
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With Birdie, users can choose to play catch or simply let the camera land
Users don't necessarily need to reach extreme heights in order for Birdie to work effectively
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Users don't necessarily need to reach extreme heights in order for Birdie to work effectively
Birdie has a layer of foam at the bottom that acts as a buoyant cushion, allowing it to float GoPro cameras (waterproof case strongly recommended) in water
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Birdie has a layer of foam at the bottom that acts as a buoyant cushion, allowing it to float GoPro cameras (waterproof case strongly recommended) in water
The weight of the GoPro helps to provide Birdie with aim and direction
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The weight of the GoPro helps to provide Birdie with aim and direction
Birdie is designed to be hand-tossed into the air, allowing GoPro cameras to take continuous photos or video safely on the way down
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Birdie is designed to be hand-tossed into the air, allowing GoPro cameras to take continuous photos or video safely on the way down
Users simply grab Birdie by the arms and toss the whole unit into the air
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Users simply grab Birdie by the arms and toss the whole unit into the air
Birdie adds an element of protection with the design of the base and drag caused by the parachute material
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Birdie adds an element of protection with the design of the base and drag caused by the parachute material
Birdie looks like a giant-sized shuttlecock – the kind used in the sport of badminton
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Birdie looks like a giant-sized shuttlecock – the kind used in the sport of badminton
View gallery - 13 images

A change in perspective generally leads to fresh composition and context, which is essential for anyone looking to develop their photography game. It's easy enough to crouch down low behind a lens, but the latest aerodynamic accessory assists with an avian view. Birdie is designed to be hand-tossed into the air, allowing GoPro cameras to take continuous photos or video safely on the way down.

Normally, the idea of lobbing expensive camera equipment up above one's head would be considered more absurd than brilliant. However, we have seen 360-degree panoramic spheres, such as the Panono and Bublcam cameras, designed for such a purpose. Not everyone has an open budget for that kind of gear, and Birdie offers GoPro Hero 3 or 4 owners the ability to capture aerial shots at a fraction of the cost.

Birdie looks like a giant-sized shuttlecock – the kind used in the sport of badminton. The construction is simple, with parachute fabric joining six plastic arms that connect into a bumper-equipped base. By itself, Birdie weighs a mere 3.5 oz (100 g) and measures 13.3 x 11.8 x 9.8 in (34 x 30 x 25 cm) when fully deployed.

The accessory is designed to secure a GoPro Hero 3 or 4 face-down into the base (the cameras must be housed in their respective, protective case), with cutouts allowing lenses an unobstructed view. Users then grab Birdie by the arms and toss the whole unit into the air. The weight of the GoPro helps to provide aim and direction, and different shooting angles can be accomplished by varying the types of throw.

Birdie looks like a giant-sized shuttlecock – the kind used in the sport of badminton
Birdie looks like a giant-sized shuttlecock – the kind used in the sport of badminton

Even though GoPro cameras are meant for rough outdoor action, Birdie adds an element of protection with the design of the base and drag caused by the parachute material. Users can choose to play catch or simply let the camera land. The layer of foam at the bottom acts as a buoyant cushion. So long as the GoPro case is waterproof, aerial photography can be performed at pools, lakes, and beaches with less worry about cameras sinking into the deep.

Birdie is currently funding on Indiegogo, having raised 39 percent of its US$15,00 goal in two days, with another 30 days left to go. A pledge of $35 sets you up with one Birdie, saving $15 off the planned retail price.

The company has designed and tested a number of Birdie prototypes meant for the GoPro Hero 3 and 4. There is a future possibility for a second version of Birdie to be compatible with other camera models. If production goes according to schedule, backers can expect shipments to start as soon as this August.

Check out the video below to see how Birdie works.

Sources: Birdie, Indiegogo

View gallery - 13 images
1 comment
1 comment
Luftwolf
I actually received one today and it has the glide angle and time aloft of a brick. I am a big guy and I can get it up maybe.... 20 feet in the air before it plunges straight down to the ground landing with a loud thud on a grass lawn. I don't know how they got those photo's, maybe dropping it from a drone, but real life.....this gadget is useless!