Brothers Will and Matthew Burrad-Lucas were looking for a way to take photos of animals whilst on a trip to Africa, so they came up with the BeetleCam which safely lets them get close up shots of a range of animals including elephants and lions.
The BeetleCam is basically a combination of a Canon EOS 40D and a four-wheel drive remote control buggy, and they ended up with an all-terrain camera that they could use to take photos close up to some dangerous animals.
Innovative Design and Functionality
The ingenuity behind the BeetleCam lies in its innovative design and functionality. The Canon EOS 40D is a high-quality DSLR camera known for its excellent image quality and robust performance. By mounting this camera onto a four-wheel drive remote control buggy, the Burrad-Lucas brothers created a device that could traverse various terrains, from sandy deserts to grassy plains. This all-terrain capability was crucial for capturing wildlife in their natural habitats without disturbing them.
The remote control aspect of the BeetleCam allowed the brothers to operate the camera from a safe distance, minimizing the risk to both themselves and the animals. This was particularly important when photographing potentially dangerous animals like lions and elephants. The BeetleCam could be maneuvered close to these animals, providing unique and intimate perspectives that would be impossible to achieve with traditional photography methods.
Challenges and Successes
Creating the BeetleCam was not without its challenges. The brothers had to ensure that the camera and buggy were robust enough to withstand the harsh conditions of the African wilderness. They also had to consider the reactions of the animals to this unfamiliar device. In some instances, curious animals approached the BeetleCam, providing even more incredible photo opportunities. However, there were also times when the BeetleCam faced potential danger from the wildlife it was designed to photograph.
Despite these challenges, the BeetleCam proved to be a resounding success. The Burrad-Lucas brothers managed to capture stunning close-up images of a variety of animals, showcasing their beauty and behavior in ways that had never been seen before. These images not only provided a new perspective on wildlife photography but also helped raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation.
You can find out more about the BeetleCam over at the Burnard-Lucas blog, and make sure you check out some of the amazing close-up photos they managed to take with the BeetleCam.
The success of the BeetleCam has inspired other photographers and filmmakers to explore innovative ways to capture wildlife. The Burrad-Lucas brothers have continued to develop and refine their technology, leading to the creation of newer versions of the BeetleCam with enhanced features and capabilities. These advancements have further pushed the boundaries of what is possible in wildlife photography, allowing for even more breathtaking and intimate images of animals in their natural environments.
The BeetleCam project has also highlighted the importance of combining technology with creativity to solve unique challenges. By thinking outside the box and leveraging their technical skills, the Burrad-Lucas brothers were able to create a tool that not only met their needs but also contributed to the broader field of wildlife photography.
via Hack A Day
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