Tramper Al
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Dec 31, 2013
- Messages
- 400
- Reaction score
- 36
As a fan of the long history of Estes' cameras and camera rockets, I am surprised that they seem to have left this area of the market. We are now in the longest gap (2009-2014) without an Estes camera rocket since 1966.
It is true that the DIY camera rocketeer has better options today than ever before. But I would say there is a certain appeal to having a purpose-built kit available, either with an Estes-branded digital flash-memory DVR/video camera (though of course much more usable and tech-modern than was Oracle), or just as a launch platform engineered to integrate well with a camera-producing partner.
My understanding is that the Astrocam program produced one of the most-sold rockets in Estes history. So I am wondering why, with the technology now so much better, smaller, lighter, cheaper, more flexible, Estes is leaving it to DIY only.
For example, how about a PSII-designated digital video 2" nosecone - since E2X seems to be where that line is headed? I think that would generate a lot more interest in PSII E2X, for example, to have E and F powered rockets (with available booster stage) designed to fly cameras, etc.
Just my 2 cents.
It is true that the DIY camera rocketeer has better options today than ever before. But I would say there is a certain appeal to having a purpose-built kit available, either with an Estes-branded digital flash-memory DVR/video camera (though of course much more usable and tech-modern than was Oracle), or just as a launch platform engineered to integrate well with a camera-producing partner.
My understanding is that the Astrocam program produced one of the most-sold rockets in Estes history. So I am wondering why, with the technology now so much better, smaller, lighter, cheaper, more flexible, Estes is leaving it to DIY only.
For example, how about a PSII-designated digital video 2" nosecone - since E2X seems to be where that line is headed? I think that would generate a lot more interest in PSII E2X, for example, to have E and F powered rockets (with available booster stage) designed to fly cameras, etc.
Just my 2 cents.
Last edited: