If you’ve seen drone footage you’ve probably thought about getting your own. But then you start thinking about how expensive they are, how easy they are to crash and break, and how difficult they are to travel with (until now), and you might start to second guess the idea.
But what if there was a way to get that aerial view without needing a drone – or a really long selfie stick? That seems to be what the team behind Birdie is after. Modeled loosely around a shuttlecock or birdie, the device will help you get your GoPro up in the air without the risk of it crashing back down to earth…
Essentially a GoPro mount with wings to give it stability, the design allows you to toss Birdie up high in the air. Once it reaches peak altitude, the spring loaded wings will have unfolded making the weight of the GoPro point the Birdie towards earth. At that point either the GoPro will continue to shoot video or time lapse photos as it floats back down into your hands.
If you fail to catch Birdie, the base has a built in bumper which should protect it from harm or scratched lenses. It also floats which should make it fun at the beach. Weighing 100g without the GoPro the Birdie packs up small enough to easily fit in a hydration pack.
Available for preorder through indiegogo, the Birdie with a carrying bag (no camera) is selling for $49. Built specifically for the GoPro with a housing, it is compatible with the gen 3+ and up.
