Fly a Camera with Fotokite

What do you get when you combine the aerial acrobatics of a kite with the photographic precision of a drone? The Fotokite!

This aerial camera (the developers are quick to point out it’s not a drone) is a tethered quad copter that allows the user to take photos and video from high above while still maintaining full control of the device.

Since it’s attached to a controller in your hand through something resembling a long leash, the Fotokite never leaves your view and is touted as a safer alternative to drones.

It comes in two varieties — the Fotokite Pro and Fotokite Phi. The Pro is designed for professional use among members of the media while the Phi works best for hobbyists and the general public. Both options provide full HD capabilities and can be controlled through an app on your smartphone or tablet.

Since it connects to a power source on the ground you can fly the Fotokite for hours without it needing to come down. The developers claim it takes only five minutes of instruction to learn how to operate it, so virtually anyone can use the Fotokite.

Best of all, it folds up so it never takes up much room in your backpack or car.

The Fotokite is currently available for pre-order on Indiegogo at a price of $299.