Unleash your inner Spielberg: SkyShutter has released the AeriCam, a remote controlled helicopter for your video camera. Backyard home videos just got a lot more interesting.

The AeriCam is a “lightweight 3-axis camera mount coupled with a customized Industry Radio Control Helicopter.” Founder and commercial photographer, Jason Lam brought his R/C enthusiast skills to bear in this product, which seems like something really special. Capable of flying up to 400ft into the air, the AeriCam not only makes aerial photography much more affordable, it also enables professionals to access locations that would have been off limits to full-size helicopters because of nearby buildings and other regulations. And for the consumer who can afford a $3,000 camera accessory — well, it might not be for the everyday wallet, but taking flight lessons and renting a chopper isn’t necessarily a day’s paycheck, either.

Operating the AeriCam is a two person gig: one navigates the helicopter via remote, while the other person pans, tilts and rolls the camera while monitoring a live video feed. I imagine this would be a natural evolution for the Google Street View crew. Why stalk the planet solely by pavement when you could take to the skies in beautiful panorama, cinema-scope?

Aerial Photography New York from Jason Lam on Vimeo.