Here's some outside-of-the-box thinking: A trio of college students shooting a video project needed a way to get aerial shots, but couldn't afford a drone. Using cardboard, foam and duct tape, they rigged up a housing that allowed them to safely lob their GoPro into the air. Pleased with the footage, they then refined the design and created Aer:

I was surprised by the smoothness of the footage--not to mention the height!

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The Aer has already been successfully Kickstarted, with nearly $95,000 pledged at press time on a $77,000 goal. The lowest-priced early bird specials are all gone, but would-be Aer-ists can still snag one for €49 (USD $55). There's 21 days left in the campaign.