You would say the idea is not new. I would answer that you are right. The genius lies in the fact that this man has gone up to the end of his idea. Like Icarus but with successful results. A simple idea, easy to find hardware, some electronic skills = great pictures. For less than 800 US$ this ordinary British citizen has achieved at least as good than NASA pictures from Earth at very high altitude. Congratulations Mr. Harrisson, two thumbs up !