Camera/Lens/Rotator Library
I stumbled on a set of sample source images that were like part of what I was suggesting as a Camera/Lens/Rotator Library for IVRPA.org
This link downloads the source photos for a virtual image taken with a Nikon D200, Nikkor 10.5mm lens on a 360Precision rotator.
http://www.360precision.com/360/downloads/d200/d200_jpeg_1.zip
I tried out the 7 photos (6 around and a zenith shot) in both PTGui and RealViz Stitcher. Both stitched them into Equirec Projection perfectly.
They also show what a "Full Frame Fisheye" (as oppose to a Full Frame Sensor) looks like to those many who are visiting IVRPA.org in search of information about cameras, lenses, rotators and stitching software.
I still think we should add a Camera/Lens/Rotator Library in a Members Only area of the site adding a huge reason why a virtual tour photographer would want to join IVRPA.org; they could try out stitching various cameras, lenses and rotator without spending hundreds or thousands or dollars, euros or pounds? first.
And having source images to try out all the Demo versions of the various stitching software would make IVRPA membership a bargain. When I wanted to try out PTGui with my Coolpix 5400, I had to wait until I got a Manfrotto 3414 Panoramic Head to shoot 4 source fisheyes because my iPIX Rotator only has 2 stops
Guys, I think we're missing the boat and some vendor will step in and run with this idea if we don't
Doug Aurand
Albuquerque, NM
Re: Camera/Lens/Rotator Library
John
Thank for the vote, that makes 3 of us members who like the idea.
The idea has has brought a thunderous silence from all the other members
Douglas Aurand
Albuquerque, NM
Re: Camera/Lens/Rotator Library
The idea is well appreciated, and I'ld like to take you up on helping in its execution after the conference. My workload is currently way to high to set up the required functionality on the site.
Re: Camera/Lens/Rotator Library
Aldo
I understand you're "busier than a one-legged man in a butt kickin' contest" but its great to have your support for this idea.
I'll look forward to talking to you about a Camera/Lens/Rotator Library for IVRPA.org
That's 5 or is it 6?
Douglas Aurand
Albuquerque, NM
Re: Camera/Lens/Rotator Library
> I'll look forward to talking to you about a Camera/Lens/Rotator Library for IVRPA.org
Will you be at the conference?
Re: Camera/Lens/Rotator Library
Aldo
Sorry, I wanted to make it, but my father's health is not good and I'm going to a Family Reunion back in Ohio that week since I couldn't make his birthday in February.
I think you're the one who mentioned the technique of tilting your camera & Sigma lens 15°, eliminating the need for a Zenith shot. Was that you?
I've sort of picked out a Canon 350D or 400D with a Sigma 8mm f3.5 as my next combo and am curious how many different stitchers can deal with source images like that. PTGui works great for the stitching, but the output formats are limited. I'm starting to like the RealViz Sticher DS demo I've played with a little and want to know if it can handle that 15° trick.
That's one thing I think a Library of source images could offer that would go beyond just what the camera & lens do, what a human brain can think up.
Take care
Douglas Aurand
Albuquerque, NM
Re: Camera/Lens/Rotator Library
Hi Doug,
I think this is a great idea. Perhaps in a database format, where users (I am sure I and others could contribute) could upload their own sets of images for the various combinations, plug them into spots on the table. I have a few different sets using various lenses on my 20D that I could contribute.
John