I am new here...with a question
I have really enjoyed reading this site. I am so glad I found it. I am, of course, looking for advice because I am still new at photography and this type in particular. I work for a realtor doing website work and photography including virtual tours using an old IPIX set up with a Nikon 995 and fisheye FC-E8. I have lately been stitching with 3d stitcher and I like it much better. The problem is...the camera set up is on its last leg and I have really gotten fond of the IPIX rotator because they make it easier on people like me, who have trouble figuring out what a nodule is (I am a retired ART teacher not a retired math teacher!) Anyway, I already have a Nikon Coolpix 8700 which would give me better picture quality ( I think ) and I have located a FC-E9 lens and adapter for it BUT...what can I do for the same type of rotator without IPIX? And yes, I know that they will be in business again eventually but as I found out on here...you can order from them but you won't receive anything.
I have read about so many different types of rotators and panoheads. This sites is wonderful for information like that but I am wondering if any of them really work like the one I had. I may also want to try 3 shot stitching. Any advice?
Re: I am new here...with a question
Thanks,Douglas
I did try calling IPIX and sending an email last week but there was no response. I will look at the Agnos site. I have something similar to Manfrotto 300N Panoramic Head (if the top comes off of it) It is a Dynatran ball-pan tripod head ATH-H92. Otherwise I will look at the Manfrotto one. I really appreciate the advice.
Do you think with the 8700, I will definitely need to go to 3 shots? I have been getting by with 2 by cleaning my shots up in Photoshop.
Thanks again,Ann
Re: I am new here...with a question
Hi Ann,
You should be able to get a reply from IPIX (Mind's-Eye-View) by emailing store@ipix.com. If not let me know and I'll pass your details directly to them.
Regards,
Andrew Baddeley
360 Tactical VR Ltd - Immersive Imaging Solutions
www.360tacticalvr.co.uk
Re: I am new here...with a question
Thanks Andrew, I had sent an email and made a couple of calls but did not have any luck. I tried the address you gave me next but so far...no response. They must not be up and running yet, I guess.
Re: I am new here...with a question
annS
iPIX used the 8700/FC-E9 with 2 fisheye stitching right up to the end. Their 3 stop rotators are fairly rare.
A former support tech at iPIX recomended the 8700 the best overall camera for iPIX/2 fisheye stitching which is why I finally bought one, but haven't begun using it for no better reason than I've been too busy and the 5400 is doing a great job for me.
Ricardo's rotator sounds like a win for both of you and it can do both 2 and 3 stop fisheye shooting.
Douglas Aurand
Albuquerque, NM
Re: I am new here...with a question
I know what you mean. Even thought my 995 is limping along, I haven't had time to hardly look at the 8700. Of course the set up isn't complete yet but I emailed Ricardo (haven't heard from him yet) and I ordered and received my FC-E9 out of a shop in Houston. WOW what a difference from the lens I have now! A little intimidating. Have you used yours at all yet. It seems there is a lot more to think about when shooting, more manual settings. I always have folks following me around asking question when I am shooting virtual tours. I am worried about getting distracted and then not getting good quality shots.
Re: I am new here...with a question
annS
I was surprised how big the E9 is, compared to the E8, when I got it. I had been using a Coolpix 950 for a long time.
I've been using my FC-E9 on a Coolpix 5400 for over a year now and love it. I don't get any of the lens flares I used to and the seams are invisible (the FOV on the 5400/FC-E9 is 190°)
When I started shooting virtual tours, iPIX had a "Setup" card with the camera settings that I used for a long time. You could just make a list, print it out and go through it until you get it memorized. That way, even if you get distracted, you can go back to the list. The thing I still keep forgetting on the 5400 is to turn the flash off.
Good luck
Douglas Aurand
Albuquerque, NM
Re: I am new here...with a question
Hi annS,
I have an Agnos Mrotator to 5700 (with bracket) that I used once. My Coolpix 8700 had a crash in my first virtual tour, so I bought the 8800 and another rotator (the rotator for 8700 and 8800 are diferent - I only noticed that after buying the 8800).
So a have this Agnos Mrotator like new. If you want, let me know.
I have the fisheye converter and lens to 8700 too. I could use the same lens with 8800, but I bought another one.
By the way, I need tree shots with 8800, but only two shots with 8700 using Agnos Mrotator.
Ricardo - USVP
Re: I am new here...with a question
Ricardo, Yes I am interested. Let me know what you are asking for them. How does that work on here. Do you need to email me? Ann
Re: I am new here...with a question
Re: I am new here...with a question
Hi Ann
After going through much of what you have in researching hardware and software i have settled on the following.
MRotator for coolpix 8400
FC-E9 fisheye lens - Generally, i use 4 shots with exposure bracketing. I figure the more shots i have, the more options i have to work with. My site is http://www.realty360tour.com
Photomatix for image blending
Realviz Stitcher DS for 360 creation - render to cubical .tiff files
Pure player to create (and add copyright info) to the virutal tours and load the files to web page templates that i have created for my clients.
I use a Nikon d200 for stills and will purchase the Simga 8mm fisheye for it soon
This is a stable configuration and i am really pleased after using one shot lenses with vrbrochure for a period of time. The images are rich and v-tours can be viewed in full screen mode.
I hope this helps.
Jake
Re: I am new here...with a question
annS
I'm the IVRPA's iPIX guy
The assets of iPIX have been purchased by another virtual imaging company, Minds Eye View, and may be back on the market now. The software was recently re-introduced in the UK and Ireland by a authorized re-seller
On the iPIX.com website the contact information has been changed from Virginia and Tennesee to New York where MEV is based. I'd call (518) 237-1975 and see if you can order an iPIX Rotator for your Coolpix 8700/FC-E9. http://www.ipix.com/contact.html
If you can't, theres a rotator from Agnos.com designed for the FC-E9 with brackets for several Coolpix cameras including the 8700. Take a look at http://www.agnos.com/catalogo.htm?v_lingua=ENG&v_iss_web=000000000000000...
The Agnos rotator can do 2 and 3 fisheye shoots.
The iPIX rotators are almost all 2 stops. I don't know if there are any 3 stop rotators left. The simplest way to get 3 stops out of an iPIX 2 stop rotator is to buy a Manfrotto 300N Panoramic Head. Its just the rotating part of a Manfrotto 303SPH Shperical Rotator. All you have to do is screw the iPIX Rotator onto the 300N and use the 300N for rotating with a set screw that can change to 4,6,8, and more stops.
Its how I get 3 stops out of my Coolpix 5400/FC-E9/iPIX Rotator setup and will be when I start using the 8700/FC-E9/iPIX Rotator.
Let me know if you can order the iPIX rotator, some others may be interested
Douglas Aurand
Albuquerque, NM