Not being someone who has worked with 3D, let along 3D camera rigs, I have to say that the Prism/Mirror rig was surprising to see. It must have been my assumption that the cameras should be orientated in the same manner as the human eyes are. Well, I was wrong. There are other ways, like this 3D Rig from RED. Besides the fact that is it awesome to see a RED camera in use for 3D capture.
Here is the image posted on the REDUser.net forum:
The two thoughts that come to mind for me:
- Dust and Smear: The argument can be used for any lens or filter, but in the case of a mirror rig there is an extra piece of glass that can add artifacts to the image.
- Contrast: In essence the one camera is relying on a reflection off a piece of glass (not even a mirror) so I am assuming that the light hitting the sensor will look a bit of contrast compared to the other camera.
In spite of these concerns, it appears as if many professional 3D rigs for use this Prism or Mirror method, even though it looks like a reverse teleprompter.
Here are Jim’s words regarding the rig:
Interocular distance is critically important to 3D. The closer the subject, the closer the IO needs to be… the converse is true.
Two side by side cameras with an IO (Interocular) of 3″ is only good from roughly 15-20′ and beyond. Prism rigs are invaluable because they can go from 0-whatever IO. That means that to shoot anything from extremely close to distance needs a prism rig. The downside is that there is a stop loss in light. Good thing for M-X and EPIC because you have high ISO to compensate.
Shoot 2D and worry about focus. Shoot 3D and worry about IO, convergence and focus. Both the ET and 3ality rigs do a great job of letting you know where you are to avoid the “throw up circle”.
Anyone using a 3D rig in camera work? How is yours setup? Thoughts?
