FW: Making Spheres From Panoramas

[Mike Sinclair <sinclair@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

>-----Original Message-----
>From: Martin [mailto:martinjg@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx]
>Sent: Friday, February 11, 2000 1:30 PM
>
>Does anyone know how to make a spherical VR with a panoramic camera
>like a Roundshot? Does Panorama Tools do this?
>
>Martin

_____________________________________________

When I had access to a Roundshot, I was able to make a partial spherical VR.
I took a 360 pan with a 14mm lens shifted all the way up, then one with it
shifted all the way down. I then used Photoshop to merge the two and gave it
to PhotoVista to convert to a spherical panorama. Result was about 360 x 110
degrees if I remember. 

At one time Seitz was going to offer a "wedge" option that would allow you
to tilt the camera up (or down?) while keeping the pan axis vertical,
probably getting much closer to a 360 x 180 coverage with multiple passes.
You'd then need Helmut's Panorama Tools to process. I also understand
someone's been successful with a 180 fisheye mounted lens on a Roundshot(?).

Good luck and happy panning!

-Mike-