light gathering vs diameter of reflecting spheres

[Charles Stumpfel <stumpfel@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Knowing next to nothing ---

I'd like to understand the how reflectors might be used for panoramic
imaging.

A video camera was set up viewing a  3/4" diameter chrome steel ball
bearing so that the ball's image filled the camera's vertical FOV.

How does the diameter of a reflecting sphere affects light gathering?  In
other words does a larger diameter ball bearing,  imaged to still fill the
FOV, cause more light to fall in the image?   I'm ordering a 1" diameter
ball to find out the quick way.  [The 1 " diameter ball is supplied by
Small Parts, Inc. in Miami FL]

Does anyone know of a supplier for precision ball bearings larger than 1"
in diameter?   Any specifics on other commercially available curved
reflectors other than ball bearings would also be of interest.


Chas Stumpfel