Re: stuff (3D for the masses)

[P3D Peter Davis <pdavis@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I never thought I'd say this, but I think the "introductory 3D camera
for the masses" should be based on the single-lens 3D model, similar
to (but hopefully without the limitations of) the Vivitar Q-dos.
Specifically, I think it should be an up-to-date point-and-shoot type
camera, with automatic everything, and a switchable red/cyan filter
disk.  My reasons for this are:

   1)   The camera could be used for both flat and 3D pictures, with
        but the flip of a switch to change modes.

   2)   It could have all the advantages of light weight, compactness,
        automation, etc. that make P&S cameras so popular.

   3)   The camera could have a zoom lens, which is become a standard
        in the P&S world.
   4)   The film requires absolutely no special processing or
        handling.  Any lab, from the cheapest to the most elaborate
        could do it.

   5)   Glasses are required, but they're common red/cyan glasses
        that everyone has seen before and already associates,
        correctly or not, with 3D pictures.  The same glasses could
        be used for viewing prints or projected slides.  The glasses
        are cheap and readily available.

   6)   Pure opinion here: The picture quality, both in terms of
        depth perception and general fidelity, is better than
        lenticulars, although not as good as high quality stereo
        photos.  (Before anyone gets in a huff, I'm sure lenticular
        technology is capable of producing very good results, but
        I've never seen 'em.  The lenticulars I've seen all look
        like something from a Cracker Jacks box.)

Sure, there are limitations.  The biggest one is that certain colors
don't respond well in anaglyph presentation.  However, there's always
that switch.

-pd

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Peter Davis                    "Education is not the             617/873-4145
BBN Educational Technologies    filling of a pail, but      FAX: 617/873-2455
70 Fawcett Street               the lighting of a fire."       pdavis@xxxxxxx
Cambridge, MA 02138                     -- W. B. Yeats

        URL:  http://copernicus.bbn.com/people/PDavis/


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