Re: Is it a Stereo Camera?

[P3D John W Roberts <roberts@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

>Date: Wed, 19 Feb 1997 09:42:07 -0600
>From: P3D Ronald J Beck  <rbeck@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>Subject: Re: Is it a Stereo Camera?

>I propose the following definititons...

>Stereo camera:  A camera designed by the manufacturer to take a set of two 
>or more photos simultaneously with a pre-set interocular distance.  A 
>Stereo Camera has a single film path, linked shutters, linked focusing and 
>matched lenses.  This would include all our favorites (Realist, kodak, 
>etc...) as well as the "hand made" cut-n-paste pairs.

>Stereo setup:  Any configuration of one or more single lensed cameras 
>which, when used by the owner, is capable of taking two or more photos of 
>a scene, offset by an interocular distance pre-determined by the 
>photographer.  This would include dual camera setups, slide bars, and even 
>the "weight shift" method.

>Does THIS clarify everything?

No, it doesn't. (No offense intended.)

Having thought about the matter since this discussion came up, I believe
that trying to define what *is* a stereo camera and what *isn't* a stereo
camera is an artificial distinction that serves no useful purpose, and in
fact has negative value.

In the example George cited of trying to persuade a camera manufacturer
to build a stereo camera, what's wanted is obvious from the context. Anyway,
there's an "officially recommended" configuration for a modern stereo camera
design from one of the stereo organizations - just show that to the camera
company, and never mind what it's called.

John R


------------------------------