My flash of inspiration....

[P3D Adam L. Beckerman <adam@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Greg W. adds some valuable comments in response to my 
flash of inspiration:

>In order to be first, you have to be, well, first. :-)  I believe
>David Burder is already selling a stereo digital camera; I think I
>saw an advert for it in "Stereo World".  Someone else here on the
>list undoubtedly has more info. on it.

I wasn't aware of that.  I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who 
has more info on David's camera...

>It takes less than two minutes each to precision-mount in RBT mounts when
>desired, and I don't consider this time to be "lost". :-)

This is very true and my comment mostly applied to those people 
that take no satisfaction in _having_ to mount their slides or 
prints.  Even though, I myself _do_ find satisfaction in it, even 
though I am a beginner and haven't done it much.

>In other words, the time spent mounting will be replaced with 
>time spent doing other digital manipulations, so I don't see a 
>win there, timewise.

OK, timewise, there may not be a win, but at least the digital 
stereographer has the CHOICE between spending more time 
framing and shooting than doing post-manipulation OR spending 
less time shooting and more time manipulating.  It's up to the 
user, which I believe is a nice benefit.  If you want to spend less 
or more or the same amount of time manipulating as one would 
mounting, you have that freedom.  And because of this freedom, 
and the fact that they may take more pictures due to less waste, 
this could also be a benefit.  

I'm sure that by taking MORE pictures, there is a greater chance 
to get good pictures (missed opportunities will be far less).  For 
example, now, Dr. T with his 40+ rolls in one vacation probably 
has more good/useable stereo pictures than me with my 2 rolls 
on a comparable vacation (photographic abilities and aesthetics 
aside).  Of course this isn't due to my aversion to creating waste, 
but I think the analogy will do.  And these manipulations that can 
be done _may_ be more rewarding in producing great stereo than 
the manipulations performed in mounting slides or prints.  This is 
because the available effects can be used to enhance the stereo 
image and achieve near-perfection in the taker's eyes.  But again, 
the stereographer has the choice and the freedom to do what their 
preference is.  Speaking of preference, if your preference is to 
continue to use a non-digital stereo camera, and are happy, sure!  
go ahead...  But if you make the choice to do digital stereography, 
you are also choosing an increase in freedom (my opinion).

>And digital images with resolutions rivaling film's will not be 
>small, even assuming the use of as-yet-undiscovered forms 
>of compression.

No argument here.

>"How do I take my images to any arbitrary place to show to 
>people"?

Here is the potential for more product development.  What 
about something like a discman in which you place your 
CD-ROM or minidisc of images (written using the standard 
CD-R equipment with your future computer), attach your 
digital glasses (that will be similar to a VR headset), and 
view away (no display other than the glasses necessary, and 
you just press the play button).  OK, again, we're a ways off 
with this technology, but a similar work around with existing 
technology is very likely possible.

>Until *everyone* has this equipment, there will be people 
>who simply can't view such images.

This is true of just about anything.  Since I don't have LCS glasses, 
I can't view images created specifically for such viewing technology.  
But I disagree with that for another reason.  If the camera takes 
stereo pictures, then it's no different than the viewing issues we 
encounter today.  In fact, I think that IF the glasses were to become 
a cheap and widely available peripheral, then MORE people than 
currently will be able to view our work.  The people that choose to 
purchase such a peripheral for gaming or other purposes is included 
in this increased stereo audience.  They will now be able to view the 
stereo images not only created with such a system, but any other 
digitized stereo pictures.  And this is in addition to all those that 
already have DepthCharge, LCS glasses, or another way to currently 
view digital stereo images .

FWIW,

Adam


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