P3D Good, inexpensive, easy to use

[fj834@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Dr. George A. Themelis)]

>Also: any recommendations for a good, relatively inexpensive 3D camera
>for the beginning photographer? 

Quite a few people are looking for the good, inexpensive and easy to
use stereo camera to get them started.  Good, inexpensive and easy to use, 
usually do not go together.  Here are a few choices:

- If you have a (2D) camera already, try taking stereo pairs with it
  using the shoot-and-shift method.  Get a cheap viewer from Reel 3-D
  to view the results.  Consider the View-Magic viewer for "up and down"
  format.  This method is limitted to static subjects mostly.

- Two disposable (or cheap P&S) taped together, activated with both
  fingers.  Price ranges.  Good way to start in combination with 
  cheap print viewers or View-Magic.

- Beamsplitter on regular SLR:  Price can range and certainly they are 
  easy to use but good?  (just asking)

- Argus:  Inexpensive and easy to use, but good?  (just asking!)

- Nimslo-Unmodified:  Wasting film and only 4p but OK, easy to use and
  could find a bargain here and there.  Same for Nishika.

- FED:  More expensive, easy to use.

- Manual stereo cameras from the 50s.  Good and inexpensive (possibly) but
  lack of automation might make it hard for some people to use.

Regards -- George Themelis


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