P3D The Practical Stereo Camera

[Sam Smith <3dhacker@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Now that I have had a little fun, I 'll discuss my real ideals.

There can never be a perfect stereo camera, as everyone has their own
needs, shooting situations and budget to consider. But there are at least
three essential points in choosing which is best:

I .     QUALITY  OF OPTICS   If they aren't good, your results will pale in
comparision to those who use good optics. My definition of a good optic is
one of good contrast, good sharpness throughout the image field, and good
edge resolution. It must be at it's optimum at smaller apertures like f:8
to f:16.

2.      A RELIABLE SHUTTER  Again, all is lost if you can't depend on it. A
good range of speeds is nice, but since most stereo requires small
apertures for depth of field, there is seldom enough light for shutter
speeds in access of 1/250th

3.      A FORMAT TO SUITE YOUR NEEDS  Some prefer 5P, 7P, full frame, 2 1/4
etc. There is no perfect format, so see what's out there and decide for
yourself.


The rest is icing as far as I'm concerned. Reading light can be an art, and
I've never personally lost a shot because I didn't have through-the-lens
auto metering. Fast lenses are again not neccessary, and I have yet to see
a sharper image from a "modern" lens stopped down than I get with my
Belplasca or Realist. Auto focus, I can see more problems arising than
benefits. Flash can be useful for shots you couldn't get normally, although
you have to weigh it against the unnatural effect you may percieve when
viewing some flash images.

The only other thing I can think of that is neccessary is: ENJOY IT! Have
fun with stereo, and don't get discouraged by others who don't appreciate
it, or those who think they are God's gift to stereography and criticize
your efforts!


Sam Smith
3dhacker@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
website: http://www.cadvision.com/3dhacker/index.htm


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