P3D Re: Cha Cha & the novice

[Larry Berlin <lberlin@xxxxxxxxx>]

>Date: Thu, 18 Mar 1999
>From: Peter Davis <pd@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>................
>I was the one who recommended cha-cha shots for novices.  The reason is
>that it can be done by anyone with a camera, and requires only an
>inexpensive viewer (2x2 slide or View-Magic print viewers come to mind.)
>While the cha-cha may not be the most reliable method around, it certainly
>can produce a high enough percentage of effective stereo shots to excite
>the neophyte and inspire further exploration.  The best part is the very
>low entry cost.
>
>I agree that taping two single use cameras together is also an inexpensive
>entry, though it still requires buying the two disposables.  I'm not
>convinced that the results are any liklier to be free of rotational errors,
>etc.
>
>-pd
>


*****  I agree that two cameras of any type, taped or otherwise fastened to
a rigid device may not be a guarantee of aligned images. However, it does
insure that most misalignments will be consistent for a given 2 rolls of
film. That makes tracking them down and fixing them easier. 

It also allows the user to compare the pictures and make adjustments to how
the cameras are fastened so as to improve the rig. Once fine tuned, such a
device might be very reliable. 

That exercise by itself is excellent training material for any *beginner*
regardless of whether they might already own an RBT S1... It builds
appreciation for the practical aspects of stereo geometry and precision,
without endangering large investments in better gear. It puts them in touch
with the medium regardless of the shareability of the results.

This process as applied to beginners is greatly enhanced by using digital
cameras. Time from taking the shots to viewing the results is a matter of
minutes. That sort of fast feedback allows greater experimentation with the
practical limits of all methods, distortions, rules, ideas, etc...

Larry Berlin

Email: lberlin@xxxxxxxxx
http://www.sonic.net/~lberlin/
http://3dzine.simplenet.com/


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