GigaPanBot Controller

GigaPanBot Controller and Motorized Panorama Head

Rather than cut and paste every single option and feature, I’ll link to their main page (there is an english button on left to translate).

Of particular noteworthiness to me is that it allows bracketing up to 10 shots. Clearly allowing for some amazing HDR panorama captures.

Options Galore

Their site also has many LCD captures to show you all the options dialogues so I won’t bore you with that list or multiple screen captures here as well.  Just one image to show you the UI.

The site link is: http://gigapanbot.com/

The GigaPanBot, Gigapixel Panorama Robot creator says it is a private project and to email if you would like information about how to build one yourself!  I’m sure if you were willing to write a check they might help faster or who knows.  Just speculating!

Finally, the GigaPanBot in action firing off side by side mounted Canon+Telephoto monsters for dual coverage. CRAZY!!!

You’ve got to go to 4 minutes, 20 seconds.  NUTS!

Embedded video below, but here is the direct youtube link if you prefer to watch full screen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXyEMAwWOdk

Posted by Michael James on Jul 29 2010 in DSLR Gear, HDR, Panorama Tags: , ,

Dynamic Range of Sensors

Dynamic range of sensors varies from camera to camera. You might be surprised by the (updated) chart below because the dynamic range of sensors is not as directly related to camera costs as you might think. You’ll notice that some mid level DSLRs are way ahead of the curve over other camera’s pro level cameras when it comes to dynamic range of the sensor.  This test was conducted by DXOmark.com and you can go there to read about how the tests were conducted.

|||—— UPDATED FOR NEW CAMERAS TESTED BY DXOmark.com —–|||

What is important and relevant to HDRI is the dynamic range of your sensor. It really matters.  Unless you taking large and tight brackets of each scene then it really, really, REALLY matters even moreso than you think.  If you are following a technique taught by someone using say a D3x and they tell you all you need is X shots, but you are using a camera at the bottom of the chart below and taking the same number… there is no way you can match that person’s results. Its mathematically impossible.

I get asked all the time how many shots do I take when I shoot, but nobody asks me with what camera.  Everyone assumes they are all about the same for HDR.  They aren’t.

Gear used for capturing brackets for HDR is even more critical if you are only taking 3 shots.  It will directly impact the quality of your HDR file. IF YOU ARE SHOOTING FOR VFX WORK THIS IS SLIGHTLY LESS CRITICAL THAN IF YOU WILL BE TONEMAPPING FOR REALISM (only slightly less though).

I’ve captured and tonemapped over 13,000 images for architecture, real estate and commercial shoots.  I’ve forfeited all my vacation time the last 4 years just to do intensive testing about what works better.  Gear, post production, you name it.

I’m pretty obsessive compulsive about trying to get a realistic looking image for real estate interiors and I’ve bought and/or rented about 40% of the cameras on this list below. DXOmark.com seems on the mark as far as my personal results are concerned.

Dynamic Range of Camera Sensors (I chose to focus on modern day digital models only)

No test is perfect. DXOmark has attempted to do this objectively, but because ISO/Noise and how cameras can handle scenes, colors and other differing factors, this should not be the only way to base your purchasing decision.  For example…

Someone could use the Canon 1000D (also known as the Canon XS) plus a piece of gear to get pro HDR captures.

If you bought that entry level Canon 1000D/XS for $400+ and a PROMOTE CONTROL for $299, (which will soon be adding HDR Timelapse to its functions in addition to HDR capture and standard Timelapse), then you could take very large and tight brackets with the Promote Control attached to your 1000D/XS that will capture well beyond what the in camera AEB capabilities of every single camera on that chart above.  Yes, including a D3x or 1Ds Mark III.  Sometimes the piece of “kit” you add to the mix can make a lower end device perform very well (dynamic range speaking here).  Of course the pixel quality of a D3x/1DsMarkIII is easily better than a Canon XS, but at the cost of $8000 it should be.

Posted by Michael James on Mar 31 2010 in Camera Companies, DSLR Gear, HDR, training Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Gigapan Epic Pro

Gigapan Epic Pro announced last week on the 15th of March is now shipping. Initially their site said “Shipping in April”, but it is actually shipping.  I know because UPS tracking shows it’ll be here this wednesday :)

If weather is good I’ll be shooting with it on Wednesday and will report my initial thoughts as well.  Maybe even a brief video overview. In addition to shooting a full 360 degree image, it also allows bracketing at each stopping point for HDR capture.  It comes with an auto stitch program as well so I’m hoping it is as seamless as the marketing materials make it sound.

I’ve been watching gigapan for some time. Their prior two models would not hold a professional or even semi-pro DSLR so I never bothered to get the prior models.  The Epic Pro now supports a pretty good number of full sized DSLR bodies.  More info about the gigapan epic pro as well as camera compatibility and pricing is on their site: http://gigapansystems.com/gigapan-products/gigapan-epic-pro-product-page.html

Posted by Michael James on Mar 23 2010 in DSLR Gear, HDR, real estate Tags: , ,

Open Camera Control for HDR

The Open Camera Controller uses your camera’s remote shutter release cable port. It has been tested with the Canon 30D, 40D, 50D, 5D, & 5D Mark II, Sigma DSLR’s, the Casio EX-FX1, and the Olympus E-P1 also work with a few quirks and limitations.

If you haven’t bought a Promote Control because you own a Sigma or Olympus (those cameas are not supported with the Promote Control), don’t despair… help has arrived.  Surf on over to HDR Labs to check out the Open Camera Control

MAIN INFO PAGE for Open Camera Control
http://www.hdrlabs.com/occ/index.html

HARDWARE INFO
http://www.hdrlabs.com/occ/hardware.html

Adding Apps
(Intervalometer, bracketing, and ASTRO Script for All Night Astro Photography)
http://www.hdrlabs.com/occ/software.html

Posted by Michael James on Mar 11 2010 in DSLR Gear, HDR Tags: ,

DSLR Remote Viewing Options

I’ve commented on a few forums and blogs this week after seeing posts about how to remote view your DSLR when you need to place it in a hard to reach spot.  Each has its own options and ability to be able to release the shutter (or not).  Here are a few wireless options as well as a wired version.

WIRELESS

Gigtube Wireless Digital Viewfinder
http://www.aputure.com/en/product/gigitube_wireless_digital_viewfinder.htm

PiXel LV-W1 Wireless Live View Remote Control
http://www.pixelhk.com/en/proview.asp?P_ID=1543

Pro-View
http://www.proviewsite.com/index.html

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WIRED

Gigtube Instant Digital Screen Remote Viewfinder

http://www.aputure.com/en/product/gigtube_instant_digita_screen_visible_remote_control.htm

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Posted by Michael James on Mar 6 2010 in Camera Companies, DSLR Gear Tags: