Sam Eastwood
Posts: 9
Location:
Registered: 5 Nov 2004
|
Advice on cameras and software purchasing
Posted: 5 Nov 2004 at 9:57 GMT
|
|
Hi, I would like some advice on which software and equipment i am best of buying. I want to be able to have high quality panaramic shots of properties, exterior and interior, but need something which will be easy to use, as in camera, how much accuracy would there need to be, and softward which will allow me to create rooms within one file, to be uploaded to a web site.
Please could someone advise?
Many Thanks,
Sam
|
|
alert moderator
|
|
gonenorth
Posts: 12
Location: United States
Registered: 4 Nov 2004
|
Re: Advice on cameras and software purchasing
Posted: 5 Nov 2004 at 22:19 GMT
|
|
It all depends on how much money you want to spend.
My two favorite VR software applications are Realviz Stitcher and PanaVue Image Assembler. I have tried around 12 Vr software applications, and these work the best for me. However,there is cheaper software out there that will get the job done. As far as camera equipment goes, I would need a ballpark figure on your budget to recommend a decent setup.
Ben
|
|
alert moderator
|
|
James Rigg
[Panoguide]
Posts: 322
Location: London, United Kingdom
Registered: 1 Jun 2003
|
Re: Advice on cameras and software purchasing
Posted: 6 Nov 2004 at 16:13 GMT
updated: 6 Nov 2004 at 16:15 GMT
|
|
Just adding to Ben's comments, it would be useful also to know a little about you. I mean your level of experience with computers, creating webpages etc, and photography. Also is it most important for you to have a solution that makes it easy (read: fast) to create panoramas, or are you perhaps more interested in being able to create large high resolution images (which generally require better equipment and take longer to create)?
|
|
alert moderator
|
|
Sam Eastwood
Posts: 9
Location:
Registered: 5 Nov 2004
|
Re: Advice on cameras and software purchasing
Posted: 8 Nov 2004 at 11:59 GMT
|
|
Hi Ben,
Thanks for your message. In terms of a suitable camera, cost isn't really an issue as such. I really need to know what type of camera would be appropriate to use with the packages. I know that some say it will support any camera, and some have specific requirements such as fish eye lens etc. I have a Cannon IXUS 430, which does do panaramics, but not sure how this would sit with the packages. I know that you can get cameras specifically for doing 360 degree photography. They end result basically needs to be a high quality as poss, and will be intergrated with our websites. How much is Realviz Stitcher and PanaVue Image Assembler? Do you need both packages?
Sam
|
|
alert moderator
|
|
Sam Eastwood
Posts: 9
Location:
Registered: 5 Nov 2004
|
Re: Advice on cameras and software purchasing
Posted: 8 Nov 2004 at 13:06 GMT
|
|
Hi James,
I am a web designer, so have a quite comprehensive knowledge of packages such as Photoshop, Flash etc. I do need a solution which is fairly easy use, but at the same time produce high quality results. The main aim of what i will need it for is properties for rent, but it may not be myself taking the photographs. I really need to know which software you would recommend and with which camera, and also how accurate would the photographs have to be to achieve high quality results. I know that by using a fish eye lens for example will give a much wider viewing range. The end result will be intergrated into the clients web site. I do have a Cannon IXUS 430, which does do panoraimics, and allows you stitch together using their software Photostich. Not sure if this would be suitable for the use of a virtual tour on a property though. Also, do many of the virtual packages have photostiching included, or do you need to buy it as a seperate? Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Sam
|
|
alert moderator
|
|
gonenorth
Posts: 12
Location: United States
Registered: 4 Nov 2004
|
Re: Advice on cameras and software purchasing
Posted: 8 Nov 2004 at 22:50 GMT
|
|
You do not need both Realviz Stitcher and Panavue Image Assembler. Stitcher has more options but a greater learning curve and a higher price tag $600.00. Image Assembler is easier to use and it and it cost considerably less($64.00), however it has fewer features.
Here are my three favorite VR equipment set ups, begining with the least expensive. These are all custom. I have never bought a pre made VR package.
Package 1
Fuji S20 ($720.00) This is my favorite prosumer camera for VRs, because of it's great dynamic range.
Raynox DCR-FE180 fisheye extension ($300.00)
Manfrotto 303 Plus Geared Panoramic Head. ($370.00)
Package 2
Canon 20d ($1500.00)
Sigma 8mm aspherical fisheye ($800.00)
Canon 14mm ($1700.00)
Sigma 15 - 30mm
Manfrotto 303 Plus Geared Panoramic Head. ($370.00)
Package 3
Canon 1ds* ($7,000.00)
Sigma 8mm aspherical fisheye ($800.00)
Canon 14mm ($1700.00)
Sigma 15 - 30mm ($600.00)
Manfrotto 303 Plus Geared Panoramic Head. ($370.00)
*The new Canon 1ds 2 will be out this month. It is 16 mp. The 1ds and 1ds MK2 are overkill for most VR applications, but I like to offer clients prints up to 10 ft long.
This equipment list is just a personal opinion. There are a lot of great VR photographers who have got amazing results with different and somtimes cheaper equipment, but this is the equipment that has given me the best results.
I use a fisheye lens about 60% of the time, so I would definently recommend one. It is nice to have the option.
I hope this helps
Ben
|
|
alert moderator
|
|
Gordon Frey
Posts: 4
Location: Portland, Oregon, United States
Registered: 8 Nov 2004
|
Re: Advice on cameras and software purchasing
Posted: 9 Nov 2004 at 4:02 GMT
|
|
For Web you realy don't need pro digital camera, but you do need a camera with good optics. I've made and sold pamoramas that were taken with a 3.3 mega pixel camera ( Olympus C-3030 when it was state of the art ). And I use the lastest version of The Panorama Factory. I've tried many and have come back because it's automatic and can be fine turned, but it only does linear no arrays.
Gordon
|
|
alert moderator
|
|
Sam Eastwood
Posts: 9
Location:
Registered: 5 Nov 2004
|
Re: Advice on cameras and software purchasing
Posted: 9 Nov 2004 at 10:33 GMT
|
|
Hi Gordon,
Thanks for your advice.
I have downloaded a trial version of The Panorama Factory which seems quite impressive and very easy to use. Do you know if it is possible to do full 360 tours in it, as in being able to view upwards and downwards as well? Or is that more to do with the type of lens used, as in fisheye? Would you say that The Panorama Factory is more suited to the web than the other ones mentioned, Realviz Stitcher and Panavue Image Assembler? What benefits would Realviz Stitcher and Panavue Image Assembler have over The Panorama Factory?
Thanks for all your help on this, i am a bit of a novice!
Sam
|
|
alert moderator
|
|
Sam Eastwood
Posts: 9
Location:
Registered: 5 Nov 2004
|
Re: Panormic Factory problems
Posted: 9 Nov 2004 at 16:32 GMT
|
|
Hi,
I am test the trial version of 'Panormic Factory', but my results dont seem to be as good as i thought they would be, as i have read some really good reviews on it. I'm not sure whether its me or the software!?
The quicktime file seems to be jumping/staggering whilst you scroll around the room. Also, there are still alot of ghost lines, and you can clearly see where it hasn't stitched properly. I have also been testing Panoramic Maker, which seems to produce some quite impressive results so far in terms of stitching, blending and very smooth when viewing as Quick Time movie.
Please can anyone advice if i am doing something wrong, or any other advice on theses and similar products.
Many Thanks,
Sam
|
|
alert moderator
|
|
MK Panorama
Posts: 174
Location: Hamburg, Germany
Registered: 27 Jul 2004
|
Re: Panormic Factory problems
Posted: 1 Dec 2004 at 12:23 GMT
|
|
Hi  ,
we use a KARLINE rodeon pro VR head with a good wooden tripod from Berlebach (low-vibration, shake free), between a Manfrotto MA 329 head. 
Camera: Canon EOS 20D with 18-55mm lens
Software: Realviz 4.0 with automatic mode build-in in the rodeon firmware...
Best regards
Marc
|
|
alert moderator
|
|
back to threads list |
this thread is closed