Forum:
Q & A
Thread:
First 'public' 360pano - please critique
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Re: First 'public' 360pano - please critique
Posted: 24 Mar 2005 at 20:06 GMT
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Great pano! As others have stated, it was a difficult scene to stitch!
The only point I would mention is that you could improve the final pano if you took different exposures and blend them together to create a higher dynamic range. Anyway, I am not meaning to negative, just a small suggestion! Really good work!
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Forum:
Q & A
Thread:
PT viewer - single fisheye converted to square image - why does this code work for a pano?
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Re: PT viewer - single fisheye converted to square image - why does this code work for a pano?
Posted: 17 Mar 2005 at 18:02 GMT
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Hi Rick,
It is interesting to see the result of your test.
I believe that it works because you are using the fisheye image as the Region Of Interest (ROI) and not specifying the image via the usual "param name=file".
PTViewer will automatically create a blank sphere using your dimensions of 1400x700, which you can't see as you set the panmin and panmax values to fit the fisheye image.
You should check out the following webpage which expands a litle on what you are doing, but uses a flat image for display in PTViewer. Whlst not exactly the same, it could have useful applications!
fvlmedia.dk/temp/hdr/zoomtest.htm
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Forum:
Q & A
Thread:
where to find stats? and MS OS java applet use
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Re: where to find stats? and MS OS java applet use
Posted: 12 Mar 2005 at 13:27 GMT
updated: 12 Mar 2005 at 13:28 GMT
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Hi Barry,
Macromedia conducts regular surveys about plugin instalations. You can read up on the survey process but it is hard to determine exactly how un-biased the results are!
The link below shows the result of a 12/2004 survey to get you started:
www.macromedia.com/software/player_census/flashpl...
You will note that flash is available on 98.2% and Java on 87.1% of computers worldwide. QuickTime is gaining popularity but still lags behind at 59.6%. Apple now includes QT Player with the ITunes download, which is certainly helping QT's cause!
Microsoft have reached an agreement with Sun to ship Windows with Microsoft JVM until some time in 2007. After that Java will have to be obtained directly from Sun, which will make things interesting! I can't find the web page which states this but I am sure you could search on Microsoft's or Sun's respective sites, or Google, etc.
There are many new viewer types being made, such as SPi-V www.fieldofview.nl/spv, which is amazing but needs Shockwave installed. I personally see viewer software eventually progressing away from Java and using the hardware acceleration on the end user's computer.
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Forum:
Q & A
Thread:
which head would be best
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Re: which head would be best
Posted: 12 Mar 2005 at 0:56 GMT
updated: 12 Mar 2005 at 0:56 GMT
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Hi,
This is the correct link for the 360 Precision head:
www.360precision.com
A bit more expensive that the others, but initial feedback supports the great benefit and quality. Well worth considering if you want to ensure accurate repeat stitching.
You could consider building your own head, which will be much cheaper! Not that I have done so, many have quite simply.
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Forum:
Q & A
Thread:
best way to expose?
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Re: best way to expose?
Posted: 11 Mar 2005 at 22:13 GMT
updated: 11 Mar 2005 at 22:17 GMT
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Generally, I tend to take three different exposures 2 stops apart. Simply: mid, highlights and shadows. I have a DSLR which allows me to capture three bracketed shots for each shot, which makes things easier.
If your camera does not allow this just expose one set (by this I mean use the same setings for the complete scene) for the average light in the room (try to avoid burning out the areas where exterior light falls inside, such as the windows). Take another set for the inside highlights and then you will need to under-expose for the last set for the brigher outside scene(though a window for instance). This way you get a good balance of exposures. Of course, you have to adapt the exposure depending upon the light. There are no hard and fast rules, just try it out!
You will find that some light conditions mean you have to expose for the outside light quite a few stops apart fom the interior. This leads me on to the next point!
Avoid the mid-day sun if possible. Try shooting early morning or later in the afternoon when the sun is lower and not so harsh, which will enable you to capture a range of exposures much closer together. This will make the blending process easier and more effective.
The software Smooth suggested is a good place to start. You should also check out PhotoMatix from www.hdrsoft.com/
You can get a free version (albeit with limited functionality), the full version is well worth purchasing.
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Forum:
Q & A
Thread:
Low Cost Stitcher and tour software for web
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Re: Low Cost Stitcher and tour software for web
Posted: 3 Mar 2005 at 12:02 GMT
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Hi Lynn,
Your choices are quite limited if you have a $50 limit!
However, possibly the best stitching software is Panotools combined with a PC (PTGui) www.ptgui.com or Mac (PTMac) www.kekus.com graphic interface. Both of which can be purchased within your budget. Be aware that this software has a steep learning curve but wil give you brilliant results when mastered!
However, without spending any more cash you can only use the stitched output files in a java based applet, such as PTViewer. To create flash based panoramas check out:
www.flashvr.de/index.htm
and
www.360dof.com
Both well out of your budget though!
3D Vista make a variety of software that would meet your needs but is, again, above your budget!
www.3dvista.com/web/home.htm
I hope this is of help!
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Forum:
Q & A
Thread:
FOV Calculation Advise?
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Forum:
Q & A
Thread:
Rookie Looking For Help!!
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Re: Rookie Looking For Help!!
Posted: 2 Mar 2005 at 16:39 GMT
updated: 2 Mar 2005 at 16:42 GMT
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Hi Sean,
Glad to be of some help!
I can't really suggest a place to get your lens from. As you are in the USA, I guess there are loads of online dealers to check out. Also, you are likely to get everything cheaper than I would have to pay in the UK!!
I don't think there is much between the pano heads for your setup. They are all good quality. Be aware that if you get a pano head made for 2-3 shots, it will not be viable for use with a cropped sensor DSLR with a fisheye lens, if taking 4-6 shots. If you get a full frame DSLR then the 2-3 shot pano head will be good!
You should take up Trigger Happy's advice and get the free version of Panoweaver from Easypano. It does have some limitations but you can always upgrade to the latest version for much less than the full retail cost. Be aware that Easypano are to release a new version in March 2005. So don't bother upgrading until that has come out.
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Forum:
Q & A
Thread:
Rookie Looking For Help!!
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Re: Rookie Looking For Help!!
Posted: 2 Mar 2005 at 0:42 GMT
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Hi,
What you are asking can not be answered in a simple manner as there are too many variables!
You need to decide what type of panoramas you untimately intend to produce. If they are for real estate, then your current camera and a wide angle/fisheye adaptor will suffice. If you want to produce high resolution panos for full screen or large print then you will need to get a DSLR (Nikon D70/Canon 20D as a minimum) with a good wide angle or fisheye lens (Sigma 8mm). You could produce full screen panos with the Canon G5 but you would probably need to take about 30 or so images to stitch. Not a viable process if the end use is for real estate.
For alternative software for high resolution panos, consider, PTGui (PC), PTMac (Mac), Realviz Stitcher.
Assuming you are starting out to target real estate, then you should get a fisheye adaptor for the Canon G5 and take 2 or 3 shots and stitch with Easypano's Panoweaver. This is similar to the Ipix software but does not have the annual costs attached. There is other similar software like, 3D Vista Stitcher and Panorama Express but my view is that Easypano is slightly superior (others may disagree!). Be aware that the quality of 2-3 fisheye image panos taken with a prosumer camera will be far inferior to a multi shot pano taken on a DSLR.
What ever you decide upon, you will need a panoramic head (try Kaidan, Manfrotto, Agnos for starters) for your camera and a decent solid tripod.
Check out the tutorial advice on this site as it will give you a great starting point, if not done so already.
I can not comment upon the Realtor.com etc issue as I am based in the UK. Why not contact a VR producer (not near to your location!) in the USA and see if they will offer some friendly advice. No harm in trying. Check out the Stitcher forum on www.realviz.com for info and advice on equipment and the stitching process. There is also a forum on www.easypano.com.
There are opportunities for VR's but you need to have considerable business and marketing skills to get the work. For real estate, there is probably the most competition and this market pays very little for the amount of work involved. Thus, you need to have a high volume of repeat work to make a living out of real estate.
I think that a lot of us who post to this forum have learnt the hard way by using various equipment and software! Read through the past forum posts to accumilate more knowledge.
Just search out all the possible hardware & software solutions and download software demo versions to see what is best for your needs. You need to research thoroughly and make wise choices, only you know what will be best for you ultimately!
My advice, for starters, is to use your current camera, get a fisheye adaptor, download demo versions of the software listed above and try them all out before purchasing. If you want higher quality panos, get a DSLR, Sigma 8mm or Nikon 10.5mm and use Panotools (PTGui or PTMac) or Realviz Stitcher.
Good luck!
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Forum:
Q & A
Thread:
QTVR World Map - as promised
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Re: QTVR World Map - as promised
Posted: 26 Feb 2005 at 11:31 GMT
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Hi,
I think your new site with the world wide VR map is a great idea, something I have not seen before. However, you must be aware of Panoramas.dk, which has a worldwide directory for panoramic producers, albiet still in its early stages. Panoramas.dk does have the benefit of receiving thousands of hits per day!
I am not meaning to be negative about the site but how do you propose to get it in top search engine rankings and what other advertising methods will you use? It is the intention to rely upon word of mouth? Don't get me wrong, I love what you are doing but unless people know the site is there, particularly for commercial purposes, what benefit does the site have?
Hopefully you will take these words constructively (as they were intended!). I would like to know your thoughts!
Thanks.
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Forum:
Q & A
Thread:
In it for the money?
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Re: In it for the money?
Posted: 24 Feb 2005 at 11:16 GMT
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Hi Fenzo,
I believe there are loads of opportunities in VR photography, but there is also a lot of competition for a limited number of jobs!
The real estate is a market where in the USA it has really taken off. Less so in the UK where I come from. The only issue with real estate is that you need to have a steady flow of regular jobs to make any money, as the per job price is very low. Given the current market price for a house virtual tour is so low, it will be almost impossible now to get the price higher, unless you can offer something your competitors are not - again quite difficult!
Fundamentally, you need a solution that is simple for you to capture the images and have them presentable for the Realtor in a short a period as possible, i.e 24 hours.
For software, you should also check out the Tourweaver product from www.easypano.com. Ipix (www.ipix.com) make a reasonable product but it is really expensive, with annual licensing costs. Ipix is comparable to the Easypano products, which are much cheaper but will give the same results. Both products support 2 or 3 circular fisheye images for stitching.
You could also consider the "one shot" solutions by:
www.0-360.com/
and
www.kaidan.com/
These systems take one image to cover a 360 degree view. The main advantage is that it is the fastest image capture and post production method. The downside is the image quality is never going to be as good as multiple image capture. Although quality is subjective, this is a very good option for the quick and cheap real estate virtual tours.
Witout knowing what research you have undertaken, you need to look at all your potential local competitors to see what they offer and how much they charge. Could you offer something they are not? Why would a Realtor chose you?
Also you have to consider that Realtors are 100% cost driven so you need to sell your VR services on the basis that you can demonstrate how they can achieve faster sales from using virtual tours. Also a simple web search for real estate or property virtual tours, will give you a wealth of info to review.
You should also try to speak with local Realtors to find out what they think of the current virtual tours, what could be improved, etc. It is amazing what you can find out for free! Another possibility is to contact other VR companies offering real estate tours, that are located far away from your base. They may be willing to offer some friendly advice if they know you are not in direct competition.
Sorry if the above is obvious to you already, but if not I hope if helps! Please feel free to email me off list if you want to discuss anything further.
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Forum:
Q & A
Thread:
Best Computer Setup?
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Re: Best Computer Setup?
Posted: 21 Feb 2005 at 20:03 GMT
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Hopefully the original post will not start the usual PC v. Mac debate!
There is little difference between using a PC or Mac for panorama work, it just comes down to personal preferences as both platforms are highly capable of producing top quality results.
You can get a more powerful PC for less money than a Mac, but Macs do have the reputation of being more stable, especially with OS10.
If you are thinking of making QTVR's then I would go with a Mac as there is very good and inexpensive Mac only software for the job. As stated above the new MAc mini is a good choice give the really low cost. You should get 512mb RAM as a minimum and if possible max out the RAM and get 1gb installed.
I use a PC so can offer some advice on that! I would suggest getting one of the latest P4 Hyper Threading processors and a minimum of 1gb RAM. For hard drives, you now have a choice of large fast Serial ATA drives, so get the biggest you can afford. What you can get is totally dependant upon your budget! You could easily get a very fast new PC for well under GBP£1,000. Of course less powerful PCs will do the job as well, but much slower!
If your budget is large enough, get Photoshop CS for photo editing, if not then try out Photoshop Elements.
You can download demo versions of all the panorama stiching software and the Photoshop products.
If you could state exactly what you what to do with regard to panoramas, I am sure that I and others can give you more specific advice, as you must appreciate that there is no complete answer to your question!
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Forum:
Q & A
Thread:
360dof
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Re: 360dof
Posted: 15 Feb 2005 at 23:52 GMT
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Sorry, can't help directly but have you contacted the technical support at 360dof?
If not, that would be a good place to start.
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Forum:
Q & A
Thread:
QTVR or 360 files - how to get onto netobjects
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Re: QTVR or 360 files - how to get onto netobjects
Posted: 15 Feb 2005 at 23:49 GMT
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Hi Forrest,
Whilst I am not familiar with Netobjects Fusion, the principle of adding a QTVR into HTML is the same no matter what editor you use.
To place a QTVR in a HTML page you need to paste in the following code in you desired location on the HTML page between the <body> tags:
<object classid="clsid:02BF25D5-8C17-4B23-BC80-D3488ABDDC6B"
width="600"height="400" codebase="www.apple.com/qtactivex/qtplugin.cab">
<param name="SRC" value="THE PATH & NAME OF YOUR QTVR FILE.mov">
<param name="AUTOPLAY" value="true">
<param name="CONTROLLER" value="true">
<param name="Scale" value="tofit">
<embed src="THE PATH & NAME OF YOUR QTVR FILE.mov" scale="tofit" width="600" height="400" autoplay="true" controller="true" pluginspage="www.apple.com/quicktime/download/">
</embed>
</object>
You can change the width and height to suite the size of the QTVR file. As may be obvious from the above code, you just need to enter the path (this can be absolute or document relative - I suggest you use document relative) and name of your QTVR file in the "SRC" tags. Do not change the data in "object class id", "codebase" or "pluginspage".
The following link gives a good summary of the various parameters you can use and adapt.
www.apple.com/quicktime/authoring/embed2.html
There is also a very good book on QuickTime called "QuickTime for the Web". It covers more than just QTVR, but gives easy to understand info on nearly everything you migh need to know! Check out this for a summary. You can get a copy on Amazon.co.uk.
homepage.mac.com/qt4web/Personal.html
Hopefully this is what you are after, if not let me know!
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Forum:
Q & A
Thread:
Best leveling techniques ?
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Re: Best leveling techniques ?
Posted: 14 Feb 2005 at 20:51 GMT
updated: 14 Feb 2005 at 20:53 GMT
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I totally agree with the other posts about PTGui (and PTMac) where levelling is not so vital. However, with all areas of photography, it is best to get the shot correct at the time of shooting, rather than do post production work.
My own view is to get the camera vertically level (this is assuming your camera is mounted portrait) when it is attached to the panoramic head. When you rotate, the level is likely to change but as long as you have got the first image level, you are ok, assuming you are using PTGui or PTMac! You can use the correct first image as the "anchor".
I use the Manfrotto 338 levelling base under a 303SPH head. On the camera I have a hotshoe mounted spirit level to get the correct vertical level. These are really inexpensive and well worth getting.
Hope this is of use!
Best regards,
Russell
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