Expanded Functionality with Dual-Lens Panoramic Camera for Wider Capture
In the world of photography, innovation knows no bounds. From large-format film cameras crafted from Lego bricks to panoramas stitched together from four rolls of 35mm film, the realm of photography has always been a playground for the creative and the daring. [Snappiness], a trailblazer in the digital age, aimed to bring this style of camera into the modern era.
[Snappiness]'s groundbreaking project, the 2-in-1 Sony-based frankencamera, is a testament to this ambition. The hack uses a pair of mirrors as a beam splitter, allowing each camera to see half the field of view of the lens. This ingenious setup is held together by a 3D print acting as a T-fitting, with the cameras held parallel off the arms of the T and the lens making the shaft.
Despite the challenges, [Snappiness] has proven that the idea of a digital panoramic camera is feasible. However, due to the misalignment of the focal planes, half of the composite image is always out of focus or requires refocusing and two snaps. To overcome this, [Snappiness] hacked together two Sony A7ii full-frame mirrorless cameras.
The images captured by each camera can be stitched together later to create double-wide pictures. Yet, sensors in the aspect ratio [Snappiness] required are not readily available. Even if available, high-resolution scientific CMOS sensors would be prohibitively expensive compared to consumer cameras. Consequently, [Snappiness] did not include an adjustment mechanism for focusing each sensor in the current design.
For those seeking to venture into the realm of panoramic photography using multiple digital cameras, the best approach is to use multi-shot stitching. This technique involves taking a sequence of overlapping images (30-40% overlap) from slightly different angles and then stitching them together with software like Adobe Photoshop or PTGui.
To avoid common problems like parallax and stitching errors, the camera should ideally rotate around the lens’s nodal point and remain steady during shooting. Other tips include shooting quickly but precisely, avoiding scenes with fast-moving objects, using a remote shutter release, and capturing slightly wider scenes than needed.
In the spirit of innovation, it's worth mentioning that companies like Hasselblad have developed camera backs for creating panoramic images using 35mm film in a single shot. And there are opportunities for discovering more photography hacks, both film and digital. Readers are encouraged to send in their tips and continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the world of photography.
[1] Adobe Photoshop. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.adobe.com/uk/products/photoshop.html [2] PTGui. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://ptgui.com/ [3] Kao, A. (2015, March 20). The Complete Guide to Panoramic Photography. Retrieved from https://petapixel.com/2015/03/20/the-complete-guide-to-panoramic-photography/
- The project by [Snappiness] demonstrates the blend of technology, as they repurposed two Sony A7ii cameras to create a digital panoramic camera, which requires stitching the images together later for double-wide pictures.
- While seeking to venture into the realm of panoramic photography using multiple digital gadgets, one can employ software like Adobe Photoshop or PTGui for multi-shot stitching, ensuring better alignment and reducing problems like parallax and stitching errors.
