Today based on my last couple of posts, I am going to talk about 3d versus 360 cameras. First, is the reality of the technology and then we will talk about the differences in what you can and cannot do. The picture is a 360-degree picture taken of my mess office this morning. Right after I worked out and went downstairs to start my workday. I should probably stop in the shower first, but I have early morning calls to be on.
3d cameras have, like the new iPhone 3 lenses (which by the way is a feature the new iPhones are adding, 3d). It allows you as the camera holder to take a picture that offers length, width, and depth. The primary 3d cameras I have played with are video. I have seen 3d still cameras, for the most part, they were not cheap (at the time I saw them).
A 360-degree camera normally has two lenses. Although there are newer ones that have three lenses. Many 360 cameras can also take 3d pictures. The newer 360-degree cameras can do more as well. The difference is placement. A 3d camera has all three lenses places on the same side of the camera. The 360 lenses are normally two on one side and one on the other side (for the ones that have 3).
3d camera
Pictures that add depth overall
Frequently video, stills are also possible
360 camera
Pictures that add depth If 3d is important to check the camera before buying!)
Some offer waterproof cases
Video and still pictures out of the box
Someone integrates with Google’s street maps so you can submit images to that system
Honestly, at this point, the biggest differences between the two are more related to capabilities. In particular, if you want to have both capabilities (360 sees all around, 3d sees in front of the camera but also adds depth to the image) you need to go with a 360-degree camera. I haven’t reviewed the 3d camera as of yet only because it was given to me (I won a raffle at a trade show). Both are handheld designed. What that means is that have digital image stabilization built into the camera.
Last part of this discussion is cost. Honestly, you can get a good 360-degree camera in around the 200 US range. I have seen good 3d video cameras on Amazon for around 99 US.
3d cameras do not require software.
Three hundred sixty degree cameras do require software to stitch the 360-degree images.
My recommendation is to get a 360 that also does 3d. But try the software before you buy!
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Question of
Do you own a DSLR?
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Yes
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No
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Question of
Or an SLR?
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Yes
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No
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Question of
Do you ever use a tripod?
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Yes
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No
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Question of
will you share, where you like to share your pictures?
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Yes
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No
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Question of
should I clean my office?
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Yes
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No
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Now, that was a handful of knowledge to digest. Thanks for the review.
you are most welcome, thanks for the kind words!
Especially like the possibility of integration with Google’s street maps for submitting images to that system, sometimes it is very useful!!!
i submitted a mapping of an area near my house to google street view. Will see if they accept and use it!
Q: Do you own a DSLR?
Yes (3 votes) – 38%
No (5 votes) – 63%
Q: Or an SLR?
Yes (3 votes) – 43%
No (4 votes) – 57%
Q: Do you ever use a tripod?
Yes (5 votes) – 71%
No (2 votes) – 29%
Q: will you share, where you like to share your pictures?
Yes (5 votes) – 71%
No (2 votes) – 29%
Q: should I clean my office?
Yes (4 votes) – 67%
No (2 votes) – 33%
This poll is really interesting – I would have thought more tripods (as in 100&+%).
I understand 360 (panorama) but don’t understand what you mean by 3D… how does a flat image have depth?
it is in the rendering of the picture, but as you point out, it really doesn’t have a great presentation of that 3rd dimension.
it only appears in the software on the screen and you can see depth then. It prints/renders like a regular picture.
okay, that makes sense…
You can also view those in VR and AR goggles as 3d images. You can also use 3d googles with some TV’s and see the image in 3d.
It adds a layer to the image that isn’t visible without help today.
so it actually separates the foreground from the background?
yes sir, I think some of your stuff would render well, actually I think all of your stuff would render well in VR.
I just don’t think there are enough lights in the world for me to produce the lumens necessary to view some of your work in VR.
but in VR you could add your own virtual light. bleach the whole damn scene out…
true, but you have to turn the light on. the LHO would already be burned into my retina. just sayin 🙂
can’t you add or boost lights before you actually enter the scene?
yes, if the software creator has allowed that. My gut is the LHO shock factor creator wouldn’t offer that amenity in his VR shop of horrors…
But, that is IMHO, I don’t know for sure.
I’d letcha do it. perhaps not everyone, but you’d have an unlocked copy at least
I am honored by that 🙂
you seem like a trustworthy fellow, and you have a legitimate case for it
I am honored. But based on that kindness part of me is terrified of what is to come…
yeah, it could get pretty dark… promise to slip you a pink background every now and again…
well, there is at least a little hope. Just need to verify that light in the tunnel ahead is a flashlight.
Not an oncoming train.
it could be both, who knows?
thanks for allaying my fears by creating new ones!
just broadening your horizons- it builds character!
wait, are you secretly Rod Serling reincarnated?
submitted for your approval…
good to know. You own me 1000 hours of sleep lost from every show you ever did.
Well not all of them but most Mr Serling!
A man in search of a thousand hours of sleep, and he might wind up actually finding them in… the Twilight Zone!
that gives me the willies, the hibe jeebies, the creeps!
sorry. I really love doing Rod Serling impressions…
oh I love getting creeped out at times. Rod Serling featured frequently in my early poetry!
he had a brilliant turn of phrase
In fact he did. You waited for the horrible twist after the Journey with me now, to a place… and then things went downhill!
once you got used to the twists, some of them got predictable
yes, but I watched the show when I was 9 years old, not sure I understand the concept of consistent pattern matching. I was still in the concrete operational thinking phase of life.
then the show really delivered for you
I spent 10 years until the original Omni Magazine (managing your dreams) article trying to get rid of the nightmares.
I think the episode was “In the garden grows” or something like that. tormented my sleep for a long time.
ah yes, Omni magazine. Loved it
i still read their site from time to time.
I was also a long-time subscriber to Analog!
(Science Fiction and Science Fact)!
both fine publications
Omni has an awesome web site now. I really enjoy seeing what they are doing. It isn’t the same as when Ben Bova was the editor in chief but it is good!
I have read about the 360 camera in this site but I have yet to try it for size.
i understand that – new tech isn’t always for everyong!
Thank you very much for the explanation. Now I know a little more what 3D means.
I am happy to inform and help!!! Thanks for the kind words!
I only post pictures on Virily and nowhere else … maybe ever on Facebook, dear friend…..if you’re not bothered by clutter in the office, so am I not
thanks – the clutter keeps getting worse so I problem should clean a bit. I just don’t use the desk for anything except to hold my monitor!
To be fair, I’m no better, my friend
i wouldn’t worry about it at all! as long as you are happY!!!
It doesn’t bother me … but it bothers my partner …. I tell her if it bothers her to put it away
knowing my wife, I suspect her reaction isn’t happy.
I don’t like it the most either
Clean your office Doc! Then you won’t be able to find anything.
I use my tripod and DSLR Nikon for hummingbirds on my deck and other birds in the yard.
that is my fear that I won’t find anything.
I wondered how you got the hummingbird pictures.
Sometimes I will be sitting on the steps with camera in hand, waiting for the bluebirds, and a hummingbird will come to the feeder. Often times I have been able to have a steady hand and sneak a few pics from the steps, they can’t see me. But the best ones are using the tripod. The weather has been crazy hot lately to stand out with the tripod, so I have been free styling!
They are truly impressive pictures. The weather has been horrible.
In all honesty, I would love a how I capture hummingbirds post. I think it would be well-read here on the site!!!!
I can never handle technology. I have a 3D option on Nikon but I don’t use it.
You are a better photographer than I am, I am more as you know of a shoot lots of pictures and hope I get a good one.
Thanks Doc, you always caress me.
i admire the photos you’ve shared, many of them were beyond amazing!
So far beyond my little brain! Winnie the Pooh and I have fluff.
I think you are too hard on yourself!