My first attempts at 360 pano

[makiedog]

Thought I'd share my first couple of 360 pano attempts:
#1 attempt (http://elearning.biworldwide.com/projectsites/commercials/vr/1b_final_w_2cr.mov).
#2 attempt. (http://elearning.biworldwide.com/projectsites/commercials/vr/rice_creek_set7_final_sun2.mov)

Here's my gear:
MJ1
10s Lipo
CC110v
JR9303 (2.4Ghz)
AP2000i
AF Pro mount w modified gimble
Nikon D50 (6MP) + 10.5mm
Mechanical servo for shutter activation
about 3 hrs of PtGUI and Photoshop work each

http://elearning.biworldwide.com/projectsites/commercials/vr/heli1.jpg

Pat L

[jockstrap]

hmm - that download site is horrid - won't load..... VERRRRYYYYYY SLOWWWWW...

But the heli looks great!

Edit: Got them now!

Wow - that's fantastic work! Really nice stuff...

[AZ ChopperCam]

Not a bad start! It's a little hot though.. maybe try a faster shutter speed or -EV compensation.

Nice helicopter!

[makiedog]

Thanks DJ, I'm still tweaking the technique, hope to do better. After you modified the mount to accommodate the camera (nodal point close to pan axis), are you still able to achieve correct CG during panning? I couldn't see how that's possbible without putting a ton of weight up front.

Pat L

[AZ ChopperCam]

no. I wasn't able to get the cameras entrance pupil in line with the pan axis. I got it close but it was probably still 40mm in front of the axis.

I could have probably lined it up but as you say the CG would have been off which would have contributed to greater drifting of the heli while hovering and shooting the pans.

I'm working on my own design pano mount right now that has a camera gimbal that is fully adjustable in all 3 axis allowing the cameras entrance pupil to be placed exactly where I want it. I am also incorporating a one-way bearing into the pan axis of the mount so that the helicopter's torque on spool-up won't try to drive the pan servo.

It's also got a few other cool features not found on any current mounts. My CAD files are done... just need to send it out to the machinist :)

I wouldn't worry too much about your setup. It looks like you're doing very well with it. The hardest part about learning aerial panos is the stitching and post production work. Looks like you got that part down.

Nice sky in your pano too!!

[hoverpunk]

very cool indeed! good job!

i am wondering how you guys are able to keep a heli stable enough to shoot panoramas? i have a few other questions about how you pano folks are capturing images as well, but i don't want to hijack your thread.

i am working with a small unstable helicopter at the moment, so panos are out of the question for me. that said, im still inspired to learn to create them one day as well!

i can definitely do the post work no problem...! :) the front end of the process is what has me stumped...

[makiedog]

Wow DJ, can't wait to see your new mount! Is it a dedicated pano mount or can it also do video as well?

[AZ ChopperCam]

Is it a dedicated pano mount or can it also do video as well?

my initial design is as a dedicated pano mount, but with the removal of the one-way bearing and a different gimbal it will work for video as well, and would be capable of carrying cameras as large as 5lb.

[makiedog]

"i am wondering how you guys are able to keep a heli stable enough to shoot panoramas?"

Hoverpunk,

After having done a few more of these panos, I find that a calm day is essential in capturing good shots. These shots generally have much fewer stitching errors and therefore much easier to produce. Shots taken on gusty days will produce huge stitching errors, some of which even the best stitching software cannot fix. This is where superior Photoshop skills will come in handy.

Also, I find that the higher I go, the harder it is to produce a good pano. One would think the opposite, due to reduced parallax errors. I think it is because one cannot reliably keep the heli locked in one spot for the few seconds required to pan the camera. I try to keep it no higher than 100 ft, where I can see and control it well. Maybe its time to get that Lasik surgery:)

Pat L