Full spherical panoramas

[Cussy]

For the last couple of months I have been experimenting with full spherical panoramas. I bought a cheap VR head for my camera from the states and as I have a fish-eye lens you can create a full 360 x 180 degree panorama using 8 photos in the horizontal plane, and shots looking directly up and a handheld one looking down.

So far I've done about 10. Only one is online at the moment:

QuickTime Videos

I'll post a few more later.

When I first wanted to do these I looked for a VR head and software and it was hundreds of pounds. I've done all of this for $90.

The underwater VR head is being constructed (an Ike housing wont fit on the head I have), so it shouldn't be too long before I start doing these underwater.
Rob

[Cussy]

Did this one at the same time as the one above:

QuickTime Videos

I then went all arty with this self portrait (Yes, I'm reading Alex Mustard's book!):

QuickTime Videos

For those that come to EMUP you will recognise this place:

QuickTime Videos

I then did a portrait for my bird and her kids (this has one very dodgy stitch):

QuickTime Videos

And the latest one was done of my little lad and his lego:

QuickTime Videos

As you might notice, getting full 180 degrees is very difficult and more often than not totally screws up the stitching. Doing 4 at 45 degrees up and 4 at 45 degrees down works quite well, but you get to see the panoramic head.

Just need to get it in the water now!!!

Rob

[Helen]

Very cool! Look forward to seeing the underwater results.

Helen

[KenByrne]

An interesting technique. It'll be very interesting to see your underwater shots. I'd guess there aren't many places you can set this up underwater.

[Cussy]

Originally Posted by KenByrne

An interesting technique. It'll be very interesting to see your underwater shots. I'd guess there aren't many places you can set this up underwater.

Fair point Ken. Obviously my first efforts will be Stoney. On the list is; inside the bus, inside the Stanegarth hold, on top of Stanegarth near shot line, and on 6m shelf half way between pub and sub. In the sea I can see a lot more limitations. My ultimate will be in the James Eagen Layne, in the Scylla would work as would at Cathedral Rock at St Abbs. Then I'm out of ideas. Walls wont work, flat reefs wont work.

I have tried to do a hand held one in the helicopter at Stoney and it just didn't work.
Rob

[simonmort]

I must admit, i loved looking throught the shots you`ve done rob, well done.
looking forward to the underwater ones!!
simon.