Quick guide to Stereoscopic 3D

"Stereoscopy"  from greek: stereo=solid - skopein=view

The human binocular vision includes three phenomena:

• The first one is  simultaneous perception through which our eyes, with a distance of 65mm between them, are able to see simultaneously the same object and to observe two slightly different images
• The second one is  fusion, when the brain creates a single vision through the superimposition of the two images
• The third one is  stereopsis, when the brain elaborates this single vision with information about depth and location in space of the seen object.

Stereoscopic shooting

The stereoscopic shooting technique reproduces the first two phenomena in order to create the visual representation to lead the observer to the third phenomena

The  simultaneous perception is re-produced by two synchronized cameras, placed at a given angle-shot and interaxial distance, which shoot the same object simultaneously.

The  fusion is re-created in post-production. The two points of view, right eye - left eye, are digitally turned in a single stereoscopic image.

The  stereopsis is obtained during the vision, when the stereoscopic image is re-elaborated by the brain that turns it into the perception of spatial depth.

In the first two phases, the variables necessary to obtain a correct and efficient stereoscopic image are numerous and complex. The image obtained without considering these variable are perceived by the brain as incorrect and provide the audience with unpleasant sensations such as, in the worst cases, strong headache and nausea. Only technical knowledge, experience and creativity can achieve strong emotional impact results avoiding discomfort to the audience.

Movies, television, dramas & advertising in stereoscopic 3D-HD

For film, advertising and television drama production in 3D, we are able to offer the full compatibility of our systems with any camera (including digital). Through the use of the MCU 3D, we can dramatically reduce the need for technological equipment and manpower on the set. The technologies of the MCU 3D allow us to provide the innovative services of Video Assist and Pre-Edit in 3D-HD format, in addition to the control of all the motors present on the rigs. The image is shown on three 46” displays in 3D-HD, with one devoted exclusively to Video Assist function placed anywhere in the set. %p

3D-HD Stereoscopic Technology

DBW COMMUNICATION has acquired, designed, and built some of the best systems for 3D- HD stereoscopic shooting currently in use.

Side by side rigs

The shooting method called “side by side rig” works with two cameras that are next to each other. The main advantage comes with the weight and small size of the rigs. The main limitation is the positioning of cameras; the minimum interaxial distance is determined by the maximum spatial proximity achievable by placing the two cameras one next to the other. With standard cameras, the minimum distance is greater than the interaxial distance needed for shooting close subjects and that makes the use of this method suitable for the shooting of distant subjects.

Mirror rigs

When the use of a “side by side” method is not possible due to its limitations, a mirror rig configuration is the solution. This is where two camaras are placed with an angle of 90° between the optical axes. This allows a reduction in the interaxial distance up to the result of perfectly overlapping images, making possible the shooting of very close subjects. The use of very small, special mirror rigs (Micro Mirror Rigs) allows the application of this technology to Steadycams and for the realization of "shoulder camera".