Virtual Tours - what do I need to go with D70?

[s a m]

Hi,

I'd like to make some virtual tours, ipix sort of thing.

Apologies if this same question has been asked before.

I have a D70 already. I assume I need some sort of special fish eye 180deg lens and a extra bit for a tripod... any tips on where I can buy a kit to do the job? Nothing too fancy, but suitable for making the shots and the software to make a web-ready tour image (with the up/down/left/right/in/out stuff).

Many Thanks,
Sam

[sdws]

A while since I did any but QuickTime VR was the software, I suspect most panorama stitchers will handle them now but don't know for sure. Focal length can be set in the software so lens length is variable, personally I would not use an extreme wide angle due to image edge distortion. Manfrotto make a tripod head that can be set to step and repeat at various settings to allow accurate framing (can't remember model number and mine is not in the same location as me at the moment).

[_dobbo_]

For full 360 degree stuff see here:

www.360precision.com/360/360.cfm

I have the vague recollection this chap is a PH'er but could be wrong. In any case, it's not for the hobbyist as I believe the pano tripod heads run into the hundreds of pounds.

[s a m]

I'm in two minds about the edges to be honest... I think the wrapped look adds to the effect of being a virtual image that you can "look around". I think when its just a 360deg shot of multiple photos taken one after the other it looses that, and may as well be a video.

I think IPIX ones are great, but I'm not putting their JAVA viewer anywhere near any of our web sites.

[s a m]

_dobbo_ said:

For full 360 degree stuff see here:

www.360precision.com/360/360.cfm

I have the vague recollection this chap is a PH'er but could be wrong. In any case, it's not for the hobbyist as I believe the pano tripod heads run into the hundreds of pounds.

Thanks, examples look awesome. I've made some enquiries about this kit and got some prices, looks like its about £1.4k for the head, plus lens, plus software.

[S a m]

Thanks for the tip _dobbo_, I've just ordered my 360Precision - many thanks to Matthew for the help and advice.

Looking forward to making some tours

Edited by S a m on Tuesday 29th May 10:57

[_dobbo_]

Do share them with us when you've got some to show off!