Stereoscopic 3D Rigs

Stereoscopic 3D Rigs

There are two types of stereoscopic 3D rig that are used to mount identical cameras for stereoscopic 3D capturing. These are known as the "Mirror" or "Beam-Splitter" rig and the "Side-by-Side" rig.

Side-by-Side

This is the simplest stereoscopic 3D rig that is used for modern stereoscopic 3D capture. The rigs come with adapters that enable you to mount a variety of cameras or camcorders on to them and you can manipulate the interoccular distance manually or using lens motors. You can also choose to set the rig up in a parallel or converged configuration with a high degree of accuracy. The only drawback of this type of rigs that you won't be able to get small interoccular distances due to the side of the camera and/or lenses.

Mirror or Beam-Splitter Rig

This type of rig uses a 50/50 split mirror to allow two camera lenses to capture footage as if they are inside each other and create minute interoccular distances. These are used for most close up shots and lower depth budget scenes. As with side-by-side rigs you can adjust the interoccular distance manually or with a lens motor. The main drawback of using a mirror rig, is that 50% of the light is lost when capturing footage. It is also harder to accurately shoot converged footage due to the small interoccular distances. They are also larger, heavier and more delicate then side-by-side rigs.

Other Rig Hardware

A range of other hardware is needed to construct a fully functioning 3D rig. This depends heavily on the type of cameras or camcorders used to capture stereoscopic 3D content. The combination of hardware needs to be able to:

 - Work out the distance of actors or props
 - Synchronise the zoom, focus and recording of both cameras or camcorders
 - Externally store footage
 - Multiplex footage for live monitoring and depth checking

We have a range of stereoscopic 3d rigs and hardware solutions we recommend depending on a combination of your chosen cameras, camcorders, lenses and project. To find out more or arrange a demonstration of any of our solutions or technology please email, phone or fill in an enquiry form and one of our consulting team will be in touch. If you would like to find out about our studio please click on the link in the footer or on the home page.