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Stereoscopy and 3D Photography Resources and Information

Stereoscopy, also known as stereo photography/videography or 3-D imaging, is a technique used to create three-dimensional images and video which create an illusion of depth. Traditional images and video, such as photographs and television, are presented in two-dimensional format, while stereoscopy enhances the images to show the illusion of depth by showing each eye a slightly different image.

To create 3D images, it's required that the photographer have two cameras, side by side or by using a stereo camera which has two or lenses built in each with their own separate image sensor or film frame. Stereo photography can also be obtained by horizontally shifting a single lens camera to obtain a second exposure, although it is slightly more difficult and non-synchronous. Some non-stereo cameras can be used to create a stereo photograph with the use of a beam splitter, which is an optical device that splits a beam of light in two. It attaches in place of the lens of the camera. There are also a variety of adaptors that can be placed on the front of a single-lens camera that can produce stereo images - an inexpensive and popular option is the "Loreo 3D Lens in a Cap"

Stereo cameras were popular in the 1950's but most are no longer manufactured. Some stereo cameras can still be found in specialty stores, but they are uncommon. There are actually two affordable modern stereo cameras recently manufactured by Fuji, the W1 and W3 models, which are digital P+S 3D and can be obtained for around $300 to $500, both of which also shoot 3D video. On the slightly more expensive end, you can purchase the 3D World TL120 which takes medium format film and creates stereo pair 6x6cm exposures. This setup includes a mounting station for post-processing and come in at around $1,500. The market in 3D camcorders are also becoming more popular and reaching the mainstream, but are still quite expensive, but pocket models are affordable at around the $200 range. (thanks Boris Starosta for this wonderful information!)

Note: This list is up to date as of , but many of these sites are old and some of the stores may no longer be operational. Contact them for more information. All sites have been reviewed and verified to be operational as noted in their descriptions.

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General 3D Information

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3D Hardware, Services and Stores

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3D Software

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Hologram Resources

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Holograms are recordings of 3-dimensional objects which are created/projected by a laser under controlled conditions. When holograms are properly illuminated, light waves are reproduced to look as if they originate from the actual object of the hologram. The great thing about holograms is that they are completely 3D and don't require 3D glasses, or any other type of optical equipment to view as opposed to anaglyphs and stereo pairs.

Stereo Pair and StereoView Resources

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Stereo pairs are sets of 2D images placed side-by-side which represent two slightly different perspectives of the same object in the photo. This is the same effect as someone would get when viewing an object through binoculars.

Stereo pairs can be viewed in 3D by a process called "free-viewing" such as parallel viewing and cross-eyed viewing. Here are some tips on viewing using binocular vision. Cross-eyed viewing works by making the left eye view the right image and the right eye view the left image. When not using a free-viewing method, stereo pairs can also be viewed using special equipment such as a stereoscope.

Anaglyph Resources

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If you've ever gone to the theater to watch the latest movie in 3D, you know what an anaglyph is. Anaglyphs provide a stereoscopic 3D effect when viewed with specially designed "red-blue" anaglyph glasses. Anaglyph glasses have one red lens and one blue or cyan lens. The red lens tricks the eye into seeing red parts of the image as white and the blue parts as black while the blue lens does the exact opposite. The brain will fuse these images into a 3D scene.

Anaglyphs are created using two images from the right and left eye perspectives, just like the stereo pairs mentioned above. Both images are of different color layers and superimposed on top of each other slightly offset. Older methods of creating anaglyphs required printing of these images through colored filters; one in red and the other using either blue, green or cyan. The same effect can now be created using modern photo editing computer software.

View-Master and Tru-Vue Related Resources

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The View-Master is a device which many remember as a childhood toy, but it was originally created as an update to the Stereoscope for viewing stereo images. The user would place a round Tru-View film strip disc which could be advanced by pushing down the lever on the side of the View-Master. Each disc would contain 7 pairs of images which are viewed simultaneously, creating a 3D effect.

Up until 1966, the View-Master was sold in various photography shops, stationary stores and gift shops as alternatives to postcards. The discs usually contained images of scenic tourist destinations. When the company was acquired in 1966 by the General Aniline & Film Corporation, the disks featured less scenic images and more images of toys and cartoons. This led to the eventual purchase of the line by Ideal Toy Company and down the line to Tyco Toys, Mattel and then Fisher-Price.

3D Stereogram and SIRD (Single Image Random Dot Stereograms) Related Resources

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3D Stereograms are optical illusions created from flat, 2D images. They are commonly known by the general public as Magic Eye illusions, which are technically classified as autostereograms. These images are viewed by using either a wall-eyed or cross-eyed viewing method, eventually revealing a hidden 3D image.

Local 3D Photography Societies/Clubs/Organizations

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Yahoo Groups - Email Lists and Communities

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