Developed in cooperation
with veteran cinematographer B. Sean
Fairburn, the new Fairburn 3D has been
designed for precise setup and post
processing with a range of 3D camera
systems. |
Some of the
featured tools include:
Horizontal and vertical alignment (white cross
through middle and small crosses)
Focus fans in corners (maximum contrast for ease
of viewing even in low light)
Zoom ring (to see zoom disparity
between cameras focal length) line 5 pixels wide
Keystone correction (colored balls and white rings
in corners)
Horizontal scale in cm and inches (to see exact IO
offset at parallel)
Mini gray scale at bottom steps 1, 6, 11 with DSC
true black background
18% gray scale chips (at top of chart on RT and
LT)
ChromaDuMonde color reference in hexagon shape,
matches vector scope orientation
RIGHT and LEFT words on white lines used as
orientation detectors
Arrows up and right also used as orientation
detectors
Red R and Blue L to show color and eye reference
(Red Right eye-Blue Left eye)
RED R show image flip or flop orientation
RGB & CMY have been added at highest printable
value
Focus fans at the center are for zoomed in focus
aides
Scale on far R & L to measure horizontal and
rotational offset
Center cross
3D Test
Chart Procedures:
Camera Set-up Procedure:
Ask six DPs or camera operators how
to align a camera and you will get nine different
answers; for this reason, the following is provided
for guidance only.
The Fundamentals:
1. Lenses - because there can be
significant differences, even in the same make and
model, lenses should be selected to be as identical
as possible. Lenses should attach to the cameras
snugly, without any wobble, changing focus and
zooming should be smooth.
2. Light your Fairburn 3-D chart,
ideally on a CamStand for maximum adjustability,
typically using two lamps at 45°. Center the chart
in the viewfinder and adjust to eliminate any
keystoning, i.e. the lens distance to the right and
left sides of the chart must be the same, similarly
match the top and bottom.
3. Set camera back focus, using a
FiddleHeads chart for maximum accuracy. Next, use
the Fairburn to check camera/lens tracking. Then,
zoom to full width and accurately center the chart
in the viewfinder. Noting the position of the black
cross in the center of the chart, zoom in and out;
the central cross should remain in the same position
in the viewfinder. Similarly, change lens focus and
note any shift in position of the image. If there is
more than a minor deviation, the camera lens
combination should be sent for alignment to a lens
technician. Use this same procedure for other
cameras used in the production. Once "Married", the
lens and camera should not be separated. Similarly,
rods, motors, lens brackets etc. should all be
accurately adjusted and kept together
4. Now align the 3-D rig by leveling
and zeroing all camera support elements from the
tripod up. Attach the matched cameras to the rig, if
not already mounted. On rigs using mirrors, adjust
cameras so that they are the same distance to the
reflective surface.
5. Using the Fairburn chart and
controls on the rig (these will change substantially
depending on the rig design), align the cameras so
that they are seeing identical images. If using a
beamsplitter mirror, overlaying the two cameras
images on a monitor is very helpful.
6. Still using the Fairburn, adjust
levels and color matrices to produce the desired
image quality (accurate reproduction or a special
look). Color settings can be saved as LUTs or Scene
Files. The cameras should now match precisely:
horizontally, vertically, rotationally and for size
and color reproduction.
7. Also check Genlock and shutter
sync - using the same length cables between cameras,
recorders, switchers and monitors can be important.
We will not discuss the many
iterations and layouts for 3-D camera rigs, nor the
different editing programs, except to suggest a few
useful conventions.
A small flashlight with a bare
bulb can be very useful in adjusting convergence.
Moving this light source in front of the chart at a
set distance enables convergence to be set with
precision. DSC has developed a small illuminated
source, adjustable to set distances, to make this
task easier.
Shoot a few frames of the 3-D
chart frequently during production - these reference
frames can be invaluable in identifying which camera
is which in Post and in confirming color and
exposure matching.
As you find other useful ways to use
your Fairburn or other DSC test targets, please send
them to us along with pictures - and be recognized
in the popular "Tech tips" section of DSCs website.
Still Not Sold on It?
Try it for yourself. Take the images
below and utilizing your own software see if you can
make the two cameras match up. (Ex. Set images to
50% opacity in Photoshop and overlay)
CAMERA 1
CAMERA 2
