Quicktime VR Technical Information
Processing
The older photographic panoramas were generated from a series of 18 images shot with Apple's QuickTake 200 digital camera using a Kaidan 360 degree mount. For more information on mounts for 360 degree photography, visit Kaidan. The reason for using such a mount is that it permits one to shoot multiple images at precise intervals (i.e., every 15 degrees) through a circle. Another huge benefit is that it provides the capability to do very precise leveling, a feature that is absolutely critical to QTVR photography.
The images were reduced to 320 pixels x 240 pixels before processing with Apple's QuickTime VR Authoring Studio. This software is still available from the Apple store but has not as yet been upgraded for OS X. (Alternative software for stitching 360-degree panoramas is available from other vendors but I have no personal experience with these products.)
The QTVR movie obtained from the above process was compressed using the Cinepak codec at a 50% quality level with a color depth of millions. There are multiple compression codecs available through Quicktime and you will have to experiment to determine that which is most appropriate for your needs.
The Apple QuickTake cameras used to generate the above panoramas haven't been available for years and there are vastly superior digital cameras available today. Check out the Canon Powershot. If you're serious about digital photography, take a look at Adorama Photography for equipment. (I was looking for the Canon S40 but the salesman advised me of the availability of the newer S45. He didn't have to do that and he would have made the same money. I recommend Adorama highly. The prices are excellent and they deliver when they promise.)
References:
Kaidan camera mountsCanon digital cameras
Adorama Photography
Surrealism
The surreal panoramas were generated with Bryce 3D (version 3.0). In addition to creating 360 degree images, it also has the capability to create 3D animations. This software was originally distributed by Metacreations but has changed hands multiple times and it's anyone's guess who owns it now. When last seen, versions were available for Apple and Windows platforms.
Resources
The panoramas that combine photographs with surreal images were generated with Bryce 3D, Adobe Photoshop and Apple QuickTime VR Authoring Studio.
References:
Bryce 3DAdobe Photoshop
Apple QuickTime VR Authoring Studio
