First 3D Feature completed with Z1

[Andrew Parke]

I just completed photographing the first 3D feature for theatrical release with stereo Z1's. We developed a custom lightweight hand-holdable stereo camera rig called the "HD3cam." It has variable interaxial and convergence. We synchronized the cameras scan rates and locked them with an external timecode generator. Focus was synchronized and a full range of focal lengths was available to us from wide to telephoto. We used the 50i HDV mode.

 

We were able to shoot with the ease and speed of a 2D 35mm film production. Our goal was to produce a great 3D film that would play equally well in contemporary 2D exhibition. All of this was done on a micro-indie budget.

 

 

For more information:

http://d3.com/news.html

 

Production stills:

http://d3.com/undead.html

[Peter J DeCrescenzo]

... We synchronized the cameras scan rates and locked them with an external timecode generator.  ...

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Looks like fun, Andrew.

 

Question: I believe external synch & timecode input are not standard features on the Z1 (although I might be mistaken about that). I'm curious how that was implemented? Any info appreciated.

 

All the best,

 

- Peter DeCrescenzo

[Michael Morlan]

Andrew,

 

That is freekin' cool! I look forward to seeing some paired camera stills so I can cross my eyes!

 

I presume the double camera rig had complete control over focus point convergence and such. Did you generally set the image planes at a typical human eye distance or did you play with that?