Peace River Studios: 3Sixty

For QuickTime(r) VR Photography
patent pending

click for larger image

This indexing panoramic mount is designed to simplify photographic recording for QuickTime VR. It is compatible with most standard 35 mm SLR film and digital still cameras using a rectilinear wide angle lens for overlapping coverage of 360 degree scenes. It enables the user to take accurately aligned panoramic sequences with precise intervals between photos. The 3Sixty uses a shifting mechanism that allows you to switch between indexing discs. The indexing discs are in increments of 12 & 18. A unique indented indexing mechanism allows the camera to rotate more easily in one direction than the other to reduce the possibility of shooting images out of sequence. A clutch lever gives you the option of rotating the camera freely with respect to a dial allowing you to shoot at virtually any interval.

Multi-Row Attachment
available for 3Sixty

The 3Sixty is adjustable so that the axis of rotation will pass through the optical center of the lens. The mount has an accurate level to assure that full panoramic sequences will be recorded in true horizontal orientation, assuring that photographs line up when frames are stitched together with Apple's QuickTime¬ VR Authoring Tools Suite.

For panoramic scenes with less vertical information the camera can be oriented horizontally to record using fewer frames. This horizontal position also allows the unit to fit more conveniently into your camera case. The 3Sixty weighs 2.5 pounds and is shipped with tools, spare lubricant and instructions.

This device includes an accurate level to assure that full panoramic sequences will be recorded in true horizontal orientation. A clutch lever gives you the option of rotating the camera freely with respect to a dial allowing you to shoot at virtually any interval.

photo by: David Fitzsimmons

Accepts most cameras
Mounts on most standard tripods
Standard indexing intervals of 20 and 30 degrees, additional indexing disks available
Asymmetric rotation prevents the user from backing up and shooting out of sequence
Trigger-clutch allows free motion in either direction and manual angle settings
Mount Adjusts to photograph in portrait or landscape orientation, and also to photograph stero image pairs
Bull's eye level
Rugged mount, made from black anodized aluminum with Teflon coating to assure smooth action of the moving parts
Folds to fit easily in your camera case

3Sixty Specifications

Weight: 2.5 lbs.

Size: 10 inches x 7 inches x 4 inches

Tripod mount holes: 3/8-16 & 1/4-20

Camera mount screw: 1/4-20

Indexing discs: 12,18 increnents

Reviews of the 3Sixty

Armchair Travel has captured over 1,000 QuickTime VR panoramas using Peace RiverÍs 3Sixty panoramic head. We have found the unit to be rugged, professional, and easily adjustable in the field. We highly recommend this unit to anyone interested in QuickTime VR photography.

William Donelson, Director,
Armchair Travel Co Ltd., London
http://www.armchair-travel.com

WGBH relies on the Peace River Studios'3Sixtycamera mount to photograph panoramas in such demanding locations as the pyramids of Giza and Mount Everest. It's lightweight, portable and extremely durable. We plan to use it on many upcoming productions including on location in the Galapagos and Easter Island."

Annie Valva, Director of Technology, Interactive Media,
WGBH Educational Foundation,
http://www.pbs.org/nova/pyramid/explore/khufuenter.html

The 3Sixty is the best designed, sturdy and productive kit available for professional QTVR production on the market today.

Curt Nash,
Nashmedia Interactive,

The 3Sixty is out of stock, we have an improved, lighter, stronger 3Sixty in development.

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