Photokina Neuigkeiten
At this year's photokina we are once again presenting some very interesting news and innovations from our entire product range.
Roundshot VR Drive - from a VR panorama head to a complete workflow solution
At Photokina 2010 we introduced the new Generation 2 VR Drive, a revolutionary new design with touch screen, very powerful motors and super precise positioning. The new VR Drive contains a variety of different software modes, each designed for a specific task. Since its launch in the summer of 2011, the new VR Drive has become extremely popular among VR professionals around the world.
Over the last 12 months we have improved various small hardware details and significantly expanded the VR Drive software. What is particularly important: We now offer a comprehensive workflow solution, from precise image capture with the VR Drive to stitching and panorama output. This is thanks to the VR Drive xml file, which defines each image position very precisely for AutoPano or PTGUI stitching software. This helps enormously for images without natural tie points (for example when stitching together a uniform blue sky.
Roundshot VR Drive HDR mode - 32-bit HDRs made simple
Our Roundshot VR Drive is the only automated VR head on the market with integrated camera control. We use this feature to override the camera software for direct exposure control. With the new HDR mode, the VR Drive can create flexible bracketing series with any number of images and bracketing steps. In other words - no limitations - an unlimited dynamic range!
This not only enables the bracketing series to be recorded very quickly (usually around 3-5 minutes), but also very easy to use, as all parameters of the HDR sequence (exposure time, number of images, bracketing steps, ISO/ASA) are directly included recorded by the VR Drive software. The HDR program remains saved and can be easily changed in just a few clicks.
Stitching and mixing complex HDR bracketing series can be very time consuming and difficult. That's why we went one step further and developed a new VR Drive plug-in for Auto-Pano Stitching software. Together with the experts at KOLOR, we have designed a drastically simplified HDR workflow. The plug-in works together with the VR Drive xml file and detects the bracketing sequence and correct stitching level. Then it sets all parameters for mixing the 32-bit HDR automatically. With just a few simple clicks, the photographer can get the finished 32-bit HDR image without any errors... 32-bit HDRs made easy!
New VR Drive linear rail
With the new linear rail, VR Drive photographers can now create controlled linear movements for time lapses. The y motor controls linear motion, while the VR Drive x motor (with touch screen) creates rotary motion of up to 360° (or more). Move the VR Drive quickly or very, very slowly - depending on the scene and the desired effect.
Capture motion with the new VR Drive Time Lapse mode
For this Photokina we are introducing the new VR Drive time-lapse mode. It works either with the new linear rail or with a normal VR drive for 360° movements. Images can be triggered every few millimeters, seconds or degree angles. Any movements in the x/y direction can be entered using the VR Drive touchscreen software.
Owners of a Roundshot VR Drive with video mode will receive a free time-lapse upgrade after Photokina.
New D3 capture software - now with expanded HDR bracketing and new options
For those customers who often record bracketing series for HDR, we have expanded our D3 software with a new, very powerful bracketing program. The software allows the use of all exposure options, i.e. TDI levels and exposure times, in order to automatically calculate a bracketing table. These bracketing steps are carried out automatically by the program.
A number of other improvements are included in the new software, which has undergone a comprehensive graphics facelift since last year.
Roundshot D3 for turntable scans
Do you want to scan the surface of a cylindrical object? For example, a cartridge, a cup or even a tire?
This is now possible with the Roundshot D3 in turntable mode. We have created a special turntable structure for easy positioning and high recording precision. Multiple macro tubes are added to the lens for macro photography. The software calculates the required macrotubes and the exact position on the bench. The new turntable mode is used in museum photography (for documenting art objects) as well as in forensics projects.
Roundshot Livecam - new multi-media platform
Our Roundshot Livecam is not just a webcam, but much more! With our new Livecam website we show high-quality panoramas in massive resolution of up to 66 million pixels, directly in full-screen display! This is possible thanks to our new web technology. The images are also available in a special iPhone, iPad and Android app, in the new Livecam screen saver, which loads the last available image in full display, as well as in a local network and as a TV broadcast. No limits for multimedia!
Download the Livecam screensaver (PC version) and enjoy the live panoramas as full images! These are provided by our network of panoramic cameras from Switzerland, France and Austria: