3D Film Factory Introduces New Motorized 3D Bullet Camera Rig

Just got an email from Karl Kozak, owner of 3D Film Factory of San Diego and they have a new version of their 3D Bullet Rig that now brings in motorization. As an aspiring 3D filmmaker myself with Phobia Films, I thought that this press release would be of interest to many looking for a budget native 3D rig. Have a look (emphasis is mine):

3D Film Factory Introduces New Motorized 3D Bullet Camera Rig To Adjust Inter-Occular and Convergence Remotely

Hollywood, CA – The latest version of the 3D Bullet Rig now offers complete remote control (motorization) of the Inter-occular and convergence settings.  The newest Bullet Rig is now the most affordable, motorized 3D system available.

This latest version utilizes small Heden or Presten servo motors to remotely control BOTH the inter-occular (0”-3.5”) and convergence (0°-3°) remotely.  Of course, manual control is still an option was well.

"We’ve used the rig on a five month 3D feature.  It’s India’s most ambitious 3D project to date and stars some of their biggest stars.  We shot with two Epics", said veteran stereographer Keith Driver.  "The crew was initially on a larger much more expensive system, but believe it or not, it moved too slow, cost a fortune.  They weren’t getting the set-ups.  They switched to the Bullet Rig and the set-ups were almost doubled.  It’s a fast, light rig.  Because it’s inexpensive, some stereographers dismiss it - because they’ve never used it."

Priced at a fraction of other professional 3D rigs (under $7K), this compact beam-splitter rig is the most affordable, professional solution for location, reality, or feature 3D filmmaking.  Its’ list of features surpasses that of other more expensive rigs.  The Bullet rig incorporates a solid rail system that supports greater weight loads.  The rig also features adjustable handles, shoulder mount, tripod mount and works seamlessly with  EasyRig, Steadicam, or just handheld.

Weighing approx. 15 lbs. (5.8 kgs.) the Bullet Rig accommodates the Red Epic, Canon DSLR 5D, 7D, XF105, XF305, Sony F3, EX3’s, HDCP1, X5U, Z1U, Panasonic AF100, HPX250, Blackmagic, and many other professional HD cameras.

About the 3D Film Factory
Established in 2008 by award-winning filmmakers and veteran stereographers, the 3D Film Factory has been the worldwide leader in professional, affordable 3D camera rigs and real-time 3D monitoring solutions.  In addition we provide a host of 3D production services worldwide including, stereographers ‘for hire’, 3D camera rig rental, 3D viewing systems, and 3D post, as well as intensive 3D training workshops.  Former clients include ESPN, NASA, Disney, HD Cinema, Pinewood Studios and Discovery.   For more information visit www.3DFilmFactory.com

Affordable New S3D Camera Rig Hits Market - 3D Film Factory's 3D Bullet Rig

Some interesting press from 3D Film Factory today - a relatively affordable 3D setup ideal for you independent stereo filmmakers out there! Here's the release:

3D Film Factory Introduces an All-New, Handheld 3D Rig Designed To Capture Incredible, Accurate Stereoscopic Images on the Move

Hollywood, CA – 3D Film Factory, the leader in professional, affordable 3D camera rigs, introduces the World’s lightest, most affordable, handheld 3D rig - the 3D Bullet Rig. Ready to “Load & Shoot”, this versatile 3D system is literally unshakable for handheld or steadicam filming, as well as studio productions.

This compact, modular beam-splitter rig is the perfect solution for location, reality, or action 3D filmmaking.

“The 3D Bullet Rig is going to take 3D production to a whole new level. I love this rig. It’s incredibly light, rock steady and most of all – it’s really easy to shoot with from your shoulder, or tripod. This rig is a 3D filmmakers dream, very versatile“, said the company’s veteran stereographer Keith Driver. “Most 3D rigs are bulky, expensive and worst of all - tripod bound. They require a crew to operate. We’ve shot 3D projects in Africa, the Middle East, Hollywood soundstages, you name it we’ve done it in 3D. And we realized we needed a more mobile 3D rig. A 3D rig you could just pick up and shoot with. This is the 3D Bullet Rig.”

The 3D Bullet Rig makes handheld 3D filming effortless and smooth by transferring the weight to your waist and shoulder. Each 3D rig includes a spring-loaded suspension rod, comfortable weight displacement belt and adjustable, padded shoulder mount. The result is hours of mobile, handheld 3D filming capability. In addition, the rig features detachable rubber hand grips for easy manoeuvring and a standard tripod mounting plate (¼-20 and ⅜-16 holes).

Weighing approx. 13 lbs. (5.8 kgs.) the steady 3D Bullet Rig accommodates the Canon DSLR 5D, 7D, 60D, XF105, XF305, XH-G1, Sony F3, EX3’s, HDCP1, X5U, Z1U, Panasonic AF100, HVX200, HC 1500, HC 1800 and many other professional HD cameras.

The rig also features custom camera mounts that easily lock and load cameras into place using a standard quick-release plate from Bogen/Manfrotto. The horizontal camera mount offers IO (inter-ocular) adjustability from 0” – 3.5” (0 - 89 mm) and simple convergence movement from 0°-3°. Both functions are easily controlled using smooth, accurate finger knobs, with calibration markings. The vertical camera mount adjusts for perfect stereoscopic picture alignment by elevating and performing full x-y-z rotation (yaw, roll, tilt).

The light-weight, mirror box housing is constructed using space-age foam core plastic that’s durable, corrosion-free and substantially cooler than a metal matte box. This ensures your beam-splitter glass with its expensive coatings will stay cool on hot days. The rig itself is hand-milled employing a nearly indestructible aluminium alloy frame.

Perfect for traveling light, the entire 3D Bullet Rig is ingenuously designed to set-up and break down in a matter of minutes, packing into a small, water-tight pelican case.

As a bonus, the horizontal rail easily detaches, along with the camera mounts, transforming into a side-by-side rig 3D for wide and landscape stereography.

Our opti-prime, 50/50 beam-splitter glass is optimized to meet the demands of 3D filmmaking. See specs. Within the matte box, a simple adjustment tool allows stereographers to fine tune the glass angle from between 43° to 47°.

The outcome is simply the world’s most affordable, professional handheld 3D rig.

It should be noted that using our simple Lanc system camera operators can now synch start/stop, focus, alignment, lens shift and many other vital functions thru both cameras or individually.

The 3D Film Factory offers a complete line of 3D beam-splitter rigs intended for HD camcorders, as well as larger ENG and broadcast style camera. In addition, we offer several inexpensive side-by-side rigs and real-time 3D viewing solutions. To learn more about 3D camera rigs, 3D viewing systems, 3D production services, or 3D training workshops visit – www.3DFilmFactory.com

About the 3D Film Factory
Established by award-winning filmmakers and veteran stereographers, the 3D Film Factory is the worldwide leader in professional, affordable 3D camera rigs and real-time 3D monitoring solutions. In addition we provide a host of 3D production services worldwide including, stereographers ‘for hire’, 3D camera rig rental, 3D viewing systems, and 3D post, as well as intensive 3D training workshops. Former clients include ESPN, NASA, Disney, HD Cinema, Pinewood Studios and Discovery. For more information visit www.3DFilmFactory.com

The price for this setup with all included (save for the cameras!) is $4,895. I love to see cheaper solutions on the market that can still do a half decent job - I'll continue to post any such finds for you.

3D Geek Alert: Hackers Take Aim At Bringing S3D To The Panasonic GH1 !

Oh man, I hope these guys succeed! Would love to set up one of these rigs myself as I plan on getting into independent S3D filmmaking in the near future.

So what are they doing exactly? Beampath3D is using two Panasonic Lumix GH1's (a micro 4:3 system) in a beam splitter rig and they are currently trying to achieve constant, reliable and perfect syncs. Further, they have taken their work and have pinged the genius hackers over on dvxuser for collaboration, so I expect something to break sometime soon on the sync issues.

Says David Cole of Beampath3D: "This is not our first rodeo with DSLR 3D rigs. In fact, our first rig was 5D MII-based. We failed to achieve adequate sync with the 5D's and all hope that the Magic Lantern firmware enhancement would come to our rescue has faded. But, there is good cause to be optimistic about the GH1. Most importantly, the GH13 firmware has opened up a world of possibility in image quality and customization of camera functionality to enhance 3D. Secondly, even with our current setup, it does work... sometimes."

Some of you may recall that a user by the name of "Tester 13" hacked into the Lumix GH1 and opened a pandora's box of options for the cool Micro 4:3 system. How about 50Mbps MJPEG @ 1080p (while the off-the-shelf camera is governed to 720p)? And you can shoot very very well in AVCHD too.

Check out this footage from a hacked GH1 (now affectionately dubbed "GH13" after Tester 13) - click HD and go full screen for the best viewing:



Keep in mind the Lumix GH1 is only a $1149 camera! You can't beat that value today in my books.

Here is the breakdown of exactly what equipment Beampath3D is using in case you want to chime in:
1. 2X GH1’s with the GH13 hack.
2. 2X SanDisk Extreme 16GB cards.
3. 2X Olympus 9-18mm lenses (among other lenses).
4. 3D Film Factory Mirrorbox (aka beamsplitter). We’re using the INDIE RIG, but the 3D-BS MINI RIG would be ideally suited to the GH1.
5. Peter Wimmer’s free 3D Camera Sync Tester software running on a PC with an old-style CRT display.
6. Dual-trace oscilloscope. Just about any dual-trace scope will work, but we’re using a Hantek DSO-2150 USB-based scope. They are cheap and effective.
7. Breakout cables for the Mic/Remote jack.
8. Breakout cables for the AV Out/Digital jack. We cut the computer-plug ends off of two spare GH1 USB cables.
9. Twinned shutter-release remote switch, which places the appropriate resistance value to toggle recording onto the remote pins of each GH1 simultaneously.
10. Twin power control. This is the heart of our attempt to sync the GH1s and it MAY be destructive to the cameras (however we’ve been at this for two months and have yet to have a single hiccup). We’re eternally switching the external power input to both cameras, while leaving the cameral power switches in the ON position. A diagram of our simple power control is available.

All of this makes for some pretty cool 3D hacking and a great 3D Geek Alert. Can't wait to see their results! Perhaps even adopt their set up myself - at least until the RED Scarlet comes on stream anyway :-) More info when I get it!

New Stereoscopic 3D Training Program in Los Angeles

Here is an interesting course being made available for stereoscopic 3D training. Have a look if you are interested in picking up some fundamentals...

Press Release:
3D Film Factory, a leading manufacturer of professional, affordable 3D camera systems, is now offering hands-on, comprehensive programs aimed at educating and training stereographers, cinematographers and production professionals in 3D filmmaking. For years the company’s team of in-house, veteran stereographers have been on the forefront of 3D production, shooting 3D projects and training select clients worldwide. Now with the industry on the rise, they’re making their expertise, experience and 3D secrets available to those who are eager to learn.

“Most of our stereographers have spent the last few years filming, producing and teaching 3D to a wide host of clients worldwide“, said company president Karl Kozak. “This is the next step, creating an affordable, intensive, hands-on 3D training program for veteran cinematographers and first-time filmmakers alike. This is the ’how to’ for anyone hungry to learn the secrets of 3D filmmaking, the right way.”

This intensive 2-day introductory course covers the following topics: 3D pre-production & prep, choosing the right gear & support, camera & 3D rig calibration, genlock issues, creating balanced 3D images, 3D filming guidelines, adjusting intraocular & convergence, shooting ratios, professional 3D vs. amateur 3D, filming with beam-splitter rigs & side-by-side rigs, realtime 3D monitoring techniques, lighting for 3D, post production methods & short-cuts, 3D exhibition formats and much more.

“The goal here is to demystify the whole 3D process and simplify 3D filmmaking, starting with the fundamentals through more advanced techniques“, said the company’s lead stereographer Keith Driver. “We’re teaching 3D from inception, through production, post and even exhibition. You’re going to learn what’s taken us years of 3D production to gleam - how to create balanced, brilliant 3D images, that maintain viewer comfort and serve the story.”

This is not merely a seminar or lecture. Participants will spend 2 full days of hands-on shooting and editing in 3D under the direction of a highly-trained, veteran stereographer. The program is designed to accommodate both the complete novice, to those professionals with previous 3D filmmaking experience looking to learn more or fine tune their existing skills. Teaching stereographers understand that some participants may have pending 3D projects, therefore they welcome all questions, individual concerns and unique situations.

Furthermore, participants should keep in mind that 3D filmmaking is not an exact science, but rather an evolutionary process, with fluid rules and varying outcomes. Complete 3D camera rigs, realtime monitors, and editing equipment will be provided by the company on site.

The first such training session will be held July 10 & 11th, 2010, in Hollywood, California. For complete program information, locations, pricing, availability and registration please email info@3DFilmFactory.com.

About the 3D Film Factory
Based in sunny San Diego, California, the 3D Film Factory is a 3D equipment manufacturer AND a full-service 3D production house. More specifically, the company specializes in the design and marketing of production-ready, affordable stereoscopic 3D camera systems and real-time 3D viewing systems, as well as, a wide variety of 3D production services for clients, from ‘stereographers for hire’, to hands-on 3D training, to complete 3D productions through post and exhibition.

To learn more about the 3D Film Factory’s production services, training, or stereoscopic 3D camera rigs visit www.3DFilmFactory.com

Pricing is $1,295 for the 2-days. 3D Film Factory is giving discounts for those who have purchased 3D camera rigs from them as well.

3D Film Factory's New Affordable 3D Beam-Splitter!!

Jim here. I thought I would give you a heads up that 3DFilmFactory has just released an affordable 3D beam-splitter that allows filmmakers to turn to 3D for less money. Very cool design and lots of support for today's smaller 3D cameras. Have a look!

Click photos to enlarge.

Here is their press release: 3D Film Factory has released the World’s most affordable 3D camera system for professional camcorders, compact HD cameras and DSLR cameras – the 3D-BS Mini Rig. This lightweight, precise, stereoscopic beam-splitter rig features an introductory retail price of just $2,495, while providing, almost unlimited camera and alignment control. Developed by award-winning filmmakers and veteran stereographers, the BS Mini rig offers a viable alternative to high-priced 3D rigs costing ten times as much.

“Our goal is to proliferate 3D production by making it accessible. In the real world that means making professional 3D systems that filmmakers can actually afford. The 3D-BS Mini Rig is our answer to that need“, said company president Karl Kozak. “Other rig manufacturers are making behemoth, expensive, overly complicated rigs. We went the other way. Creating the World’s least expensive, professional beam-splitter. It’s simple and small, and made for the Si-2K mini, Canon 5D, 7D, Red’s Scarlet and compact camcorders. We couldn’t be happier with the result.”

The 3D-BS Mini Rig (beam-splitter) is fully adjustable, allowing users to have total control over convergence settings (1° to 5°), inter-ocular (camera-to-camera) distances (0” to 4”) and, with an extra adapter, you get full camera tilt and roll (XYZ axis), for perfect alignment.

Boasting a weight of just 19.8 lbs, its black anodized aluminum frame is virtually indestructible. Designed to accommodate smaller professional camcorders, like the Canon XH-G1 or Sony EX3, it really shines with compact HD cameras, including Red’s Scarlet, the Si-2K mini and the Canon DSLR 5D and 7D still cameras.

At the center of the mirror box is a piece of optically engineered, impurity-free, 50/50 beam-splitter glass, that’s been optimized for 45°. It’s fully encased in our specialty high-grade plastic, that’s both light-dampening and completely detachable. Finally, the entire 3D rig readily attaches to most professional tripod heads with a simple aluminum tripod adapter (¼-20 & 3/8- 16 screws).

The result is the World’s most affordable, professional stereoscopic beam-splitter ever produced. The BS Mini Rig makes 3D shooting both simple and amazingly precise. When combined with one of our real-time 3D viewing systems, a dual camera sync and genlock, cinematographers can capture extraordinary 3D images for a fraction of the cost of all other systems.

Additionally, the 3D Film Factory offers a complete line of 3D camera systems, including the 3D-BS Indie & Pro Rigs (beam-splitter), intended for larger broadcast cameras and camcorders, as well as, several inexpensive side-by-side rigs - the SS Indie & SS Pro Rigs. These dual cameras systems are less complex, but equally necessary for most 3D production situations.

About 3D Film Factory
Based in San Diego, California, the 3D Film Factory is both full service 3D production house and a 3D equipment manufacturer. More specifically, the company specializes in the design and marketing of production-ready, affordable 3D camera systems, while lending its expertise to a variety of high-quality 3D projects, from ‘stereographers for hire’, to hands-on 3D training, to complete 3D production through post.

To find out more, visit the company’s web site at: 3DFilmFactory.com

I am excited that it can be used with Red's Scarlet! Whenever I hear about equipment that could potentially be used by small independent filmmakers I try to get the word out. 3D isn't just for the studios! If you have used 3DFilmFactory's products / services or other related companies, go ahead and post them in comments. The more feedback the better.

3D Film Factory's New Affordable 3D Production Monitor

Jim here. 3D Film Factory has a new product rolling out the door, the 3D Master Monitor, and it is a very nice compliment to their existing line up which includes low cost S3D camera rigs.

It is a stereoscopic 3D production monitor for field production and studio use. The kicker is that the sticker is only $4,895.

From the release: “Right now, there’s just a few professional 3D field monitors available and they’re very expensive”, said company president Karl Kozak. “We set out to create an easy-to-use, accurate 3D viewing system that offered excellent image quality, affordability and durability. We use everything we sell, so it had to be a great product that could be relied upon in the field. The result was the 3D Master Monitor. It displays outstanding 3D images at a fraction of the cost and it’s perfect for field use.”

With a diagonal screen size of 10.4”, the system uses 2 high-resolution (1,024 x 768) LCD monitors and 1 beam-splitter mirror, to create an excellent, linear polarized 3D image that’s both comfortable and accurate. This configuration maintains the original LCD resolution while providing a flicker-free picture, and best of all, you can power it in the field with a 12V battery.

The screen is switchable from 2D to 3D at the ‘push of a button’ and features an image flipping function (vertical & horizontal) that makes the monitor compatible with both beam-splitter and side-by-side 3D rigs. Additionally, the Master Monitor supports NTSC and PAL, in either 16:9 or 4:3 aspect ratios and uses a high-definition decoder chip to support HD 720P or 1080i by component signal. Also, the on screen display (OSD) can select from 4 languages (English, Deutsch, Francais, Italiano, Espanol).

Now for you tech folks, here’s the specs: 262K display colors; an active display area of 8.3”x 6.2” (211x158mm); contrast ratio of 500:1 with 350 cd/m2 brightness; 123 LPI (0.206mm) pixel pitch; 60 Hz refresh rates and 25ms response time; inputs choices for 2 cameras are DVI-D, RGA, component, s-video and composite; and it powers on AC 100-240V/DC 12V.

All this is housed in a rugged aluminum constructed casing, with a carry handle and adjustable-height foot knobs. The dimensions are a mere 11”W x 11”H x 9”D (284x284x234mm) and it weighs just 15 lbs (7 kgs). The package includes 2 pairs of linear polarized glasses, cables, adapters, cleaning kit and a manual.

Sounds like a valued addition to the industry tool box. Nice price point too. I like supporting tools that independent filmmakers can use - take a look at this monitor if it suits your needs.

About the 3D Film Factory
Based in San Diego, California, the 3D Film Factory is both full service 3D production house and a 3D equipment manufacturer. More specifically, the company specializes in the design and marketing of production-ready, affordable stereoscopic 3D camera rigs and viewing systems, as well as, a wide variety of 3D production services for clients, from ‘stereographers for hire’, to hands-on 3D training, to complete 3D productions through post and exhibition.

To find out more, visit the company’s web site at: www.3DFilmFactory.com

First Affordable 3D Beam-Splitter Rig For Red One Cameras Introduced

Jim here. If you read MarketSaw you know I love 3D equipment that is made with students in mind and I think this fits the bill for students and professionals alike.

The 3D-BS Pro Rig is priced from $3,895.

Emphasis below is mine:

3D Film Factory has released the first production-ready, cost-effective 3D camera system – the 3D-BS Pro Rig. This 3D beam-splitter rig was specifically designed for use with the Red One cameras, as well as, other larger, broadcast quality cameras. Its durable, precise configuration was developed with the guidance of veteran stereographers and award-winning filmmakers to provide a viable, affordable alternative to high-priced 3D rigs costing ten times as much.

“Up until now, there’s only a few high-end facilities offering 3D rigs for Red One cameras and they’re very expensive”, said company president Karl Kozak. “So we set out to create a quality 3D Red system most filmmakers could afford. We’re interested in proliferating 3D production by making it accessible. The result was the 3D-BS Pro Rig, a great 3D rig for the Reds, that shoots incredible 3D at a fraction of the cost.”

The company’s new 3D-BS (beam-splitter) Pro Rig allows users to manually adjust both the camera convergence settings (1° to 5°) and the inter-ocular (camera-to-camera) distances from 0” to 6”. It’s constructed of black anodized aluminum that’s virtually indestructible, with a weight of approximately 32 lbs. Its durable frame adjusts to fit almost any pair of large-sized, broadcast quality cameras, including but not limited to; Red One, Sony, Canon, Panasonic, Silicon Imaging and JVC.

At the center of the 3D rig is a piece of optically engineered, impurity-free, 50/50 beam-splitter glass, that’s been optimized for a 45° angle. It’s fully encased in a light-dampening, rugged plastic mirror box, that’s completely detachable and secure. The housing and glass positioning are easily modifiable to accommodate almost any large-size camera model and/or lens. Finally, the entire 3D rig readily attaches to most professional tripod heads with the use of a simple supplied adapter.

The result is an inexpensive, robust 3D rig that makes 3D shooting both simple and precise. When combined with a real-time 3D viewing system, a dual camera sync device and genlock, cinematographers can capture extraordinary 3D images for a fraction of the cost of all other systems.

“It’s really that easy to start shooting 3D images, you just need a few good tools and some training”, said Kozak. “Of course, to achieve superior 3D, you’ll need a stereographer. We use one on all of our 3D productions, because the cinematographer can’t do it all. As a result, we hire out professional stereographers for 3D training and 3D productions worldwide.”

In addition to the Red One camera, the 3D-BS (beam-splitter) Pro Rig is compatible with the following cameras; Sony’s CineAlta HD Cams, F950, F900, F35, HDW650, HDW790, DSR450, DVW970, Panasonics HDX900, HPX2000, HPX500, HPX3000, and the Varicam HDC27H, Ikegami’s HDK-79EXIII, HDK-727P, HDS-V10, HDK-79EC, HDN-X10, Silicon Imaging’s Si-2K, and many others.

Additionally, the 3D Film Factory offers a complete line of 3D rigs, including the 3D-BS (beam-splitter) Indie Rig, intended for smaller, professional grade camcorders, as well as, an assortment of inexpensive 3D-SS (side-by-side) Rigs. These dual cameras systems are less complex, but equally necessary for most 3D production situations.

To learn more about the 3D-BS Pro Rig or the full line of 3D rigs, visit the company’s website @ www.3DFilmFactory.com

About 3D Film Factory
Based in San Diego, California, the 3D Film Factory is both full service 3D production house and a 3D equipment manufacturer. More specifically, the company specializes in the design and marketing of production-ready, affordable 3D camera systems, while lending its expertise in a variety of 3D production, from ‘stereographers for hire’, to hands-on 3D training, to complete 3D productions through post.