The 360° IMAGE

Technology advantages - What is the right equipment for immersive stereoscopic images?

Camera

In recent years, systems and cameras for recording 360° film images have developed rapidly. Complicated multi-camera constructions have evolved into much simpler, compact cameras designed to make it easier to stitch the various recorded images into a single spatial image. 

In the past 5 years 360° cameras have gone from heavy camera rigs to lighter and more powerful devices. GoPro, Insta360 or Kandao– action cameras for capturing sport activities– are driving the development forward in the consumer sector. These devices bring with them a trend that moves away from pure 360° film and sees 360° space images as source material for "conventional" film production. The 360° images form the basic material from which film sequences are "cut out" and exciting image sections are assembled into a conventional film in post-production. The image high resolution (up to 8K) makes this possible. The basic material can be easily edited via corresponding apps. For example, the exposure can be checked via a histogram function.

If the aim is to achieve the best possible image quality, cameras are available that record an independent image with each lens. Stitching is then done in a specially developed software. The colour range can therefore be kept wider and the final image is created in post-production. In this way, the image quality remains high even during the 'stitching' process. Compression only takes place at the end during export and can be precisely adjusted to the highest resolution and the reproduction properties of the head-mounted displays.

image

Similar to cinema, there are ' two-dimensional' and ' three-dimensional' forms of image representation in 360° film. But the difference between 2D and 3D is much greater when compared to conventional film. The spatial representation is not limited to the screen area but includes the entire room. Thus, 3D can additionally promote immersion in 360° film. The technical process is demanding, more elaborate and involves risks.

Head Mounted Display (HMD)
As the central target medium for 360° films, the head-mounted display has two displays with one for each eye. HMDs are, in principle, ideally suited to display stereoscopic content. With 360° film, stereoscopy is a complicated undertaking in production. To render a 360° film in 3D, two films are needed in one file (see illustration below on the left).

Decision monoscopy versus stereoscopy
We recommend deciding in the conception phase whether a film should be realised mono- or stereoscopically. As mentioned, this has a significant impact on the staging, technology and budget. The following projects are particularly suitable for stereoscopic realisation:

• Works inspired by theatre or dance. These art forms play with the spatial dimension–known as the Z-axis–which is important for stereoscopic content. A good example is the Cirque de Soleil series by Felix & Paul Studios.

• Productions with a lot of movement where the camera is static or moves very little. In projects where the main action is predominantly seen at a short to medium distance (1 - 3m). In this range, the spatial representation is particularly well expressed. Examples of this are sporting events such as boxing broadcasts (for example, on the Next VR app).

• Interesting spaces with many details on different levels. As soon as elements are staged in the front, middle and background, this results in interesting image compositions with depth. Good examples include Rone or Fighting Fire with Fire , especially the end of the films.

• Vehicle journeys filmed from the cockpit. Example: Space Explorers.
  

Comparison monoscopy versus stereoscopy

Monoscopy

• Better picture quality

• Easier post-production than stereoscopic content

• Lower production costs

• Projects where the main action takes place at a great distance from the camera

Stereoscopy

• More immersive than monoscopy

• Movement is accentuated

• Movement / objects can be precisely placed spatially

• Elements can be highlighted by a 3D effect

• Continuous testing with Head Mounted Display so the stereo effect can be optimally used