Swiss company Seitz Phototechnik AG has launched a new automated panorama head that allegedly sets a new standard in high-speed, consistent 360° photography. The new Roundshot VR Drive “s” works in a simple, two step process. Firstly, it rotates, completing a revolution in eight seconds, while capturing up to 5 images per second. Secondly, the resulting images are assembled with high-powered stitching software. The panoramas can be rendered either as cylindrical or spherical images. The VR Drive is compatible with many SLR cameras and with all lenses, from fisheye to telephoto. Weighing in at 1.65 kg, the VR Drive “s” is priced at CHF 2,800 (€1,870).

Seitz Phototechnik AG Press Release

New Roundshot VR Drive “s” - speed - a new quality standard for high speed digital 360° panorama photography

Lustdorf / Switzerland – 8 February 2010. Swiss company Seitz Phototechnik AG launches a new automated panorama head that sets a new standard in high-speed, consistent 360° photography. The new Roundshot VR Drive “s” - speed - works in a simple, two step process. Firstly, it rotates, completing a revolution in eight seconds, while capturing up to 5 images per second. Secondly, the resulting images are assembled with high-powered stitching software.

The VR Drive’s precision and smooth rotation allows higher resolution panoramas than are achievable with manually operated stitching solutions. Its high processing speed also eliminates the problem of ‘ghosting’ when capturing moving objects such as people or clouds.

The panoramas can be rendered either as cylindrical or spherical images easily and cost-effectively. The VR Drive is compatible with many digital single lens reflex (SLR) cameras and with all lenses, from fisheye to tele lens.

An optional turntable mounted on top of the VR Drive motor can be used for creating object movies. Also, it can be used to produce high-definition videos or time-lapse movies. The VR Drive enables up to 800 positions in one 360° revolution, which is ideal for gigapixel imaging. In situations where a higher dynamic range is required, the VR Drive’s “quality mode” positions the camera for automatic image bracketing. Using this technique, the subject is photographed several times to obtain a higher dynamic range. These bracketed images can then be combined into a 32-bit HDR image used for 3D-modelling or film production.

At just 1.65 kg, the VR Drive “s” is a lightweight, compact unit that fits into any equipment bag.

The Roundshot VR Drive “s” is available in stock and priced at CHF 2,800 (EUR 1,870). Roundshot photographers with an existing VR Drive can upgrade their unit to the “s” version for CHF 500 (EUR 333).

See the VR Drive “s” video on the Roundshot website and get additional product features:
http://www.roundshot.ch/xml_1/internet/de/application/d438/d927/f850.cfm

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