Making DIY 3D Home Movies
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Making your own high-definition 3D home movies is not only great fun. It is surprising how little expenditure is
necessary and how easy it is to do. You will be amazed at the quality of your DIY 3D video. Imagine capturing your
little-one's soccer or little league exploits in HD-3D. It is awesome! So let's get started. You will need:
- 2 low cost HD video cameras
- a twin camera bar
- miscellaneous camera equipment (e.g. a camera tripod)
- a PC connected to your 3D-TV for viewing your 3D video
- inexpensive or free software for 3D editing and playback
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Twin Cameras
You will need 2 HD video cameras: one for the left eye video and one for the right eye video.
For simplicity and best quality the two cameras should be the same model. My setup uses a pair of older
model JAZZ "Elite" 720p models ($99 each). The Jazz camcorder provides .AVI video in H.264 video format which is
compatible with most video software.
Alternatively, the Aiptek Action HD GVS 1080P Camcorder ($150 each) looks like a good choice. But Aiptek video uses .MOV video format. .MOV video files may
not be compatible with your 3D editing software. Aiptek users may have to convert their .MOV files to .AVI
format for 3D editing (not fun). When shopping for your cameras just be aware of the camera's native video file format.
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Twin Camera Bar
You will need an item called a "twin camera bar" to hold your two stereo camcorders.
Just do a google search on "twin camera bar" and you will find many models to choose from.
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Many DIY hobbyists will want to make their own camera bar because it is so easy to accomplish.
You will need a thin, sturdy plank of wood, drills and some bolts from the hardware store.
- drill a hole in the middle for the camera tripod mount.
- For each camera drill a hole 1 and 1/2 inches from the middle.
- Extend the left camera hole into a slide slot as shown at left.
Use a router, dremmel or a series of drilled holes to make the slot.
- At the hardware store find the right sized wing-bolts for your cameras.
You will also want to purchase a selection of washers for spacing and alignment.
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Use of a camera tripod is highly recommended. The photo at left shows the 2 Jazz camcorders mounted to the camera bar and tripod.
Notice that when the right camera's screen is opened there is very little room for the left camera. This is one of the
reasons for the slide-slot. You may have to slide the left camera over to open the screen for the other camera.
The slide-slot has a second function. When zooming in on distant scenes it is useful to increase the distance between
the cameras. This technique produces good 3D depth when shooting distant objects. For normal distances the separation
of the camera should be the width of our eyes - approximately 3 inches.
Important note: Take care that your camera alignment is good. You may have to use shims so that each camera points the same
direction. It does not have to be perfect, but it should be as close as conveniently possible.
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Miscellaneous Equipment
Again, a camera tripod is a must have. Walmart and other stores have nice, sturdy models available
for $20 to $40 dollars. It is well worth the expenditure. Another handy item is a padded carrying case
for your cameras and camera bar.
Note the last item in our equipment list: "the clicker" (blue device at left). The clicker is a
pet training device available at any pet store. It emits a sharp snapping sound at the push of the
button. This sound can be used to align the left and right video streams during the editing process.
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