Dec 6, 2016 | By Benedict

Virtual reality and 360 video specialist SUMO has created a 3D printed camera mount which turns four Sony a7S II cameras into a 360-degree video camera. The $359 rig, which costs over $16,000 with cameras included, can achieve 6,000-pixel resolution in limited light.

No matter how much Hollywood tries to force them down our throats, 3D movies just aren’t that great. The medium might still be feeding off the last of its quickly evaporating novelty factor, but consumers are now rightfully exploring new ways to experience video and other media in a more elaborate, true-to-life form. Although still in its early stages, technologies like virtual reality (VR) and 360 video are currently taking off in a big way—not just for video content, but for unique games, art, professional services, and more. You’ve probably seen a few YouTube videos shot in 360, and you may even have tried a VR headset for gaming or otherwise, and many companies are now trying to catch the bandwagon by developing new and exciting solutions in the field.

Full-service Media Consulting company SUMO is one company looking to capitalize on the growing interest in both AR/VR and 360 video, boasting experience in the film, fine art, and VFX industries and offering a range of conceptual and technical skills. Recently, the company was looking for a dedicated 360 rig for shooting low-light film, but could not find an adequate setup within its budget and matching its specific needs. In light of this, SUMO decided to make its own 360 rig, one that could incorporate four Sony a7S II cameras, mirror-free cameras known for their excellent ability to capture images in near-total darkness.

To make its DIY rig for the Sony cameras, SUMO turned to CAD design and 3D printing so it could create a structure that would perfectly contain the camera bodies in exactly the right place. Using wide-angle lenses on the four cameras, users of the new rig can now shoot four videos simultaneously, later putting the data together with stitching software to create an immersive, 360-degree video. The future of visual entertainment? Really, it just can’t be worse than 3D movies.

SUMO wants other video makers to make use of the 3D printed Sony camera mount, but has put a price on the privilege: $359, to be exact, for which users can download the 3D printable template to be printed in ABS (best) or another material that suits their aesthetic and functional needs. With each Sony a7S II camera costing around $3,000 and lenses around $300, that brings the total price of the rig up to more than $16,000, not including printing and stitching software costs.

Although the price may sound steep, SUMO is confident that its DIY solution is a much better option than current all-in-one solutions with similar capabilities, which can actually cost around three times as much.

Recommended print settings for 3D printed SUMO rig:

  • Layer Height – 0.2mm
  • Infill – 65%
  • Support Needed: Yes
  • Support Infill: 30%
  • Raft Needed: No
  • Top Solid Layers – 4
  • Bottom Solid Layers – 4
  • Outline/Perimeter rings – 3

 

 

Posted in 3D Printing Application

 

 

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