New synchronised rig

Just purchased 2 Canon G9's (ebay ~£100 each), and from digi-dat in Germany: an adjustable 'z-bar' for attaching them, a shutter release and StereoDataMaker software pre-installed on SD cards (~EUR155). For the first time I can now produced perfectly synchronised image pairs for 3D!

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Pistol grip

For some time I've had on my wishlist a pistol grip with a shutter trigger and socket suitable for synchronising two cameras. One problem: there wasn't one - until now! Will be trialling this soon. It should be ideal as a lightweight alternative to the monopod I normally use.

New cable release

The 99p cable releases suffered from one problem. The plugs had a habit of coming loose or falling out of the cameras. So I've splashed out on £12 versions (from China again) which have locking plugs of the type found on genuine Canon products.

I've spliced 2 together as I did before (see below) so that both cameras can be fired from a single trigger.

New lenses

Have replaced the 28-80's with better built 24-85's. The latter have the advantage of being;

1. wider - particularly important with my vertically mounted 10D's
2. easier to control focus with focussing window
3. both focussing and zoom are less susceptible to accidental movement

The disadvantage is that they're quite a bit heavier. I'd be happiest with fixed 24mm lenses but they're too pricey. My set-up - including the monopod which I always use -  now weighs in at a hefty 5.5kg! Have just ordered a 'holster' to attach to my belt to help support the monopod.

Synchronisation



SLR Shepherd


Synchronisation of the 2 shutters remains a problem even with my twin cable release - with a small but sometimes significant random time delay. I seem to get a better sync. by pressing either of the camera body shutter releases (with the twin cable release attached of course). I understand now that there is no perfect solution to this problem. I could purchase an 'SLR Shepherd' which claims to achieve optimal shutter sync. but at $630 this is a luxury I am forced to live without - for now.

Flickr

Just created flickr account onto which I've begun uploading my 3D images.