3D TODAY

We’re talking about Stereoscopic 3D, in which two images are view discretely with the left and right eye to create the illusion of depth and roundness.  We call this S3D for short, or simply abbreviate as 3D as I’ve done here.

Bad 3D is easy.  Good 3D is extremely elusive.  Quality slips quickly when any link in the chain is ignored.  This happens too often, and needlessly. There is a lot to understand, so a seasoned stereographer is essential throughout the process.

While there’s a big resurgence of 3D Films, Gadgets and TV, and yet 3D is only scratching the surface of what it can be.  The digital revolution is largely responsible for the resurgence, and will eventually tip the scales from sideshow gimmicks to totally comfortable, immersive 3D content.  The pioneers of 3D have done an incredible job with the tools they had, and have paved the way for technical innovation and artistic expression.  Things we might take for granted, like accesible on set previewing, have only recently been available.  New 3D Mavericks are poised to take advantage of many new tools, and invent the art form that will become the 3D of tomorrow.  Anyone who’s taken a serious look at it, knows that Stereoscopic 3D will be in our future.

What makes 3D more accessible today?  Tools. 

What will make the great 3D of tomorrow?  Faster tools.

Education is key.  3D requires a precision that 2D simply doesn’t. 

Computer Animated 3D films have a leg up, as the cameras are digital and “perfectly aligned”.  A technical advantage, but the placement of those cameras is the art.

For Live 3D, it’s a different story.  Simply photographing two images which are perfectly matched, in an imperfect world, is tough.  Tools are being created which reduce the issues associated with 3D shooting.  This includes “matching lenses” which are not required on a single lens 2D shoot.  The distance between the two lens centers may go down to a fraction of an inch.  Rigs that hold 2 heavy cameras in perfect alignment, while shooting through a mirror or similar technology is no small feat.  But they are required to do well rounded 3D.  And they are constantly evolving.

Digital cameras are able to capture at higher resolutions, frame rates and with greater latitude than ever before.  As important, there’s no film float which is obviously problematic.  Stereo images can now be viewed critically on set to assure better alignment as well as creative intent. 

The projection and monitor display technologies required for 3D are improving in giant steps.  This will continue, and is a necessary step for 3D to become mainstream.

3D Conversion, shooting with a single camera and then interpolating the second image, is at an incredible level these days.  It may not be good enough for long periods of viewing, but is decent when it’s done by the best artists.  This may prove to be a viable, yet expensive, option for 3D in the future.  At present, as good as it is, it’s still not very good.

3D Glasses are also touted as a reason 3D won’t succeed.  To this I simply say, give me a reason to put on annoying glasses and I’ll forget about the glasses.  Great 3D is worth it.  Better glasses are in constant development, and cheap ones are usually a cause of pain.  Patience, give me patience.

So we stand on the brink of great 3D which will, of course, become the expected norm.  It’s a good idea to learn it now and be ready.  You’re gonna like the way you look at 3D.