Weber State University shows us how to shoot 3D in HD for $250 (video)

There are plenty of ways to shoot the next groundbreaking 3D masterpiece, and for those with considerable bankrolls Panasonic's P2 is a good choice -- but, at $21,000, forgive us for looking for inexpensive alternatives. The Scientific Analysis and Visualization Initiative at Weber State University has crafted a very simple solution relying on a pair of Kodak Zx1 pocket HD cameras. They're simply bolted to a piece of L-shaped aluminum bar by machine screws spaced at 6.5cm to more or less equate to the distance between your eye holes. It's an elegantly simple solution and, at just $250, a deliciously cheap one too -- especially considering those cameras are over $100 each. The results are good, which you can see for yourself in anaglyph (red/blue) format below.

[leonardlow Posted Feb 17th 2010 4:22PM]

Not sure why this is considered news. It's not only obvious, it's been done like this for decades. :p

[OlsonBW Posted Feb 17th 2010 4:36PM]

When can I edit video like this with iMove? I just do video for my wife's niece and nephew's soccer games and plays. I would rather not pay $300 for Final Cut Express or $1,000 for Final Cut Pro.

[kamikazeshrimpy Posted Feb 17th 2010 7:42PM]

sweet. time to make an avatar fan sequel.

[BigRed1 Posted Feb 18th 2010 9:33AM]

This is exactly the same thing that still photographers have known for years: the easy and cheap way to make a stereographic image is to take two disposable cameras, rubber band them bottom-to-bottom (while carefully lining up the lenses), and shoot away.

[notmicro Posted Feb 18th 2010 3:23PM]

Um, wake me up when he has the sense to post a stereo-pair set for cross-eyed free-viewing

[swmc Posted Feb 23rd 2010 3:38PM]

What exactly did Weber State University do that was so unique to get a plug on Engadget? Thousands of amateurs have been bolting all sorts of cameras and camcorders together, from cheapo solutions like this, to really expensive ones.