StereoData Maker

I don't have time to read all of this .. what does it do?

SDM allows you take highly synchronised stereo photos using certain Canon compact cameras.
It also provides you with lots of on-screen information and alignment-aids that take the guesswork out of shooting a scene.
You are provided with stereo-deviation information and/or alignment lines that indicate if the scene has excessive depth.
The cost of additional items that you will require for synchronised-shooting is negligible.
Basically, a switch and battery connected to a pair of USB leads.
You can make the switch-unit yourself or buy it for 20 Euro's or less.
For slightly more, you can buy the Ricoh CA-1 switch.
You can use the cameras internal flash, both preflashes determine white-balance but only one main flash fires on full-power to avoid double shadows.
You may use external flash and it is likely a commercial device will be available that triggers your existing flash-units.

It looks complicated .... how do I install it ?

From the links below, you download the ZIP file for your camera model.
You copy the downloaded files to a blank SD card using a card-reader, insert the card into the camera and turn-on the camera.
The procedure for preparing the cards is more complicated for the newer cameras but is fully described.
The camera can be made to automatically load SDM every time you turn-on the camera and it remembers your old settings.

There is more than one file for my camera ... which one do I use ?

Just download all of them and start with the highest numbered.
If your camera 'hangs-up' just remove the batteries and try another version .. no harm will be done.

Does USB-remote work on all supported cameras ?

The only ones not supported at present are the ixus700/SD500, s2is and s3is..
The ixus65/SD630 has not yet been tested.

Which cameras have been synch-tested?

ixus70/SD1000,ixus800/SD700,ixus860/SD870, ixus960/SD950,A460,A560,A570,A620,A630,A640,A650,A720, TX1 and G7.

Why is my camera not supported ?

First, someone has to do the initial port to CHDK.
Then we have to get USB-remote working.
Ideally, someone then needs to test synch with two cameras.
Check here to see which cameras have been ported.

Do both cameras have to be the same model ?

That is obviously preferred as the zooms, colour-balance, synchronisation, etc will be more closely matched.
However, if you can measure the synch-difference using the CRT test you can 'dial-in' a compensating delay on the faster camera.
Users have reported a resulting synch-error of less than 1msec using this method.

OK what then ... there seem to be a lot of features.

There are and you will have to read the documentation for detailed information on the stereo aids.
To take synchronised photos, you plug your switch unit into the camera's USB sockets, turn-on the cameras and press the switch.
The Ricoh CA-1 focuses on half-press, pauses on full-press and takes highly-synchronised images on releasing the switch.
Ordinary switches are pressed on/off to focus.
You have up to ten seconds to release the button so you would follow action using the viewfinder and release the button at the required moment
.
Are you seriously saying that a switch and battery can replace expensive hardware or labour associated with current synchronisation methods ?

For still cameras ..... yes.

StereoData Maker

Camera models supported