Cognisys STACKSHOT 3X - Setting the Overlap; Setting the Field of View

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and then scroll to “Aspect Ratio”. StackShot will remember this ratio – you don’t have to change
it unless you change to a camera with a different aspect ratio or change the camera orientation
from landscape to portrait. If you are currently in landscape mode (camera attached by its
bottom to the rotary table) with a 3:2 aspect ratio camera and then decide to rotate your
camera to be side-mounted, your aspect ratio would then be 2:3. Be sure to change it of
changing your camera mounting style.
6.1.3 Setting the overlap
Another important panoramic setting is the percent overlap. This is also under the settings
menu. The default overlap is 30%. This is the minimum overlap and there may be a higher
percentage depending on the beginning and end points. How much is required? That depends
on a couple of things. First is how much overlap your stitching software would like to see (which
likely isn’t published – enter the “trial and error” method). The other factor that drives the
amount of overlap is near-field/far-field content. The higher percent of overlap the safer you
will be but it will significantly increase the time it takes to finish the panorama. The more time it
takes – the greater the chance “that guy” will walk into the shoot.
6.1.4 Setting the field of view
The next part of the process is to determine your camera’s field of view (FOV). This will depend
on the lens, zoom, and sensor type of your camera. StackShot will save the previously used FOV
but if anything has changed in the camera setup you should set the new FOV. If you change to a
different lens or adjust the zoom be sure to set the new FOV.
How is the FOV determined? It’s quick and easy!
1. Looking through the viewfinder or the LCD display on your camera find an object.
2. You will be asked to move the rotary table using the position slider so that this
object is on the left side of the viewfinder/display.
3. Then you’ll be asked to move it so that it is on the right side of the
viewfinder/display.
4. Done!
Now StackShot 3X knows how much your camera can “see” per frame. You only have to set the
width because the aspect ratio you set previously lets the controller know the ratio of width to
height.
The screens on the controller walk you through this process too – who wants to read a manual?