Unfortunately, the critique of the Gigapan Imager, while nicely detailed, is inherently incorrect. Perhaps if Russell had actually participated in the beta test program rather than giving up on it before he even put his hands on a unit, he might have been able to provide a more fact-based analysis.
For example, the criticism of the placement of the camera detailed in the second paragraph is substantially flawed. The positioning of the camera on the unit is adjustable, and the optical center of the lens can indeed be placed at the center of rotation. In extreme cases where long lenses or macro lenses are used, alternate baseplates are available that can be used to position the camera properly.
Ron Schott's work photographing crystalline geologic structures provides some great examples of this capability.
Likewise, the statements in the fifth paragraph regarding SLR support are incorrect. There are versions of the device that are specifically designed for professional-level SLR support (I am getting one for my Nikon F-4, N-90 and D-200 cameras). Additionally, environment enclosures are available for ruggedized versions of the system that allow the device to be left unattended outdoors for months at a time (e.g. PBS has been prepping to use one of the units in the Amazon basin to acquire panoramas of the rain forests; this system is going to be left alone for up to a year in one of the most mechanism-unfriendly environments anywhere).
As to the comment in the preceding post stating "the project was scrapped before reaching its full potential," I do not know where this information came from. The Gigapan project is still very much active and ongoing, with funded development of additional versions of the tripod head underway.
There are a number of fundamental errors in the critique of the Gigapan. Russell may have been willing to accept this flawed analysis without serious question, and may have his mind made up regarding the solution he seeks. That is his prerogative. However, I do not believe it would be proper to have incorrect statements like these be displayed publicly here without being addressed.
-dave
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