FLAAR is increasingly interested in 3-D digital imaging technologies

Here is Nicholas Hellmuth in the Human Eyes 3D lecticular factory visit in Israel

FLAAR continues to delve deeper into 3D digital imaging software so that we can help people learn about these technologies. 90% of the people I speak with have never heard of most of these digital imaging technologies.

A sample of what we are working on includes:

3D rapid prototypers: both from Objet Technologies and Z Corporation.

• 3D scanning
• CO2 laser engraving (which can create 3D images inside blocks of crystal)
• 3D photography (such as HumanEyes, on this page).

Visit to world headquarters of HumanEyes, leader in 3D photography software

There are several traditional ways to learn about these products:

• Visit a trade show
• Visit a company that already has experience with the product you are interested in

We definitely visit trade shows: have seen HumanEyes exhibiting at shows in the US and Europe for the past three years. But trade shows are hectic. We find it is more productive to visit the company’s headquarters.

Since Israel is like a giant Silicon Valley of high tech companies, I spent a week in summer 2007 visiting NUR Macroprinters UV-cured flatbed printers, Leaf (22 to 33 megapixel digital cameras), CreoScitex scanners (5600 true dpi flatbed scanners, now part of Kodak), Objet Technologies 3D rapid prototyping, Kata bags, and HumanEyes 3D visualization technology software.

You can see HumanEyes at some major international signage trade shows, such as FESPA, DRUPA, etc. It is worth getting to know them and their software products: Creative 3D for Designers, PrintPro for printers, Capture 3D for photographers.

The snapshots here show aspects of the training that HumanEyes kindly provided to FLAAR after our long trip to Israel.

Examples of 3-D digital imaging technology software		Original photography

Most recently updated July 27, 2007.

First posted May 28, 2007.

Available by May 2008 Available by May 2008 Available by May 2008 Available by May 2008 Available by May 2008

Medium Format Digital Camera Initiative For over 30 years Nicholas Hellmuth has used Rolleiflex and Hasselblad cameras to record the flora, fauna, and Maya archaeology of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. Now, for the last six years, he is extending his medium format experience to digital photography. Since FLAAR works both in a studio as well as out on location, we are an ideal focus for judging portability. We have experience with large format digital scan backs (the excellent BetterLight) and we also use Nikon (D300) and Canon (EOS 5D) digital cameras. A full-service digital pro should have at least one medium format digital system and should consider large format digital options as well. FLAAR also has an 80-megapixel large format camera (yes, they do exist, we have a Cruse). Although we started with a Leaf Valeo 22 coupled with a Mamiya 645 AFD body and lenses, we are open to showcasing all bodies as well as other digital backs. Indeed we tested an Imacon 4-shot back on a Hasselblad H1 body. For a month (February 2006) it was possible to evaluate a MegaVision black-and-white dedicated back for fine art photography. We are also considering the Rolleiflex 6008 AF, one of the outstanding medium format cameras that still offers European precision. However in the last 40 years we have not received any Rollei (or Franke & Heidecke) equipment for evaluation, so we can comment only on the Hasselblad and Mamiya (loaned briefly two years ago by Mamiya America). Camera resellers or manufacturers who wish to have their cameras, lenses, and backs included in the digital photography evaluation initiative are welcome to send their equipment for evaluation. Curently all the medium format backs are coming from Global Imaging Inc, Greg Lamb, CEO (contact 800 787-9802, press 4, fax 212 722-0988). This is one of the few camera stores in the entire US or Canada that offers ALL major brands of medium format (so they have no incentive to push one brand over the other). However we are also open to receiving medium format backs directly from the manufacturer. Over 381,154 visitors came to this www.digital-photography.org web site to learn which cameras, lighting, tripods, and accessories have proven themselves during evaluation by FLAAR. Since we deliberately do not review low-end cameras, our reviews attract a sophisticated audience. The total "visit" count is 791.562 during 2007, but we prefer to use the visitor count, 381.154 as being more realistic. FLAAR is the de facto source of information on medium format digital cameras because we are university based, independent, blunt, and we are one of the few review sources that dares to review advertising specs, advertising claims, and advertising hype. We can afford to reveal all the pros and cons because FLAAR is a research institute. Photographers feel they can trust a university research professor who has devoted years to understanding the pros and cons of each aspect of a digital camera system and workflow. You can download our colorful FLAAR Reports on our medium format digital camera initiative.