SHIELD EXPANDED REALITY CAMERA - concept by Cyrus Hogg

When helping build the Carleton Immersive Media Studio, (CIMS) and working with RealViz, I was fascinated by photogrammetry and the extrapolation of 3D data. A few years ago, I started thinking about creating a camera with parallax viewing with optically captured elements that could be implemented in today's Hollywood pipeline. Where a DP could swap out their Alexa or Red and still use a tripod, dolly, motion control and focus puller. I became tired of trying to explain my idea to people who just wanted 360 videos, and decided to build a quick prototype myself. Meet the Shield Camera Array!

TOUCH DESIGNER TEST #2 | TRACKED HEAD MOVEMENT TRIGGERS ADJACENT STREAMS OF VIDEO

STEREO VR TEST FOR 'SHIELD' CAMERA PROTOTYPE
​
​
My interest has been with stereo immersive experiences, both 3D and filmed. The Shield Array would generate stereo imagery with real-time blending allowing 2.5 axis head movement.


​TOUCH DESIGNER TEST #1



​Using Touch Designer, I created a basic 9 camera X axis array used for the prototype. I recorded 9 video clips via GoPro 1" appart to represent a 9 camera array. Head tracking would be triggered for camera movement however joystick is used in demonstration. Real-Time optical frame interpolation required to smooth movements.

SHIELD CAMERA LENS ARRAY

Here's a basic preview of the optical array capable of delivering Stereo with X,Y head movement. Each lens is rougly 180 degree FOV. The intention is to create a portable unit that could be used immediately on Hollywood productions.

POINT CLOUD EXTRAPOLATION FROM LENS ARRAY

(sample image from web)
With additional data available from a point cloud extrapolation, post effects become affordable and possible in real-time using powerful cloud rendering GPU's. Creating DOF or rack focusing with a client watching could be viewed on the monitor at video village.

CAMERAS AND LENSES

CRYWORKS 360VR PROTOTYPE CAMERA | UNDERWATER TESTING & FILMING

Yes. I'm using a boat crane as a 360 Jib! On the spot problem solving.
Philippe Cousteau Jr. checking out the submersible.

ANAMORPHIC OBSESSION

Part of my healthy obsession extends into cameras and lenses, and most recently anamorphic lenses. I've spent an unforgivable amount of time, building, testing and studying how certain lenses look and feel to help dictate the look I want to create on productions.

CLICK THE IMAGE ABOVE TO SEE MORE ANAMORPHIC STILLS

Exploring Anamorphic adapters on A7rII

SECOND STUDIO | FILMING FOR INTEL/DELL - USING PREVIZ ON LAPTOP FOR REFERENCE

INTEL DELL CLOUD STORAGE 

This is the first green screen studio we built for Karbon Arc in 2004. It wasn't much but got us started.
2006 - the days of attempting to use a 1/3" sensor camera with a 35mm lens adapter. Here the HVX is outfitted with a custom made oscillating 35mm lens adapter and a Nikkor 85mm f1.4

FLIES TO LIGHT 

Flies to light is my first short film and a satire of  the expectations of creativity in the workplace. It was filmed in two 4 hour stints for a total cost of $200.