Gigapan system and shooting flat art

[alain]

Sounds remarkably like what I suggested in the 2nd post in this thread

Indeed.

I  do suggest that even a cheap system will give rather good results.
A cheap tripod dolly as an example : tripod dolly example

[Dick Roadnight]

I feel the opposite. If the hardware/setup is accurate the stitching process will be flawless. Might want to invest in a ZigAlign.

If you can get the mechanics right, stitching will be simple, and could be done in PS.

To avoid having to scale, make sure the distance to the subject is the same (and do not re-focus).

To avoid distortion make sure the lens is perpendicular, and the sensor parallel.

[Roscolo]

Sounds remarkably like what I suggested in the 2nd post in this thread

I'm still of the opinion that the software is going to much more important than the hardware.  I've seen some pretty poor examples of stitching by the Gigapan software with ghosting and misaligned features. You will need to review every blend line in the stitched image for accuracy and the software must allow you to edit the blends.  I'd suggest trying PTAssembler, Microsoft ICE, and Autopano Pro to see which one works best for you.

Yep. I re-read your post. Just when I read what you wrote, I immediately focused on the your idea of a track system moving the artwork and dismissed it because that won't work shooting in a museum. Didn't think of dolly track until later.

The gigapan software becomes moot if I go with a track system, because I won't invest in the gigapan system.

Thanks for the stitch recommendations.

[Dennishh]

A Zork PSA shift adapter and a Pentax 120 645 Macro lens or Rodenstock 120mm f/5.6 APO-Rodagon D Enlarging Enlarging Lens
lens should do just fine for your needs. I have shot hundreds of pieces of art with this combo.

[Roscolo]

Just another note regarding Gigapan. I sent them a pretty specific request for info. and after a few weeks got no response from them. Pretty lax and unprofessional. Something anyone considering purchasing from Gigapan Systems may want to consider.

[BobDavid]

I dont think a velmex solution would be anywhere near affordable for artwork of that size.
You should contact some specialists. Michael Ulsaker at Ulsaker Studio in CT is extremely knowledgeable and builds custom solutions for museums and libraries in the northeast.
Also, there is a guy out of Italy, Roberto Bigano that might be able to give you some ideas.
Dave Mathews(not the singer) at NEDCC is another option.

Ulsaker is excellent. If anybody can help you figure out a way to photograph artwork, Michael can. I wouldn't think twice about buying a used system from him.

[bwphotog]

Follow up to note that people are using the Gigapan system to document fine art:
http://gigapan.com/cms/about/success-stories-capturing-a-moment-in-time

The Gigapan EPIC Pro seems to be in use by the Cultural Heritage Science Open Source (CHSOS) organization in and around Italy to record the old artwork there and elsewhere. http://chsopensource.org