Is there a downside to using a geared rail to move a technical camera left and right vs using a stitching back.
I have an RM3Di and I am kinda liking not using the sliding back and wondered if I could simply get a geared rail, similar to a macro focusing rail, and use that to create shots that are stitched.
Thanks.
As above, this would produce perspective/parallax problems in any 3D subject.
If you move the whole camera, this is a different technique (which I call "move and stitch") it is only suitable for copying flat artwork, and, perhaps photographing relatively 2-dimensioned objects like simple buildings.
You could use a very long (e.g. 10m) rail for photographing large murals... or you could use a kerb (sidewalk edge) or a laser beam as a guide.
I am theorizing about an elaboration of this technique for 3-D construction of images apparently taken from an inaccessible "virtual viewpoint".
You could use a geared rail or a Velmex powered linear actuator to move the rear standard (for shift-and-stitch) and I had contemplated doing this, but it is not worth the hassle if the CAPcam (robotic camera) ships soon.