Genustech Hurricane 3D Camera Rig

The Genus Hurricane 3D Camera Rig is a cost-effective beam-splitter rig for two compact HD camcorders or box cameras. Featuring a clever, accessible design with simple mechanical controls, the rig puts high-end stereoscopic 3D production within reach of independent projects and owner/operators who might have previously balked at the cost of a mirror rig.

The Hurricane 3D Rig accommodates cameras up to 8.5 lb each, so you can use a pair of Canon XF105's or XL H1's, Silicon Imaging SI 2K Mini's, Panasonic HC1500's or HC1800's (this one might require a rod-extension kit), or Sony PMW-F3's or EX3's. Or use one Sony EX1 with an EX3, which gives you genlock. You can also mount two Canon 5D or 7D DSLR cameras, although these don't offer shutter sync, so you'll have to devise a workaround for matching these models.

One camera mounts to the Hurricane 3D Rig vertically and the other mounts horizontally. Both point their lenses at the included 50/50 beam-splitter glass, which is mounted at a 45° angle and reflects down to the vertically mounted camera nearly the same image that the horizontally mounted camera is capturing through the glass.

The disparity between those similar images, of course, is what creates the 3D effect in the finished product, and the Genus Hurricane 3D Rig features two mechanical controls for adjusting the intensity of the 3D effect: interaxial distance (the left-to-right orientation of the cameras), and convergence (the cameras' angular orientation).

The rig comprises a vertical mount (which includes 19mm rods and roll control), a horizontal mount (with its own 19mm rods and the controls for setting convergence and interaxial distance), the 50/50 mirror and its frame, as well as two tripod plates for the cameras. At about 14 lb, the Hurricane 3D Rig is designed to travel. The fold-flat glass enables the rig to be packed away in the included flight case. Setup is relatively simple, and the whole rig can be put together in approximately 20 minutes.