Pictures of boats

[Tony Oliver]

It occurred to me that many modellers take photos of boats but because of the size, it's often difficult to get a shot of the full thing and get close-ups.

Not everyone is aware of it, but some companies - eg Olympus Camedia - produce software which has the ability to 'stitch' a panorama of pics taken from the same point and make one photograph.

The attached is one I took this morning in Middlesbrough Docks (of a boat I may be modelling someday) and is made up of two pics - stern and bow, with an overlap.

The software did it in about 7 seconds, and you can't see the join.

Useful stuff if you need it.

Tony

[Tony Oliver]

Sorry about the size of that! I posted the unreduced version. Still, it shows the effect better.

Tony

[P. Tritle]

Tony, I'm using the Olympus D550 camera, which came with the Camedia Master program. For processing, I was using Adobe Photo Delux, until I did a Microsoft XP update and crashed the program. Since then I've been using Microsoft "Picture It", but haven't found a way to do panorama yet. My computer skills are extremely limited, and it takes me a while to slog through these programs, but I'll look for the "stitch" feature in Camedia and see if I can find it. Of the 3 programs mentioned, Adobe was by far the easiest to use, but also the least capable. Now that I've worked with Picture It for some time I'm starting to get a feel for it, but so far, I can't make heads or tails of Camedia beyond downloading photos from the camera for processing elsewhere.
PAT

[Tony Oliver]

Hi Pat.

The version I've got is Camedia Master V 2.5.

The only thing I use it for is the stitch feature. It's very easy to do as well.

First, to make things easy, place a copy of the pics on the desktop so you can navigate while in the program.

Open the program and resize it to allow the pic files to be visible and go to Image > Stitch > Panorama 2D (without any other Dropdown being opened). A window appears for you to select the pictures you want to use. They must be selected in the order in which they are to be used and read from left to right.

Just follow the onscreen instruction after dragging the pics to the appropriate box. Click on 'Stitch' and a few secs later it's there. Save to wherever you want.

The two pics below are the ones I used to get the one I posted. Give it a go.

Tony

[P. Tritle]

Tony, I'm using version 4.0. I went in and looked around and found the "stich" feature, but when I tried to laod the photos into the window, it told me I have to use photos taken in the panoramic mode on the camera. I looked for that but couldn't find it in the camera, so will have to will break out the book and see what I can find out.
PAT

[Tony Oliver]

My pal changed his Olympus for a Nikon and found something similar after buying the updated version of Camedia. He reverted to the early version and now has no problems. Not exactly progress unless you stick with Olympus.

My camera(Fuji) doesn't have a Panoramic mode so I just stand there and take a sequence of pics while trying to keep the camera level.

Nothing's ever very straightforward with computers. I clearly spend too much time messing around with them instead of producing quality models like yours.

[P. Tritle]

Tony, I agree, computors do take a tremendouse amount of time to master, just like anything else. I hate to admit it, but I'm becoming kind of dependant on this thing, and the more I use it the easier it gets--I think that's a plus :confused: I will definately play with it some more.
PAT

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

Wow, very nicely done Tony.
I do some photoshop work and I could easily spend an hour making stitching an image together as good as that. And it would still suffer from some prespective issues.

Most of my work involves more overlaying, so camedia might be weak in that respect, but I would love to try some quick stitching using the software.

Aimee

Here is what I typically use photoshop for. There is a model in there... :)

[Tony Oliver]

Aimee, the version is 2.5 - the pic attached is the 'About' screen in Help. It looks like a year 2000 version - there must be some CDs around with it on. As I said to Pat, it's not much use apart from the Stitch system.

I would be pleased to take the credit for it, but the picture of the boat was all Camedia's doing. You drag the pics into boxes on screen and press the button. Seven seconds later it's done!

Here's another I did of a Ghost ship arriving here for scrapping. This one is made up of 3 separate photos. the only way you can see is by the top and bottom where the line-up isn't accurate due to pics being from a handheld camera.

[mike_victoriaBC]

Hi Guys
I just purchased a program: ACDSee 6
It has great reviews and though it originates just down the road from here, they have a regular sales guy over in Europe as well...try their webpage - its not expensive
www.ACDSYSTEMS.com

[Tony Oliver]

I haven't actually got ACDSee, but I've seen it working and it's possibly the best all-round file picture display program. The speed of display is very quick and being able to open any pic into an editing section is useful.

Once the options are set and adjusted to what you want, it seems to take care of most things very well.

It's not 'Photoshop' standard, but it's not meant to be. It great for quickly viewing large numbers of files in thumbnail form.

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

AAAwwww Tony,....

You didn't say anything about photographing in Panorama mode. :(
I thought this would just take any image and stitch them.
However, the instructions refer to any image taking in Panorama mode with a panorama icon and number sequence.

I guess I have to handstitch this set of pond reference images so I can send them out to the club for approval. :rolleyes:


Oh and Here is the "model" and "Actual site" pieces of my earlier image. ;)

[Tony Oliver]

Panorama mode? I take pics; add 'em together and get a long pic. my little camera would run a mile if anyone asked it to do panorama.

That implies I read the instructions. I only do that if things go wrong.

I simply open the program; go to Image and then select Stitch>Panorama 2D.

The selection of the pics is then up to you to drag and drop up to four pic in the order left to right. Press the Stitch button and it's there. It's only a linear system. I hadn't thought of stitching one pic into another rather than alongside. It's a superb idea for someone to take up. \now where are those programmers........

Your model inserted in real surroundings is excellent. The lighting to get both blending like that must have taken some considerable time. The some infront/some behind is rather clever too. Any tips to get the rest of us towards your standard? I'm sure model boat pics would benefit from a creative approach like that.

Tony

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

Ok, I see what was wrong,... My brain. ;)

I was opening two images from the hard drive, and trying to perform the stitch action on the files. Done in that order, the stitch funtion is not available.
What I need to do was drag the images to my desktop, then select "Image/stitch/panorama 2d", then drag the images I wanted to stitch to the function window.

I use Adobe Photoshop to manipulate images over images. The trick here is to use the layer commands. This allows you to copy and paste each piece the foreground, middle, and background in the proper order. then you can cut or erase pieces that you do not want in the composition. Also, the color pallet, and textures should be selected from the images. That way they blend in. The "rubber stamp" tool can be used to duplicate and fill using anything from the existing images. The advantage of Photoshop is that where the sky is missing out of a stitched imag, I can paint it back in.

When I photographed the site, I shot the pictures from locations where I thought the architect would want to see the model. I then shot the model from the same angles. If you can get the shadows at the proper angles on the model, then the brightness and contrast can be manipulated in the computer.

Stitching the backgrounds is now so much easier now that you have shown me the Camedia feature.
Here is the new pond we are hoping to use.
Four images stitched with Camedia
The second set is the handstitched images in photoshop.(at least an hour of work).


Thank you so much tonyO. :cool:

Aimee

[P. Tritle]

Umi, Terrific photo, and a great looking pond. And by the way, those gray puffy things in the sky? Is that what clouds look like???
PAT

[Tony Oliver]

....or in this case, aeroplanes.

Pat. You want clouds?

At a show last year. Our lake is under that stuff - that's what fills it .

I understand that in your area water is so scarce you need to dilute it?

Available for free export - you find a way to collect it and you can have as much as you want.

Tony
:D

[P. Tritle]

Tony, Funy how that works, you guys fill your ponds from the top down, we do ours from the bottom up. Our water supply is actually in a huge aquafer that refills from mountain runoff. Here, rain isn't much of an issue, but snowfall in the high country definately is. Around here, if you want to know how the summer water supply is going to be, keep an eye on the skiers in the winter---if they're grinning, it's going to be a good year!
PAT

[Tony Oliver]

Pat, it would have helped if I had put my brain in gear before pressing the 'submit reply' button.

Here's the pic which should have accompanied the text.

Sorry about that.

[P. Tritle]

Tony, Great photo! But, it's only fair to warn you that any photo with a B-17 in it makes me hyperventilate. Show me a picture with 2 in it and I'm worthless for the rest of the day. The high point of the AK trip was flying my B-17 11 times in 3 days. The B-17 is a GREAT flying model and would make a perfect first multi.
PAT

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

Yes those are the Puffy clouds Pat. Its the non puffy black threating ones that chase off most of the modelers. I think that they are worried that thier boats may get wet. :rolleyes:

That B-17 gets you jazzed?

How about a B-52?

Check the flight video here first then look at the rest of the video and jpgs. :cool:
http://www.mcgirt.net/RC/VIDEOS/Giant_B52/

[P. Tritle]

Umi, I've seen that shot before, and it's definately a beauty! Actually, I worked on B-52's when I was stationed at Griffiss air base in 1973 & 74. The "BUFF is cool, but theres just something about 4 big radials rumbling along that I just can't get past. Last month I took a tour through a full scale B-17. I knew the airplane would be cramped inside, but I had no idea it would be THAT cramped. The only place in the airplane I could even stand up straight was the catwalk in the bomb bay, and the waiste gunners positions. Man, what a way to earn 80 bucks a month!
PAT

[JDeGraff]

:eek: :eek: Stares at BUFF photos & vids :eek: :eek:

Okay, those guys have WAAAAY too much spare change, and need to shovel some of it my way ;)

HOLY COW!

Jesse

[RB]

Have any of you guys taken a flight on the EAA's B17? It is expensive but worth it. It is pretty amazing to be sitting behind the radio room and look up at the ceiling and see the control cables working back and forth.

RB

[Tony Oliver]

I know I started this diversion by posting the pic with the B17 in it, but could I issue a gentle reminder to return to topic?

I don't want us to be rapped over the knuckles by a supermod.

Tony
Mod Mod.

[martin richards]

No worries Tonyo. They've got their hands full with that shower over on "Life, the Universe and Politics":D
Anyway, with an old camera and a computer and scanner who aren't on speaking terms, I still digitally manipulate images with my own digits. In the words of Eric Morecambe "you can't see the join".

[P. Tritle]

Tony, OK, I promice I'll stay focused :rolleyes: . What I mean is, I'll try and stay focused :confused: . That is to say, I rpomice to focus on trying to stay focused :o . Ahh forget it. A little diversion is good from time to time, it keeps me awake ;)
PAT

[Tony Oliver]

It is a problem trying to post where needed. If that pic had appeared in, say, Giant Scale, would people on Boats with an interest in B17s have seen it? There's so much good stuff in RCGroups and so many places to look, I feel I'm missing out all the time.

I don't really see any difficulty in diverting from topics - we would certainly not know, for example, that if I had posted the pic with two B17s, that Pat would need emergency treatment. Perhaps diversions should mention the topic at least once to ensure we don't annoy anyone unnecessarily.

Tony

:)

[P. Tritle]

Tony, Here's one to get things back on an "even keel". We definately don't want anybody getting their knuckles wrapped. I have too many fond (?)memories of that sort of thing in the fifth grade by a yardstick wielding Nun to bestow it upon anyone else :eek:
I was in our local Hobby Lobby (arts and crafts store) the other day and spotted this 1/400 new kit from Imex. There are four boats in the series. The hull is 17" long with a 3 5/8" beam, perfect for those of us who like to do plastic kit conversions to run in swimming pools. One of these days when I get a few minutes to kill, I'll whip this thing up and see how she runs.
PAT

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

Yes, getting back on topic

Pat,
Isn't that CAMEDIA 2.5 Software great for stitching digital pictures together?
G o s h - T h a t - M u s t - B e - A - R e a l l y - Bi g - M o d e l - T o -
N e e d - T w o - I m a g e s - T o - P h o t o g r a p h - T h e - B o x . ;)
And there really don't seem to be a lot of freighter kits out there other than the Scout, or Graupners "Neptune"

[JDeGraff]

Dean's Marine has a few freighters and other commercial ships, but most of them are Liberty Ship based (or thereabouts)...
Jesse

[Tony Oliver]

. .

:) :)

[RB]

I have a q about plastic kit conversions. There is a 1/350 aircraft carrier that is about 40" long. Would this be suitable for a first rc boat? I am already an accomplished RC'er just no power boat experience. I have done a little RC sailing back in the late 70's.

How do you keep the water from coming up the prop shaft? Do you locate the top of the stuffing tube above the waterline ?

Thanks
Ray

[P. Tritle]

Ray, The 1/350 Carrier is a PERFECT subject for R/C conversion. You can set it up for 2 ch opperation using 2, 6V S-400 motors, wired in series, using the scale kit supplied props on the outermost positions, and a 6 cell NiCD battery, and it should run great. Ballast should be sufficient to draw it down to the midpoint on the waterline with the "fine tuning" done at the pond.
Mount the motors so the prop shafts remain in their scale locations. Use a 3/32 dia stuffing tube with 1/16 brass or stainless prop shafts, lubed with a light grease. I've set up several this way and have not seen any water transfer up the shafts.
Mount the rudders in their scale location, also using 3/32 brass and 1/16 wire. Cut the rudders from .025 brass and solder them up. Control horns can be fabricated from 1/16 wheel collars with the horns cut from 1/32 ply and epoxied, or .025 brass and soldered, with .032 wire pushrods. There's plenty of room in the hull for a full size rudder servo, but a mini would do the job nicely. If you want to go with a good fore/rev ESC, the Hitek EZX-R works great and doesn't take up alot of space.
And by all meens, if you decide to do the conversion, run the thread so we can see how you go about it.
PAT

[RB]

Well, I won the auction and when the kit arrives I will start a new thread.

Pat, why would you wire the motors in series and not parallel ? Maybe series allows you to use one ESC instead of two for parallel?

Any sites for water newbies ? Other than this one ? ;)

Thanks
Ray

[P. Tritle]

Ray, The reason for wiring in series rather than parrellel is so that you can run twin screws without being excesively overpowered, and still use a ESC w/BEC.
If you wire in parrellel, the current draw will also double, resulting in shorter run times unless larger batteries are used, and will probably be so overpowered as to be squirley. Having converted the 32" Missouri using 2, 280's in series, I'm guessing that the big carrier will do just fine, set up the same way using S-400's.
PAT

[magik]

the hand stitch gives you better detail and better control over what exactly you are joining, although it may take a little longer it definitely has a better ending affect. there is absolutely nothing another program can do that you can't do in PS with the right skills and patience and you'll usually get better results in PhotoShop :)