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Kaidan Kiwi990 FE nodal point and tilt test

GENERALIZATION:
Nodal point and camera lens leveling are important for perfecting any stitched image.  These aspects are considered important:  The camera, lens, panorama head, proper camera/ lens alignment, the stitching software, and the PV Lens File focal length specifications.

PROCESS FC-E8 FE mode 1 and PV1.0:
3 each 2048 x 1536 FULL Normal Resolution 300ppi images per panorama generated an  2848 x1424 (2:1) stitch 11.6mb .bmp pano. The EXIF data for each image showed the Focal length to be 7.7mm. PV lens file of 7.8 were used to stitch the image. 

DISCUSSION:
After stitching with FL 7.7 lens file we found we got a better stitch using  7.8mm.  Our estimate is 7.8 to 8.0mm for best results on 3 shot panoramas.  Kaidan's predrilled hole is 72mm from the vertical bracket leading edge back to the center line of the locking screw hole.  Adjustment lugs are placed for and aft of the camera to keep it from rotating or tilting down caused by the weight of the fisheye or other lens adapter. We tried placing the camera lock screw at 57mm (15mm difference) and were able to get better stitching results.. Even better position is 61mm.

CONCLUSION:
The nodal point is off (fore and aft) and the camera is tilted down will result in poor stitching. Here we are using the fisheye lens, but using any other lens, you would not see the tripod head but the stitching errors would still be there.  You can create better panoramas, by testing for the proper nodal point and assuring that the pan head is level, camera is vertical and lens is level at the cap.
 

<--- 72mm-- |

better NP <-----61mm --|
 

57mm

Nodal Point 72mm

Level Lens 81kb

 Nodal point 57mm
Level Lens 99kb

Set the camera and tripod 3" from front of table edge and about 4" above top of front batteries. 4 batteries are shown in the picture, but 2 can be used 1 in front and 1 in back effectively. Point the camera straight ahead. (middle picture).  Move batteries around to the back battery bottom is directly over top of center of front battery.

Straight view - take picture. Left view - take picture. Right View - take picture.

View all 3 pictures in Photoshop.. zoomed in.  If in the left and right view the batteries change position ... then you have not found the nodal point.

Correct Nodal point.. the batteries will not move.

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For Nodal point known locations click here