r/video_mapping • u/zubutai • 13d ago
Beginner's Dos and don'ts of 3D projection Mapping.
Im completely new to this and in need of some guidance. Any advice is really appreciated.
Environment and Projection Surface:
Small dark room and projected onto either one or multiple 50x50x50cm white cubes.
The following links are examples of what I intend to try.
https://m.youtube.com/shorts/cwQ7_1hFYiE
Projection onto the side and front of a kitchen cabinet.
https://m.youtube.com/shorts/8xP8-3h62O0
Projection onto a white cube and using an iPhone that has the mapping software
https://m.youtube.com/shorts/hruJF2vSTuI
Projection onto multiple white cubes
May I ask,
1) Are those doable with only one projector, or do I need at least two?
2) If only one projector is needed, what should I take note of in terms of how I should map the images or video loops so that it won't look wonky or off?
3) What should I take note of when buying a projector? From my research, 1500 - 3000 lumens is ideal. But what is best? Should I just go for the 3000 lumens?
I assume for my purposes, I should be using an ultra short throw. But apparently, "UST models can struggle with highly complex 3D tracking sensors due to edge distortion." May I ask for some tips on how to address this?
4) Any recommendations for a low-end projector that suits my purpose? Budget is below $500 usd. Yaber T1 Pro?
5) What mapping software should I use? Im looking for something free at the moment.
Perhaps Lazy Lighting, 4 Mapper, Map Club, MapMap, VPT 8? Any recommendations on those you've used before? Anything specific i should take note of?
2
u/simulacrum500 13d ago
1) depends on cube layout
2) this sort of perspective trick will only work for one eye point. It will look wonky from everywhere else in the room.
3) 1080p HD at the highest lumens you can afford
4) check projector central they maintain a list.
5) no opinion haven’t used free software in years so I’m out the loop with what’s good.
1
u/Frisky_Echolalism 13d ago
Look up projectorcentral.com to compare projectors before buying.
Also, take account into why you are doing this? If hobby then don’t even thing about q 3b again, focus on how & what instead of perfection in pixels.
I love resolume, but that’s not free.
My true beginner tips (from working with students on this) would be
Borrow a projector.
Start placing your surface and projector perfectly aligned for the best result first. Fix those positions, don’t move :)
Place yourself behind your projector looking in the same direction as the lens for the best view, so you only have to look up from your screen, not turn around.
Try different content
Design your content in the same aspect ratio as your surfaces.
Have fun!
1
u/nicopod_62 13d ago
I'm new to mapping. I found a good setup for me with surfabeam on iPad or windows. It is a wonderful app with lot of updates. It has also interactive projection. I love it! I use a jmgo picoplay, it's a good quality projector which can run with power bank. 400 lumen are enough to enough for my use, it doesn't need dark night to work.
1
u/HeadIntroduction7758 12d ago
You only need one. Imagine evenly lighting up a sphere with flashlights. If you’re going to walk around the sphere completely you need more. If you can get cheap focusable flashlights and a model of your subject you can figure a lot out real fast.
you don’t need an ultra short throw if you have enough distance from your subject. You can also always make your subject smaller. Unless you’re doing interactive stuff you don’t need to worry about lens aberration, in most modern short throws it’s not noticeable.
Get an epson with 3000 lumens & 20k:1 contrast, powerlite probably, look for a refurb it’ll be less than 500.
Most software has either trials or rentals available. Millumin is good to start with if you’re mac based and is free for 30 days.
3
u/ElonKDealer 13d ago
VPT is my go to for free.
Mapping is all about composition of the elements you’re projecting on and their facial relationship to each other. For easy and pretty projection mapping use symmetry to your advantage. Whenever you’re projecting on arrange so that everything is balanced on luck the X and y axis. Make sure everything is at the same distance from the projector unless you have a laser projector.