138: M3 Macs: Is it the right time to upgrade? with Alex Lindsay
Nov 22, 2023
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Filmmaking expert Alex Lindsay discusses topics including the new MacBook Pros, the M3 family of chips, the value of PCs and Macs, the Hydrogen Phone, the display of the new MacBook Pros, using iPhones as monitors, advancements in audio equipment, photogrammetry, and predicting production trends.
The integration of structured and unstructured light has revolutionized photogrammetry, allowing for faster and more accurate 3D model creation.
Powerful smartphones with built-in LiDAR and high-resolution cameras have made mobile photogrammetry more accessible than ever, opening up new possibilities for various industries.
Smartphone filmmaking offers flexibility and high-quality production capabilities, revolutionizing smaller budget productions and providing opportunities for aspiring filmmakers.
Deep dives
Evolution of Photogrammetry: From Manual to Automatic
Photogrammetry has evolved significantly over the years. Initially, it involved manually matching points in photographs to create 3D models. Then, software like RealViz and tracking tools made the process more automated. This led to the emergence of applications like Metashape and RealityCapture, which can generate 3D models using a large set of photos. The incorporation of LiDAR data further improved the accuracy and detail of the models. The advent of smartphones with built-in LiDAR and high-resolution cameras has made photogrammetry even more accessible and efficient.
Structured and Unstructured Light in Photogrammetry
In photogrammetry, structured light refers to LiDAR data that provides precise depth information. Unstructured light refers to photos captured by cameras with known specifications. The combination of these two types of data enhances the accuracy of photogrammetric models. Structured light acts as a skeleton or reference for the unstructured light, which captures more detailed information. The integration of structured and unstructured light has revolutionized the capabilities of photogrammetry, allowing for faster and more accurate 3D model creation.
Advancements in Mobile Photogrammetry
The availability of powerful smartphones with built-in LiDAR and high-resolution cameras has made mobile photogrammetry more accessible than ever. Applications like Polycam leverage the camera and LiDAR capabilities of modern phones to quickly and accurately create 3D models. By combining the precise depth information from LiDAR with the detailed imagery from the camera, mobile photogrammetry apps can generate highly realistic models with ease. This technological advancement has opened up new possibilities for various industries, including architecture, design, entertainment, and more.
The power of shooting with smartphones
The podcast episode discusses the increasing capability of smartphones for capturing high-quality footage. The speaker shares personal experiences of shooting with their phone, including shooting a 14-minute video that turned out to be a 38-gigabyte file, highlighting the impressive quality. They also mention how Apple's iPhone launch event served as a showcase for the phone's filming capabilities, which has led to inquiries from film companies about using iPhones for interviews and specs like 4K and 60fps. The speaker emphasizes the newfound freedom and portability that shooting with smartphones provides, giving filmmakers the ability to shoot in unconventional ways and easily experiment with storytelling.
The rise of smartphone filmmaking for small and medium productions
The podcast episode explores the significance of smartphone filmmaking for smaller budget productions, including short films, TV shows, and web content. The speaker discusses how shooting with phones can offer flexibility, citing examples such as quickly setting up a training video using an iPhone for easy maneuverability. They also highlight the growing importance of YouTube and platforms like TikTok and Instagram for sharing short films and creative content. The speaker predicts a shift in the production landscape with the emergence of stereo 180 and the upcoming competition between Apple and Meta in advancing the technology. Overall, smartphones are seen as a powerful tool for aspiring filmmakers, offering accessible and high-quality production capabilities.
