I am a novice, but I would like to make a simple robotic "panoramahead" that takes 2+ pictures rotating horizontally to make 360 degree view picture. Functionality would be: 1. operator sends a command or sets a timer to take the first photo, 2. stand rotates certain amout, 3. camera takes another photo, 4. repeating the 2&3 to complete the 360 degree view (I think 7-10 photos would be enough)
I have a Canon D500 (or Rebel T1i) which has a 2.5mm jack to operate the shutter. There are some examples how to operate the shutter vía arduino http://als-project.blogspot.fi/ and Arduino - Home Shutter control doesnt need any power, it just has to close certain connections.
But I still need some tips. Which shield(s) do I need? What kind of motor do I need (durability and reliability are important)? Other parts? And I am quite rubbish at programming so something to begin with would be nice (similar project etc.)
What kind of motor do I need (durability and reliability are important)?
A stepper motor with the camera centered above it seems ideal. You can make the stepper step any number of times - the number of steps being related to how far it needs to turn between frames and how many steps are required to complete one rotation. https://www.sparkfun.com/products/9238?
If the motor is not designed to have a load directly on the shaft you will need a bearing or two.
FWIW here's a rough 3D render of my DIY pano head.
This is not motorised but the principles are the same. It takes a heavy EOS 1Ds and lens and because I used bearings there was originaly so little friction I had to add a spring to stop it rotating with every breeze
(I think 7-10 photos would be enough)
Depends on your lens and orientation of the camera, remember you need plenty of overlap, even up to 50%.
Normally you also want to rotate around the lens's "nodal point" as well, but for pics like the example you showed that's not important.
If you use a single camera, a stepper motor is the way to go.
I would prefer a large and sturdy stepper motor. That makes it easier to connect a camera to. But if you want it to be battery operated, perhaps not so big is better.
The Adafruit motor shield comes with a library for stepper motors. But it is only for small motors. http://www.ladyada.net/make/mshield/
It uses older components, it is simple, and the code is very good.
It is very cheap, so you could buy one and use it for your first prototype and to learn about stepper motors.
The Sparkfun board that PaulS wrote about is a lot better, but I don't know how good the software is.
You could also add a servo to the stepper motor to tilt the camera downwards and upwards.
I would also take pictures with a very large overlap. Like 80% or so. If a bird gets in the way, you need to discard a few photos. Or you could use little overlap like 10% and make a few full sweeps.
The Adafruit motor shield comes with a library for stepper motors. But it is only for small motors.
A little clarification. The motor shield is for small motors, not the library. The same library can be used for huge stepper motors using appropriate drivers.
