{"id":481,"date":"2026-04-21T21:48:14","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T21:48:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/projects.etc.cmu.edu\/dots-to-depth-studios\/?page_id=481"},"modified":"2026-04-25T16:29:59","modified_gmt":"2026-04-25T16:29:59","slug":"common-pitfalls","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/projects.etc.cmu.edu\/dots-to-depth-studios\/common-pitfalls\/","title":{"rendered":"Camera Settings"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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As the saying goes, “garbage in, garbage out.” This page will discuss the important steps to get right — including choosing a camera, camera settings, and more — so you end up with amazing results. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Why We Used A 360 Degree Camera<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are multiple ways of getting videos and\/or images to do 3DGS. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The advantages of using a 360-Degree camera are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Complete Scene Coverage:<\/strong> A 360\u00b0 camera captures the entire environment in a single pass. This ensures you don’t miss “blind spots” that are common when using a standard narrow-angle lens.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Faster Acquisition:<\/strong> Because the Field of View is so wide, you need fewer photos or shorter video walks to cover a large area. This is ideal for scanning large outdoor spaces or complex rooms, or if you have limited time. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Robust Camera Tracking:<\/strong> Because the camera sees in every direction simultaneously, it always has a landmark to hold onto. A single frame captures an object from its center and its extreme edges, which helps the computer calculate depth. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Consistent Lighting:<\/strong> Since you capture the whole room at once, you can worry less about the sunlight suddenly changing, and different lighting will confuse the algorithm. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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    Camera Settings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Mode<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Definition: Modern cameras offer various color profiles and exposure modes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For 3DGS: Use Manual Mode<\/strong> and select a Flat<\/strong> or Neutral<\/strong> color profile rather than “Standard” or “Vivid.” Flat profiles capture a higher dynamic range with less baked-in contrast, preventing highlights <\/strong>and shadows<\/strong>, which you should avoid as much as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Frame Rate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Definition: Measured in fps (Frames Per Second)<\/strong>, this indicates how many individual images are captured every second. For example, 30 fps means you have taken 30 photos every 1 second. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For 3DGS: Aim for 30-60 fps. While you will likely only extract 1\u20133 frames per second for the actual processing, a higher frame rate allows you to pick the sharpest possible frames. Avoid 24 fps, as it often requires a slower shutter speed that introduces “cinematic” motion blur\u2014the enemy of 3DGS. Conversely, avoid 120+ fps, as these modes often compress image quality to handle the high data load. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Shutter speed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Definition: The duration of time the camera sensor is exposed to light. A slow shutter (e.g., $1\/30$) lets in more light but causes blur; a fast shutter (e.g., $1\/1000$) “freezes” motion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For 3DGS: Keep your shutter speed high<\/strong>. Motion blur is one of the primary reasons 3DGS captures fail. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Aperture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Definition: The size of the opening in the lens that lets light in. It controls the Depth of Field (DoF)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For 3DGS: You want a deep depth of field<\/strong> (e.g., 8 to 11) so that both the foreground and background remain in focus. Low apertures (like 1.8) create “bokeh” or background blur, which confuses the 3DGS algorithm. However, avoid extremely high f-stops (like $f\/22$), as the overall image can start to soften. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    ISO<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Definition: The sensitivity of the camera sensor to light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For 3DGS: A common rule of thumb is to stay below 800<\/strong>. Some high-end cameras can handle higher ISOs. If the scene is too dark, add physical lights rather than cranking up the ISO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    White Balance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Definition: The process of removing unrealistic color casts so that objects which appear white in person are rendered white in your photo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For 3DGS: Never use “Auto White Balance” (AWB). If the camera adjusts the color temperature as you move from sunlight to shade, the algorithm will struggle to align the frames. Use a preset (e.g., “Daylight” or “Tungsten”) to lock the White Balance, which ensures color consistency across the entire capture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    General Tips: <\/h2>\n\n\n\n