camera match

[SgWRX]

i haven't done it much, but every now and then i will play with the camera match utility in 3ds max. i'll snap a photograph and if there is a desk in the scene or some other box shaped thing, i'll model it's dimensions in 3ds max and then use the utility to create the points and create a camera. it usually works well enough, sometimes barrel distortion from a wide-angle lens will cause it to be off.

 

anyway, has anyone done this with a large scale scene - for example a building, 2-3 stories, big exterior.

 

one thought i had was to create a box of size 4ftx4ftx4ft out of pvc pipe and have bright colored corners. i could break it down and bring it on location, set it up and make sure it's in the camera view when i photograph the building.

 

anyone have experience with this, perhaps a better way? other than measuring a building in the photograph.

[Tommy L]

I would imagine a beach ball would make a good marker, or even two beach balls.. Nice and easy to pack too.

[SgWRX]

that's true! i was thinking it'd have to be something solid-like, box, rectangle but really it just has to be points with accurate measurements between. i think i'll try that today with tennis balls in the office.

[Vince Paske]

Might be easier to just grab a laser measuring device and take a few vertical and horizontal distances on a sketch.