The Arduino-based Zcapture – which recently surfaced on KickStarter – is designed to provide a low-cost, high-quality product that can be modified, hacked or customized to fit individual needs.
According to Zcapture creator Jared Bouck, the device is positively “disruptive” to an emerging industry of 360 driven content creation – illustrating a better way of doing things while providing information in a user-centric medium.
“The humble beginnings of Zcapture came from my own personal interest in experimentation about 8 years ago with Basic Stamp programming. Roughly 4 years ago I discovered the Arduino NG and fell in love with the [Atmel-powered] Arduino platform from the point of view that anyone could learn it and use it. Immediately I set to work to build and refine the Zcapture system based on this robust platform,” Bouck explained in a Kickstarter post.
“[Remember], I have been deeply involved in web development for 15 years and a great majority of that time has been focused on eCommerce development and design. In that time I have always found that the lack of meaningful product information is a killer when presenting a product in a meaningful way to have them purchase.”
So how does Zcapture work? Well, the system comprises three tightly integrated components – hardware, software and HTML.
“This allows you to easily go from item to website in as little as 15 minutes,” said Bouck. “[Plus], the design and functionality of each system has been designed to be as easy to implement as possible with intuitive controls so that just about anyone can set-up, connect and shoot amazing 360 shots.”
Indeed, Zcapture is designed to operate 100% autonomously – without the need to be connected or controlled from a computer. It also boasts features like optical isolation from camera equipment and active cooling to ensure cool and stable operation.
“Makers will love how easy Zcapture is to use. Gone are the days of a project build with static photos,” he added. “Now instructions can be step-by-step in 360, allowing the reader to see all the intricacies of your project. Even better is the ability to show off your project complete and polished.”
The Zcapture is compatible with most SLR cameras that support an external shutter control, working natively with all Cannon and Nikon Camera models out of the box. It should be noted that for the base KickStarter model, Zcapture will only be supporting Canon and Nikon cameras, although stretch goals will be set for the inclusion of additional cameras, as well IR header support for most point and shoot cameras.
Interested in learning more? Be sure to check out Zcapture on Kickstarter here.
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