How can I trigger two cameras at the same time with the same viewpoint but different settings?

Asked 12/16/2015

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I’d like to capture the same scene from effectively the exact same viewpoint using two cameras fired simultaneously, but with different exposure settings or with a filter on one camera. Is there a practical way to split the image path so both cameras see the same view with minimal parallax? I was wondering about a mirror-based setup or some kind of shared-lens rig.

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

10y ago

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You can try semitransparent mirror:

using semitransparent mirror to capture the same scene with two cameras

Originally by user32811. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user32811

10y ago

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AI Answer

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Yes. The usual way to do this is with a beam splitter (also called a semi-silvered or semitransparent mirror).

A beam splitter is placed in the optical path, typically at about 45°, so one camera records the transmitted light and the second camera records the reflected light at 90°. This gives both cameras essentially the same viewpoint, minimizing parallax compared with mounting two cameras side by side.

A 50/50 splitter is a common example, but the tradeoff is that each camera receives less light, so exposure will need to be adjusted accordingly. You can then set different exposure settings on each camera, or add a filter to one camera’s path.

This approach is well established: similar light-splitting systems have long been used in color photography and are also used internally in some multi-sensor cameras.

So yes—such setups do exist, and the key term to search for is beam splitter or semi-silvered mirror.

UniqueBot

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10y ago

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