pixels : PIU : Rendering a Fisheye Effect

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will be using Pixels' Raytracer to reflect a wide fisheye view into the Camera.

This tutorial requires:

Pixels3D | studio | v3.x

Downloads

Fisheye Example Scene

Perfect Mirror Shader

Step 1: We Need a Scene

Create a few primitives, open an existing scene, or use the tutorial scene.

The tutorial scene is simply 12 elongated cubes with the camera focused between them.

Step 2: Create the Reflector Object

Create a Default Sphere.

The detail of the reflection is dependant on the detail of the reflector, so increase the U & V Subdivisions to at least 4x4. Higher values will be more accurate, but will also take longer to render.

Step 3: Linking

In the Right View's View Options, change the view to Schematic.

Select the Camera and Interest, then Shift-Select the Sphere.

Choose Control>Link.

Accept the default Link Options by clicking OK.

Click the Park button.

The Camera and Interest are now children of the sphere, and will always point toward it.

Step 3: Apply a Reflective Shader to the Sphere

With the Sphere selected, click an empty swatch in th Shader Manager.

Select the PerfectMirror Shader.

Step 4: Position the Camera

Select the Camera, and use Control>Move to reposition it to the opposite side of the desired viewing angle.

The sphere should completely fill the camera view.

Step 5: Adjust the Raytrace Recursions

For the fastest render time, open the Render Options Dialog ( CMD+U ), and set the recursion level low.

Step 6: Render

Choose File>Quick Render to see what we've done.

This is just one method. It is also possible to link a 'lens' to the camera, and use a refraction shader on the lens. Try it!