A4K2: Stereo Capture rig for Canon A4000

thingiverse

This is a simple hand-held mount that we created in 2014 for a pair of Canon PowerShot A4000 cameras to capture synchronized stereo images or video. The camera mount is our original design, holding a pair of A4000 so that the stereo baseline approximates that of human vision. The cameras can be screwed-in via their tripod sockets, or secured using tie straps, but they actually clip in well enough for normal use. The grip (which was derived from Thing 62606) is hollowed to accept a standard 9V battery, momentary switch, and dual-port USB connector (to which we wired a 7805 voltage regulator). Thus, the wiring in the grip allows for a regulated 5V to be supplied to both USB port connectors when the button is pressed, and CHDK allows the cameras to be triggered at precisely the same time by detecting that 5V signal on the camera USB ports. The reason we didn't post this design earlier was the awkwardness of using the 9V battery and regulator as the 5V source - a rechargeable USB battery would be the correct answer now. However, this design is discussed in Lessons from Design, Construction, and Use of Various Multicameras at Electronic Imaging 2018, so here it is.