A stereo cam is a special type of camera, or camera rig, that allows you to shoot 3-D images, or at least images that can later be made 3-D through certain types of video/image editing programs and special glasses. These types of camera systems work by mimicking the angles of images perceived by the human eye, using two separate images that are later edited to produce a single stereoscopic image that appears thee dimensional when viewed with proper glasses.
Two Cameras
The most important thing to remember is that you will need two cameras, preferably both the exact same model and set to the exact same settings. If your camera uses tape or film, then make sure it's the exact same type of tape or film in both cameras. You'll also need some velcro strips and a piece of wood, about a foot long.
Construction
You can use anything, really, but the most cost-effective way of constructing a stereo cam is with a simple piece of rectangular wood. Simply place some velcro on the bottom of the cameras, then some more on the wood, making sure that, when the cameras are placed on the wood, the lenses are spaced about two inches apart, or the approximate distance between human eyes. With the cameras secured to the wood, both facing forward with the lenses about two inches apart, you've just created your stereo cam. By drilling a small screw hole into the bottom of the wood you can even mount it on a tripod.
Use
To get a 3D image, simply record using both cameras at the same time. If using still cameras, set them to both take the picture at the same time, unless the object you're photographing isn't moving, in which case time isn't really as important as simply getting a shot of the same object from both angles. With the footage or images recorded, upload them into a computer and combine them using a video editing program like Adobe Aftereffects, which can combine the image streams into a single stereoscopic image.
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