I just finished my gadget which automates the image taking part of photogrammetry (making 3D models of an object from a bunch of photos of the object). The setup is simple: the gadget (based on Arduino Nano) slowly rotates a round platform with the object at the center, while regularly triggering camera shutter and an external flash (or multiple flashes in the studio, via YN603 RF trigger). One needs as soft light as possible (no shadows) for the best results; I am using the two largest lights in my studio (60" octo and a smaller rectangular softbox).
The gadget is optimized to operate a Canon DSLR with Magic Lantern using its FRSP (electronic shutter) mode - meaning no wearing off the shutter (which could be very important - if you want a quality 3d model, you might need to take hundreds of shots, from different angles, and also for the focal depth). It is often assumed that a flash cannot be used with FRSP, but I found a workaround with the help of my gadget. The limitations are the time between shots should be at least 6s, and the camera shutter time should be 1/4s or longer (so it requires a fairly dark studio). But otherwise it works beautifully - I took hundreds of FRSP shots with a flash both with 50D and now 6D, and they all look perfect (properly exposed).
The PCB of my design was made professionally (and very cheaply) in China. The total cost for everything is ~20$. I still need to design and 3D print an enclosure for the controller.
The controller functionality is basic (for now) - it displays a few important parameters, allows to store different parameter combinations in the permanent (EEPROM) memory, in 10 custom registers, and has a start/stop button. The software is now on github.
The main project's site:
http://pulsar124.wikia.com/wiki/3D_Scanner
3D scanner by First Last, on Flickr
