The cameras and lenses that we sell range from low cost point-and-shoot consumer grade cameras with a fixed lens and a fish-eye lens converter to high-end digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras with a fish-eye lens.

When purchased from Regent Instruments, cameras and lenses come with a calibration file that indicates to the WinSCANOPY program; 1) the radius of the 180 degree field of view area, 2) the position of the hemispherical projection in the image (as illustrated below, it can vary significantly among different cameras of the same model), 3) the coefficients for non-linearities compensation in the image projection and 4) miscellaneous information about the camera and lens. You can also provide the calibration parameters of your own camera and lens. The cameras, lenses and accessories that we sell are described in WinSCANOPY Systems specifications (we recommend to read the information below before to better understand the options offered).

Why is lens calibration important? It is important to identify the hemisphere radius producing a FOV of 180 degrees and the centre of the hemisphere otherwise the calculated projections in function of zenith (solar angle, gap position) will contain errors. As an example, these images were taken with two different cameras of the same model. The hemispherical region position in the image differs (the one to the right is shifted downward).

The O-Mounts (except the Mini) come with the SunBlocker. It prevents the direct sun rays from reaching the camera fish-eye lens, thus eliminating glare. It can be installed and removed in few seconds.

Note: Do not confuse the NorthFinder with the static LEDs found on other systems. Static systems LEDs are fixed and it's the operator which must turn the mount so that the LED is aligned in the north direction. This takes much more time and is prone to errors.