Is it possible to use a 3D webcam instead of the kinetic and use it in the same way? They are relatively cheaper than the kinect and it seems logical considering a kinetic is a kind of 3D Camera

No, 3d cameras just record. Kinect sends out infrared dots and then reads them. The time it takes to hit and bounce off an object give a kinect sensor depth information.

Dale

dueyftw is right--I believe most 3D Webcams are simply stereoscopic devices, meaning they combine two video streams to create the illusion of 3D. That said, I wonder if this data could be used in a similar manner to how iPi works with multiple PS3 Eye cameras to generate a 'Kinect-style' point cloud.

To be honest though, the capture quality probably won't be as good as using PS3 Eye cameras, which are probably cheaper than 3D web cams. (You can purchase a PS3 Eye camera for $30+.) IMO, if you want 'entry level' and are on a small budget, you'd be better off saving up and getting, at the very least, a single Kinect--you'll experience fewer issues and the results will be worth it.

Hope this helps.

G.

_________________
Greenlaw
Artist/Partner - Little Green Dog | My Demo Reels (2013,) (2015,) (2017,) and (2019)

Watch a one minute excerpt on Vimeo now!