A scanning camera with a rotating drum has one or more sensors
characterized by a non-radial optical axis. With two sensors on opposite
sides of the drum and facing in substantially the same direction,
stereoscopic recording of a panorama is accomplished as the drum rotates.
Rapid rotation of the scanning camera produces panoramic motion picture
recording, with the final frame speed dependent on the sensitivity and
speed of the sensor, the resolution desired, and the capabilities of the
recording device. The preferred embodiment employs rotating fisheye
lenses for a substantially full-sphere field of view. Streamlining of the
lens elements on the drum surface is described for quiet operation of the
camera, even at high rotation speeds. The rapid rotation of the drum
characteristic of motion picture frame rates can improve both the
stability and portability of the camera. The gyroscopic effect of the
rotating weight of the drum can increase the stability of the camera, and
the apparent weight of the camera can be reduced by the lifting effect of
aerodynamic elements such as rotors added to the rotating drum. The
adjustment of convergence are described that improve the viewing of
stereoscopic images. Additional sensors in the same arrangement are used
to increase resolution through multiplexed recording of the image data.
Recording image information using film, either internal or external to
the camera drum, is also described as a cost-effective alternative to
digital media storage.