Panorama Benro Polaris checklist
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Checklist for taking a panorama using the Benro Polaris + µ4/3 GH6 (also G9)

Mechanical set-up

  1. Assemble tripod and levelling head; set level using large bubble if available.
  2. Attach mount to levelling head.
  3. Turn on Polaris (press once, then press and hold until three beeps) – if parked should then slightly unfold (NB: if not fully parked then turn off and park (see below) then turn on again).
    → Blue LED should come on shortly, indicating WiFi ready.

App setup

  1. Open Polaris App on phone; it should search for and connect to Polaris automatically.  Once connected, touch device name to change to main screen.
    Sometimes password self resets, so make sure you have a note of it.
  2. Then double-tap on both ‘joysticks’ to centre head vertically (tilt=0) and horizontally; then adjust pan to point of interest.

Camera set-up

  1. Add camera & lens to Polaris, using intermediate clamp and plate as necessary; the Polaris knobs will be behind and to right of camera.
    Roughly offset for no-parallax point (rely on software unless close objects).
  2. Attach lens hood.
  3. Turn on camera; set to: A, f/5.6, ISO 100, Electronic shutter. (Maybe assign to a custom mode.)
  4. Check camera level, on screen.
  5. Select single-shot or 50MP multi-exposure (10–12s or 16–20s/shot).
  6. Switch to MF, then focus (using peaking and/or [AF] on-screen).
  7. Plug cable between camera USB-C socket and ‘Camera’ USB-C socket on Polaris.
    → Camera will then prompt for USB connection method; select Tether.

 

Record

  1. Take single shot with tilt=0 (this records horizon and also measures exposure).
    Record compass bearing of prominent feature for later Set North and/or GPS.
  2. Press AF/AE Lock toggle button (according to camera setup) to ‘freeze’ exposure and focus.
    NB: A switch to/from Hi-Res, a change of Tether, or touch shutter loses AE Lock.

App

  1. App Settings menu (3-bars) if needed:
    • Overall Settings: Floating thumbnail: On.
    • Shooting Mode Settings:
      Return to Start (PANO): On.
      Shutter response time: 2s (may need to be longer if AF or poor light).
  2. Touch camera icon (top right), then PANO, then PRO mode.
    NB: Preview may need hand wave in front of lens to activate.)
  3. Check/select (bottom row): Micro4/3, lens focal length (e.g., 75mm); also Landscape and 33% overlap.

  4. Setup capture bounds
    • NB: view position on camera screen; the app image lags and sometimes does not update.
    • Move to top left and touch main button ‘Start’;
    • Move to bottom right and touch main button ‘End’.
  5. To start pano: slide main button up to begin shoot (first shot may pause longer).
    → After capture, position reverts to top-left to allow repeat.

When done:

  1. Press camera AF/AE Lock toggle and change shooting mode as required.
  2. Turn off  Camera.
  3. Turn off  Polaris: Long press until beep; then long press again until beep to ‘park’.
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This page was last edited on 2024-10-29 by mfc.