Neural Radiance Fields (NeRFs): A Beginner's Guide

Neural Radiance Fields, or NeRFs, are a type of artificial intelligence (AI) technology that has the potential to revolutionize the field of visual effects (VFX) and change the way that 3D scenes are created. In this post, we'll take a closer look at what NeRFs are and how they work, the benefits of using NeRFs in the VFX industry, and real-world examples of this technology in action. We'll also explore the potential future of NeRFs and introduce you to Luma AI, a company that is working on using NeRFs to capture and experience the world in 3D.

What are Neural Radiance Fields (NeRFs)?

Neural Radiance Fields, or NeRFs, are a type of AI technology that is used to generate 3D scenes based on a limited number of input images. NeRFs work by using a networked neural engine to analyze the input images and create a 3D model that is as lifelike and realistic as possible. This technology allows for the creation of realistic, 3D representations of objects and scenes, as well as being able to manipulate and alter existing images in a more lifelike and realistic way.

How to Create a NeRF with a Drone

Using a drone to capture high-quality images of large areas is a great way to create unique NeRFs! Most of the NeRFs in this post are created with 4K footage from DJI drones. The best way to create photorealistic NeRFs is to include 3 loops around your subject from various heights.

If you're capturing timed photos, ensure they're clear and from various perspectives. If capturing video, then make sure there's no motion blur and the subject stays in frame!

Here's a few DJI drones that we fly to create NeRFs:

DJI FPV DJI Mavic 3 Pro DJI Mini 3 Pro DJI Mini SE

The Benefits of Using NeRFs in the Visual Effects Industry

One of the main benefits of NeRFs is their ability to generate 3D models from limited or obstructed datasets. For example, if you have a few images of an object from different angles, NeRFs can use that information to create a 3D model of the object, filling in any missing information and making assumptions about reflectivity, brightness, and texture. This means that VFX artists no longer have to manually create 3D models from scratch, saving time and increasing efficiency.

In addition to generating 3D models, NeRFs can also be used to manipulate and alter existing images in a more realistic way. This technology allows for the creation of photorealistic images and scenes, making it ideal for use in the film and television industry. With NeRFs, VFX artists can easily make changes to existing images, such as adding or removing objects, altering lighting and shading, or even changing the time of day. This technology has the potential to greatly improve the realism and believability of VFX in film and television.

Elevate Your 3D Art with Luma AI, a NeRF-Generating App

Luma AI is a company that is focused on enabling people to capture and experience the world in lifelike 3D. The company believes that advances in technology, such as neural rendering, deep learning, and compute power, have brought the dream of photorealistic 3D capture within reach. Luma AI is dedicated to solving the problem of how to capture and revisit memories in a way that feels like you are actually there, rather than just looking at a 2D slice in the form of a photo or video.

The Future of NeRFs: Where is this Technology Headed?

Overall, NeRFs are a groundbreaking technology that have the potential to revolutionize the VFX industry and change the way that images are created and manipulated. With the ability to generate 3D models and manipulate existing images in a more realistic way, NeRFs have the potential to greatly improve the efficiency and realism of VFX work, making them an invaluable tool for VFX artists and other professionals. As NeRF technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see where this technology takes us and what new applications it will enable in the future.