Cameras are the main viewing tools in 3D visualisation. They are placed in the scene either manually or from the Perspective viewport and named uniquely. Multiple cameras can exist in the scene, each one with separate views to show the client around the scene. They are also used extensively to aid modelling and to keep a tight hold on what needs modelling and at what detail. Cameras can look at a target or be free to follow a path in animation, and the user can modify a number of parameters similar to a real camera. This tutorial explores the basic process of working with cameras.
Two types of camera are available: Target for keeping the camera view fixed on a point wherever the camera is placed and Free for manipulating freely and for use on path animations such as walkthrough movies
This tutorial explains the creation and manipulation of a Target camera. The use of a Free camera is explained in the 'Animation' tutorial when animating a camera along a path. The basic parameters for both types, however, are explained here
kf401_files.zip (387kb)
NOTE: In practice just place the camera roughly and then change the position of camera and target afterwards in the Top and Left viewports thus:
TIP: If the camera is to be placed at head height then the target needs to be roughly head height and perhaps down from the camera Z position slightly. The camera can be moved up or down over the site in the knowledge that if placed back at head height the target will be already correctly placed on the Z axis
TIP: Instead of creating new cameras every time, perhaps clone them and rename. Then much of the positioning of the camera and target (especially on the Z axis) is already done. Keep one viewport as Camera viewport and change the views when needed. Use cameras to keep a tight hold on what you actually need to model and in what detail. Use cameras sooner rather than later for efficient viewing and modelling
NOTE: The Field of View also changes the Lens value. This relates the field of view to standard camera settings. A standard person's field of view is equivalent to a 35mm lens
NOTE: Many more advanced settings exist for cameras such as clipping planes and Multi-Pass effects for scene depth and atmosphere. These are not covered by Key Fundamentals
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Tuesday
4th February 2025