tricky animating camera

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I'm currently animating a camera via the animator tab (i.e. create camera in a scene, then manually set key frames). However, once i've set my keys i get very jerky camera movement from the interpolation. Basically i'm trying to get the camera to revolve around a building but i just can't seem to get a smooth camera view.

Anyone got any tips on how i can get the result i'm after? Seems like no matter what i try nothing seems to work 😕

[lee.mullin · Accepted solution]

Can I confirm how you are doing this? Are you using Animator or are you just creating an animation in the viewpoints window?

From what you describe I would suggest Using Viewpoints to create the animation and set your Navigaton Tool to Constrained Orbit (use the Navigation sidebar or select this in the Viewpoints Tab), this will keep the same height and distance away from the model as you turn.

Either Record an Animation from the Viewpoints tab in real time or right click in the Saved Viewpoints box > Add Animation > then save viewpoints as often as you like whilst obriting the model, the more viewpoints you use, and the more equal distance apart the frames are, the smoother the animation will be. Ensure all the viewpoints sit in order in the Animation.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Lee!

I did think about trying out what you suggested but i didn't think i could export my animation from a saved viewpoint. Turns out all i had to do was select export current animation rather than current animator scene.

It's still quite dependent upon how smooth you can navigate with the mouse but it should be good enough.

cheers!

[john.lipp]

Hi 4ndyc,  

When creating an animation of the camera orbiting around an item, a useful navigation tool is the turntable tool.  You can activate the classic contrained orbit (turntable) tool by pressing CTRL+0.  You can also change the orbit tools in the Navigation bar by clicking the customize button and selecting Navigation Bar Options...

While using the turn table navigation tool, if you let go of the left mouse button as you orbit the model, the model will continue to spin at a constant speed.  You can then hit the record button in the Animation tab to record the animation of the item spinning without having to manually turn the model yourself.

Best regards,



John Lipp
Product Support Specialist
Autodesk Product Support