User Guide

CHAPTER 9
296
3D Compositing
If the camera is auto-oriented toward the point of interest, it continues to point that
direction as you change its position. When you change the camera’s position by dragging
the camera icon in the Composition window, or by changing the camera’s position value
in the Timeline window, the point of interest remains stationary within the composition
and, as the camera moves along the motion path, it continues to point at the point of
interest. When you adjust the camera’s position by dragging the axes in the Composition
window, the point of interest moves as well, and the camera continues to point at it. You
could use this option to the depict an auto passenger’s perspective, looking at a single tree
outside of a side window while driving past.
If the camera is auto-oriented toward the motion path, then the camera points only in the
direction of the motion path. You could use this option to depict a driver’s perspective
looking at the road ahead when driving.
If the camera auto-orientation is turned off, then the camera rotates freely, independent of
the motion path or the point of interest.
Note: If you change the camera's Orientation or X, Y, or Z Rotation property while auto-orien-
tation is on, then the camera will point away from the object to which it is auto-oriented. The
auto-orientation is still on, but it will be offset by any additional rotation you specified with
Orientation or X, Y, or Z Rotation. You could use this feature to depict a passenger's perspective
looking out the side window of a car while the auto moves forward. This feature may make inter-
actions more complicated. After Effects warns you before you use this feature.
To move a camera or point of interest in the Composition window:
1 In the Timeline or Composition window, select the camera you want to transform.
2 In the Composition window, choose a 3D view based on the position from which you
want to view the transformation. The active camera’s point of interest icon and the bound-
aries defining its angle of view are not visible in the Active Camera view. Choose another
view to monitor the exact position of these elements when transforming the active camera.
3 Choose the selection or rotation tool.
4 Do one of the following:
• To move the camera and, if applicable, the point of interest, position the cursor over the
axis you want to adjust and drag.
UG.book Page 296 Wednesday, February 21, 2001 12:05 PM