Camera and Action!!!!

Guilford County Sci. Vis. V204.01

part 3

Four Elements of Using Cameras Where you are standing as you view the scene

is the camera location or the eye location. Where you are looking is the center of interest

or camera interest. The tilt of the camera The camera’s zoom

Free and Target Cameras A free camera can point anywhere in a scene. It

is more useful when panning a scene. A target camera points to an object and is used

for tracking animation. Both the camera and the target can be animated separately.

Free Cameras A free camera can

point anywhere in a scene. It is more useful when panning a scene.

Free cameras face in the direction of the view it was created in.

Target Cameras A target camera

points to an object. It can be locked on the

object and will move with the object.

It can also follow a path.

Camera Parameters Lens – the length of

the lens can be changed (i.e. for close ups.)

Orbit -- the camera can be rotated around an object.

Camera Parameters The field of view is an angle that defines

the objects that you can see as you look in a particular direction. Objects to the left or right of your field of view will not be seen. Camera zoom and lens settings effect you field of view. A wide angle takes in more of the scene while a narrow angle produces a tight shot.

Camera Parameters The depth of field is a

measurement of focus accuracy for a given distance. For example, when you look at a scene the main subject may be in focus while the background and foreground would appear blurred.

Zoom – Moves the camera closer or farther away from an object.

Camera Placement Camera placement will

affect the mood, the perception, and the interest of a viewer. Framing camera shots can help the viewer understand the story.

Camera Placement- The 3 Shots Long shots display the environment and are

used to define the general area before the character is displayed or action begins.

Medium distance shots might be from a character’s waist or chest to their head and would be used to make gestures or movements clear.

Close-ups might show the individual parts of a cell, the rim of a test tube, or the opening of a book.

Camera Placement- Long Long shots display

the environment and are used to define the general area before the character is displayed or action begins.

Camera Placement- Medium Medium distance

shots might be from a character’s waist or chest to their head and would be used to make gestures or movements clear.

Camera Placement- Close Close-ups might

show the individual parts of a cell, the rim of a test tube, or the opening of a book.

Camera Placement An example of how framing might be used would

be a scene where a car is traveling down a highway: you first see it as a small object that is a part of its environment (long shot); it grows larger and the environment around it is reduced (medium shot); as it passes, only the individual elements of the vehicle are shown (close-up.) The shots are reversed as the car moves away from you.

Camera Placement: Long shot

Camera Placement: Medium shot

Camera Placement: Close up

Storyboards Storyboards are

an important element in defining and preparing for camera locations and other decisions.