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Using cameras


    After Effects 3D layers can be viewed from any number of angles and distances using cameras. When you set a particular camera view for your composition, you look at the layers as though you were looking through that camera. You can choose between viewing your composition through the Active Camera or through a particular named camera. The Active Camera is the topmost camera in the layer order at the current time. If you have not created a camera, then the Active Camera is the same as the default composition view. The Active Camera is the only camera view that will be rendered. This includes nested compositions, and final renders, regardless of the view showing in the Composition window. All other cameras that you create are included in the View list; you can access their views at any time.

    Though you can add multiple cameras to any composition, the views affect only 3D layers, or 2D layers with Comp Camera effects applied (see Using cameras and lights with effects for more information on Comp Camera effects). You can animate cameras along the X, Y, and Z axes. Each camera has its own set of properties, which include varying focal lengths, apertures, and focus distances. This allows you to create custom cameras in order to simulate a large range of real cameras. Because camera layers are inherently 3D, they cannot be designated as 2D. Camera layers can be both a parent and child to 2D and 3D layers.

    Illustration with these callouts: A. Point of interest B. Frame C. Camera
    A. Point of interest  B. Frame  C. Camera

To create a camera:

  1. Select either the Timeline or Composition window.
  2. Choose Layer > New > Camera.
  3. Adjust settings as explained in Understanding camera settings and click OK.

To change the camera used in the view:

    Click the menu at the bottom right of the Composition window and choose a camera view.

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