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Understanding camera Transform properties


    Cameras can be animated in 3D space just like 3D layers. Use the Camera Transform properties to change the angle and distance of the composition view. Cameras have all the Transform properties that a layer has, except for scale and anchor point, and are adjusted just like other 3D Transform properties (see Setting and animating a layer property in the Timeline window for information on adjusting Transform properties in the Timeline window). Cameras also add a transform value called the point of interest.

    The point of interest is the spot in the composition at which the camera points. It is indicated by the point of interest icon in the Composition window. By default, the point of interest is the center of the composition, and the camera's view is auto-oriented to it. You can have the camera continue to point at the point of interest as it changes position, have the camera's view oriented toward the motion path, or turn off orientation altogether, thereby freeing the camera's view from any related element. You can adjust the point of interest only if the camera is auto-oriented toward the point of interest.

    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-orientation 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 interactions 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 boundaries 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.
    • To move the camera along a single axis without moving the point of interest, hold down Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac OS) while dragging the axis along which you want to move the camera.
    • To move the camera freely without moving the point of interest, drag the camera icon.
    • To move the point of interest, drag the point of interest icon.

To change the orientation of the camera:

  1. In the Timeline, select the camera whose orientation you want to adjust.
  2. Choose Layer > Transform > Auto-Orient.
  3. Select the appropriate option and click OK.

To reset the camera Transform properties to default:

  1. In the Timeline or Composition window, select the camera you want to return to default.
  2. Choose Layer > Transform > Reset.