The functional test helped to explain some basic functions of the DragonFrame software, to produce an animation with the OpenFC system. This article goes further and details several tricks and advanced features of DragonFrame that optimize the production of animations with the OpenFC system. After having detailed all functions dedicated to axis commands, it explains how to calibrate DragonFrame optimally for a specific camera lens, use efficiently preview, manage the Go-Motion and the Timelapse.
First essential step, understand all functions associated with axis control, spreaded over five different zones in the ARC Motion Control window: the first two, General options bar (1)...
Read More
If you followed the steps in OpenFC system test, you set the axis to 6000 steps per revolution - the motor has to make 6000 steps to make the last gear of the system rotate for exactly one full turn...
Read More
To properly set DragonFrame with the characteristics of a specific camera lens, you must know two of its "measurements"...
Read More
To develop a complex animation with the OpenFC system, it is important to be able to preview the animation before launching the final shot. To preview a complete animation, in the ARC motion control window... To preview a complete animation
Read More
Since version 3.5 of DragonFrame, it is possible to make go-motion shots. The difference with the stop motion is what it allows to add a motion blur to the image and gives a less choppy final result.
Read More
The window to set the Timelapse in DragonFrame is not very explicit about the delay between two images. A little test helps to understand why: If we launch a timelapse with the default settings, which...
Read MoreThese various tricks allow to go further with the OpenFC system… but it is possible to imagine more. What would be interesting is to prepare a complex animation in 3D, with the benefit of advanced animation tools and real-time preview (including previz of depth of field and framing!) Most 3D softwares offer these functions, that could be exploited for the OpenFC system, provided that 3D software could interact with DragonFrame. But the OpenFC system can also be directly controlled from 3D software, to make real-time and "delayed real time"… It is on these paths that led the next part of these tests… to come!
Leave a Reply