Why use a Camera instead of Null Object?

[rhsb995811698]

i used a camara and i can move 3d object, but if use a null it seems the same.

Whats the difference

[Mylenium]

It's totally not clear what you actually mean. You need to explain better and use a proper terminology.

Mylenium

[Byron Cortez]

Hi

The difference is that the Null can be placed as a parent not only of the camera but also of other objects so that everyone moves at the same time with the camera, having added to Null tracking parameters for example. Moving the 3D object is not the same as moving the camera or moving several objects with just one Null, you have to experiment with each movement doing your own tests.

I hope I have clarified, even though it is a bit confusing what you ask my friend.

Regards!

[Roland Kahlenberg]

I assume you are asking for the rationale or benefit with Parenting a Camera to a Null Object.

This is an intermediate level topic - just so you know. When a Camera is Parented to a 3D Null Object, the Null Object can act as a pivot point for the Camera. This can be achieved by rotating the x or y axes of the Null Object. During this rotation, if the setup is done correctly, with respect to the other layers, then the Camera will be looking at the appropriate layers while it is rotating. To achieve the same effect with just a Camera is going to be a difficult task.

The example above is a simplified, yet powerful, set up for animating cameras. Such a device or setup is referred to as a camera rig. There are more complex camera rigs that are used by those that animate with the camera often.

The second tutorial in the list on this page should give you a better understanding.
Top 5 Adobe After Effects 3D Camera Tip & Tricks — Motion Tutorials

[rhsb995811698]

THanks

I speak spanish but using the subtitles i solved my problem

[Byron Cortez]

La próxima vez escríbelo en inglés y debajo le pones que hablas español, o directamente escríbelo en español. Yo soy ACP ecuatoriano y soy latino, también me ayudo con los traductores al responder en inglés a la comunidad Adobe aquí en los foros.

Lo que te quiero decir es que si habemos quienes podemos ayudarte en tu lenguaje nativo.

Saludos!

[Rick Gerard]

You can add a null to a 3D scene and use that to move all of the layers (I call them actors) around in the comp world (I call that the stage). You add a camera to give you more options and allow you to frame up the shot the way you want to. Perspective is controlled by camera position but framing is controlled by focal length.

Hold your hands up in front of your face with the left thumb pointing right and the left index finger pointing up. Your right thumb should be pointing down and the right index finger should be pointing left. This is the frame you are photographing. As you move your hands farther apart there is more in the frame so you need a shorter lens, let's say a 24mm instead of 50mm. As you move your hands closer together you need a longer lens (telephoto). The perspective has not changed, only the framing or angle of view. Now move closer to something in the room and note the change in perspective. If you want to keep the framing the same you need to move your hands.

That is why you add a camera to a composition. More options to frame up the actors and adjust the framing.

One more thing. Once you have a shot framed up you have four basic choices. One, you have no motion in the scene. Not the camera or the actors. This can be boring. Two, you can move the actors on the stage and keep the camera still, which is fairly easy and can be a little more interesting. Three, you can keep the actors in their original position and move the camera, which is also fairly easy and can be a little more interesting. Or four, you can move both the camera and the actors. This is a lot more difficult to do well, can get awfully complicated, but when it is done well the shot can have a lot more impact.

I hope this helps.

[Duca Simone Luchini]

Hi Rick, 

It seems to be very interesting, but may you provide some further explanations?
1.  where add Null to a 3d scene (aka main comp)? In which position so that the Null can control all layers?
2. The Null should be 3D?
What is not clear is the relation between the Null and how it controls the layers, and the added Camera..., 

Thanks for a reply!