Cameras: Virtual and Real

Cameras: Virtual and Real

We begin our exploration of virtual cinematography with
the After Effects camera, which relates closely to an actual
motion picture camera without actually being anything like
one. Following is an examination of how 3D operates in
After Effects and how the application’s features—not only
the camera, but also lights and shading options—correspond
to real world counterparts.
See with the Camera
Toggle a layer to 3D and voila, its properties contain three
axes instead of two—but enabling 3D without a camera is a
little bit like racing a car with automatic transmission: You
can’t really maneuver, and before long you’re bound to
slam into something.
The Camera Settings dialog  uniquely includes a
physical diagram that helps tell you what you need to know
about how settings in the 3D camera affect your scene.