Camera focal length (2)

[ibutter]

on cameras-
what is a standard focal length for rendering in animation?
and does any one know what it would be if i was trying to simulate 35mm images?
how about a zoom lens? is there a resource somewhere?

--| ibutter |--

[deke-kincaid]

The cameras in maya simulate cameras in the real world. Set the focal length to 70mm in maya and it should be just like if you were looking through a 70mm SLR or film camera. Your best bet on learning about cameras in maya would be to go out and pick up a book about SLR camera's or film cameras. Go take a photography class or something. All the settings in the real world are fairly well duplicated in maya's camera settings.

As for your first question. There really isn't such thing as a "standard" focal length for rendering animation. It all depends on how your trying to tell the story. People use all different focal lenths for different looks. But if your trying to duplicate the human eye then try a focal length somewhere around 55-65.

Deke Kincaid
deke@mail108.pair.com
deke@littlegreenmenstudios.com

[jem]

In reply to:
The cameras in maya simulate cameras in the real world. Set the focal length to 70mm in maya and it should be just like if you were looking through a 70mm SLR or film camera. Your best bet on learning about cameras in maya would be to go out and pick up a book about SLR camera's or film cameras. Go take a photography class or something. All the settings in the real world are fairly well duplicated in maya's camera settings.

As for your first question. There really isn't such thing as a "standard" focal length for rendering animation. It all depends on how your trying to tell the story. People use all different focal lenths for different looks. But if your trying to duplicate the human eye then try a focal length somewhere around 55-65.Deke Kincaid
deke@mail108.pair.com
deke@littlegreenmenstudios.com

One thing worth noting is that SLRs (35mm still picture cameras) have different standard lenses than 35mm Motion Picture film. In motion pictures, the frame is sideways (the longer aspect is horizontal on the film), and there's a soundtrack, so the frame is a good bit smaller. That's why a focal length of around 35mm is normal in motion pictures, while a focal length of around 50mm is more normal for still pictures. In Maya, you use the focal lengths from motion pictures, not still photography.

• jeremy

--
- Jeremy Birn
- Lighting TD
- Author, "Digital Lighting & Rendering"
- http://3dRender.com/
--

[growler]

In reply to:

[what would the focal length] be if i was trying to simulate 35mm images?

ROFLMAO.
Answer; 35mm.

HTH
G

"Dont worry, They'll fix it in post.....Huh? what do you mean, 'We ARE post'???"