Learning matchmove and tracking
Rotomation
- Matching the movements of objects and actors
- This proves allows you to manually add CG
3D equalizer
- Industry standard camera tracking software
- Camera tracking object tracking rotomation, use with lidars.
3DE Proces
- Set up of camera and lens
- Track scene
- Lens distortion
- 3D orientation
- Check sticks with markers
3D Equalizer r7/r6
This was the first time i had used 3D equalizer, In the beginning we just started the process of basic movement around the program and ensuring that we had the right setting set up to start tracking the project properly.
After importing the footage as different frames, i was able to select the exact amount of frames that i wanted to track in this project.
Following this we color corrected the footage, this was important as more contrast was needed in order for the trackers to have a better understanding and grip on the points that were being placed.
- color controls enabled and adjusted
- image controls were enabled
- curves were enabled aswell
- first tracker was set on the frist frames, and then tracked by hitting “track” in the middle of the screen. (this screenshot was taken whilst tracking so the button says “stop” instead.
I began to place more trackers, it was now becoming clear why this program is so important. It has very strong tracking capabilities and when configured correctly tracked accurately quickly and efficiently. the process was actually quite enjoyable as it was working quite well. I have struggled with tracking being very erratic and messy in other programs such as Nuke and After Effects.
I learned how to not only track forward into the image but also to track backwards into the image. which was very useful especially for tracking elements that were not within the shot the entire time.
Elements that went out of frame or started out of frame were ended at the beginning or the end using the shortcut “E” depending on whether i was tracking forwards or backwards.
Here you can see an example of the tracking line. I have tracked the inner left corner of the M, i decided to use this spot on this occasion because of the high contrast between the black and the light beige paint within the graffiti.
the point was selected and the inside square was stretched to fall over the contrasting colors, with the outside square giving more information to where it was on the wall.
This was a successful track.
This is a similar track using a shadow on a cup, shadows are a good source for tracking as again they offer high contrast on objects especially in natural sunlight like in this project.
Dom made sure we were to avoid tracking objects that amy move such as
- water
- people
- shadows of people
- objects that may be moved by wind
- clouds
Here is a graph of the movement being tracked. At this point i had set approximately 30+ trackers to objects within the project. This graph shows the movement of the camera and allows us to see if there are an anomalies and where the tracking may be inaccurate as a whole rather than having to look at individual trackers.
Here we can see another viewing option within 3D equalizer. this one shows the movement of the camera in comparison to the plane that is the image, you can see the movement is quite smooth therefore the tracking is accurate to how the video was shot. Some up down and side to side movement is visible meaning the tracking is accurate to the handheld footage.
F2 – tracking
F5- horizon lines #
F6 – 3D camera
Export file into maya
After exporting the file with the tracking installed to it the project was able to be opened up in Maya. The trackers will now allow me to add object throughout the image and have them move as if they were really there.
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Object tracked.
Here i have to different frames showing the cylindrical obejct being tracked to the same position throughout the project.
i have placed two screenshots in to show its consistency with the tracking
I plan to add a more intricate object that looks more realistic, without tracking marks and isn’t just wire-frame.