Experiment: Organic-Cam
August 27th, 2011

Animating the Camera in After Effects has always been a fun and challenging proposition. We created several tutorials and even our free plug-in Sure Target to assist users get better results. In some cases these "results" are just too perfect so I wanted to create a simple way to give the camera a more hand-held feel of an imperfect camera guy or girl. One that doesn't follow the motion perfectly...

I'm still figuring out how to work this into the site... either through a tutorial or preset but after we start rolling out the Demon Cam tutorials next week, keep an eye out!

Watch Sample Video

Andrew Kramer
POSTED:
14 years ago
104 Comments
10 years ago
So what was the result?
mrTallents
13 years ago
How did you make that sweet glow around the floor of the room , im trying to make a laboratory exactly like that!
14 years ago
Twitch isn't dead!
ShadeStorm Studios
14 years ago
Hey Andrew

Just wondering if there was a way of you seeing my version of your sample video just to get some recommendations of you.

Really looking forward to Element3D.

Hope your not too busy to write back

Tayo
Bart
14 years ago
Andrew, please, make The Organic-Cam tutorial, or at least put AE project file on the site.
It would solve two problems at once that I have. 1-I can't make lines as perfect as shown in the exampe, 2-always get rough results when zooming camera.
14 years ago
always come out with the right things at the right time. No need to praise ya since thousands already do that daily ;p
Eshan
14 years ago
Great Work..SIR
Carl
14 years ago
When will this be released? We could use it asap.
Carl
14 years ago
BTW I have this animation as my Live Wallpaper on my Android Atrix and people love it when they see it.
Brandon
14 years ago
Would love to see a tutorial!
Dan Allen
14 years ago
The super wide ratio is hands down the best part! And the sound design/score.

Didn't you already make a video on physical movement? The only addition is rack focus & rack zoom.
Garrett
14 years ago
you need to start giving away some of these glitchy sound effects!
14 years ago
Love to see more on how the 3D room was created.
14 years ago
ive seen the technique use on transformers..that sure is a horrible camera man DOF+MB+camera shake+stereo hurts my eye and head >.<..but thats the truth cameras are heavy..
Tom
14 years ago
truly spectacular.
i feel a tutorial coming along......
keep up the awesomeness

tom
14 years ago
awesome awesome !! please make a quick tutorial for This !! thank's andrew you' the best
14 years ago
Ive managed to put together something that may assist in finalizing this handheld shake.

In a separation of all axis, I have been succesful with this expression, it is very subtle, but has some powerful organics to it. (it may be linked to a slider or several, but the formula has something to it)

(SD-comps)
wiggle(.5,18)/2

(HD is something like wiggle(1.5,54)/6 )
14 years ago
Maybe having two Null objects, one being the target of the camera and the other set to a wiggle that slightly pulls the camera off center? Not sure exactly how this would work or the math involved but it should be possible.
14 years ago
i use wiggle a lot, and it works fine for me!
k!D-k@m!ll!0n
14 years ago
Loved the room! I assume you applied the same 3D room techniques you've shown before but the lighted seems were an awesome touch.
k!D-k@m!ll!0n
14 years ago
*seams
Alejandro
14 years ago
Ey Andrew nice video!
But how do you make that the video looks a little bit like 3D? if anyone know the answer is very helpful.
Nii Boye
14 years ago
Or can i save to a divX format in after effects
DeFuze
14 years ago
Hey Andrew, this looks great I must say, but for the organic look, I think I've found something perfect. I create 3 null objects, the first having a large slow wiggle, the next a medium, fast wiggle, and the last a small, very fast wiggle. I make the large one linked to the medium, the medium linked to the small, and the footage I want to shake linked to the large.

It creates an extremely organic look, it's very nice. Reply back please xD
14 years ago
Hey Andrew,

You should write up a blog post or something on how to conceptualize ideas like the one in this clip. It would help those following your tutorials to dream up new uses for your tuts other than to just copy/paste them into an endless stream of YouTube clips...

L
14 years ago
Hello Andrew,
As always, can't stand waiting for this tut!...
14 years ago
Hi Greg, join the club .. haha
JustAaron
14 years ago
interesting - like to see how you will do this - if its expressionless (doubtful) i know sony vegas lets you control the camera with your mouse, but after from wiggle AE doesn't have anything. I have always done it my motion tracking my ow shaky footage and putting in my comps. i think works quite well.
Jason W
14 years ago
Dear co-pilot community: I think it's awesome that people are learning from this site BUT I'm so tired of seeing direct ports of VCP tutorials in your demo-reels and claiming it as some new work. The purpose is to give you the understanding of how these effects work and then to build upon them. Ive even seen new movie trailers that look like a VCP projects file with the words switched. I've also seen great work from alot of you so keep it up. Let's be creative as that is the purpose of this site. Thanks to the community and VCP staff.
k!D-k@m!ll!0n
14 years ago
Agreed! I love the support this site provides and is such a launching point to come up with some creative items of our own.
14 years ago
Hey,

great Sounddesign. How 're you doing? All ready to go samples or design yourself?
Dman
14 years ago
Must. Have. Project file.

14 years ago
Yes, the after effects camera is extremely tricky to animate in the opening title for my video "TRON: Isn't in this movie"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4d40aHeau10

The camera animation took me longer than everything else
Cant wait to get a tutorial or preset on this
Sensei
14 years ago
I must say this reminds me of the camera guiding style in Battlestar Galactica (especially the zoom) and i don't like it. More interested in the tech stuff behind it. Over all it is a bit too smooth for my taste
14 years ago
Two things I would improve: make the camera follow more its target. Even with excessive and exaggerated movements, as a human would do trying to aim at the fast-moving target.

And, if it helps, check Chris Smith's tools for C4D. He's got some pretty insane action and docu. camera-rigs.
14 years ago
Cool stuff, can't wait
Juozas
14 years ago
Love it. Need it.
14 years ago
That was Great!!!
Prince
14 years ago
you've been a great help to the AE community... I'm eagerly waiting to see this... thanks Andrew
14 years ago
lol i cant believe people ask for a tutorial of this video...
14 years ago
I create a PNG file with a loose line drawn on it then using a null object trace that line. Copy the position data, into the camera. Or parent to null.

If I want to do a quick zoom, like Battlestar Galactica, I have boxes of differing sizes drawn on the png, (at the same ratio as the null box. Then using the zoom I then match the size of the box on the line.

This is after setting up the camera to point at the target.

This is a long winded way of doing it, but if you create a project and do several comps of the camera doing different directions and movements you have a library template that you can copy and paste the data on future projects.

For those with mocha, film sheets of paper and save the tracking data. You then have a library of camera moves.

Hope this helps

Rich
Cheekylilbasterd
14 years ago
TrapCode Form 2 is out and it Supports 3D sequences (OBJ's), it will be cool if Elements will implement dat feature before release, frankly I'm not in a rush anymore, I know Andrew will demand perfection on it, The VCP have been very busy, their hands full with DemonCam and other stuff, writing proper code is not easy, I wonder how they do it being a small company and all.
xandercorp
14 years ago
But you had that in Plexus already... I upgraded anyway, just cause I want to try it. Anyway, I wanted to at least know when it's coming out. I mean, Mettle has already put something out there that can do stuff like that, but since I liked what I saw in Andrew's presentation... I'd much rather get that then 3-4 other things that do the same thing.
xandercorp
14 years ago
Uau, I've been F5-ing your website for over 3 days now and this is what I get! It's pretty cool, but what I and I'm guessing a lot of other ppl need is for you to get off ur arses and launch the Element plug-in!

Don't keep us on the edge with this, I doubt anyone will be thankful, post an update about Element, it's due, I want to know when it's coming out. Like they say on the internetz #%&! or gtfo.

About this one, I wanted to say, I saw a video on another website, about how a guy was motion tracking movement from one layer that was a live footage shot, and placing it on a AE created camera for the genuine feel of the motion. Don't think it helps with what you're doing but I just thought I'd mention this here.

Thanks,
Alex.
tauthor
14 years ago
The best ever..And for those individuals who keep saying that they don't understand what to use video co pilot for...Design is all about solving creative problems..And you are looking at the best in the business. Maybe Art isn't really for you if you can't see that..Most of the solutions to creative problems lie outside of the box..Just think about that..
14 years ago
I used that idea of applying real camera shake to a clip or photo was instrumental in a great April Fools prank that I played on the community this year.
Justin
14 years ago
A great way to make realistic camera shake is to motion track your footage parent the data to a null copy the null and parent every thing to the null for realistic camera move
Sybert
14 years ago
Can't wait for the Demon Cam tutorials.
illd
14 years ago
good sound fx and visuals where also nice. couldnt you just use the wiggle expression on every axes and rotation to achieve such an camera effect?
ا?????? کارت 20 جحاج?? بابا
shaun berry
14 years ago
no offence but I'm pretty sure most people on this site and andrew doesn't understand arabic if that's what your writing. English would be better.
Grscfide
14 years ago
this same type of arabic but it's not arabic....it's like jordon or some thing........sucks
Maxwell
14 years ago
Wow that's offensive! If you want to write in Persian go for it!
14 years ago
Yea this is not arabic. It's most likely persian because they use Arabic alphabet. However, writing in a language other than english on THIS forum, doesn't help anyone! No offense.
14 years ago
Outstanding work as usual!
Caleb
14 years ago
That's just freakin' awesome. Tutorials are always sweet to be able to devour, but when I watch this I can't help but think of more a preset. Like something that ties into Sure Target. Kinda of like the inertia control, but with shake....

kinda like sure target and Twitch had a child

Whatever you decide to do I know will be awesome
Engarde
14 years ago
Imo the best camera is animating the key position in AE, with the tools you think give the best results and link the camera to a null that contains some real tracked camera footage.

Just film a tiled floor in your kitchen, keep you camera pretty still and handheld and it will be the most realistic motion ever
14 years ago
That looks really cool and very organic, I shall look forward to the tutorial.
Ashfaque Shaikh
14 years ago
Hi AK Great post again, can use high tech ET effects. tests hand-held but missing some spice, cant say what exact... you are right guy to point.
One Q here, trying to open tut projects from VC, getting this below massage from past few days, please help out to fix this up!
"After Effects error: Tint error return invalid max_result_rect from PF_Cmd_SMART_PRE_RENDER
(25 :: 237)"
Matt
14 years ago
I can tell someone got a little inspired by Battlefield 3 trailers!
14 years ago
It's amazing M.Andrew , like it ,,,
14 years ago
It would be sweet if you could up date sure target2 plugin to
work with AE CS5.5...
Thomas
14 years ago
Finally! This is something my brain wanna learn!
Alex
14 years ago
very GOOD !!!!!!!!!!!
roger
14 years ago
kool Andrew we love it
Hugo Strange
14 years ago
Yes Andrew ! I did notice that the sounds/look on this clip was inspired by Battlefield 3 ! I love that sound and look also
Apo
14 years ago
Really like it!!! Thanks U
Tian Reid
14 years ago
looks like two separate particle systems animated with a null
with a light connected to the null and then optical flares
tracking the light. What was the effect that distort the video in the first 2 sec though ?
Mayowa
14 years ago
For every tutorial I watch here, I become better at motion designs. Thanks Andrew!
14 years ago
Amazing, as always! This effect reminds me a little bit the "unsteady cam" effect created for Battlestar Galactica (2003), where all takes in space are shaky, take a while to focus and most of the time looks like a lazy camera man which takes a while to catch up objects in movement... All fans of this BG will remember what I am trying to explain at once.
Great job!
14 years ago
Firefly had that same effect as well!
Champ
14 years ago
Our SOULS need u'r Guide specially whn making VFX...make it quick we are hungry
Paolo
14 years ago
cool man!!! i love the sfx crazy!!!! where is possible find sfx like this?
Naren
14 years ago
Interesting to see ...

Good Work Guys ...
mohamed hashi
14 years ago
asal means Awesome in somali hhahah and i like your demon cam and it is great visual effect tutorial specially the when the camera moving in green screen match-moving when the guy is holding the Cristal ball and i hope you share with us that tutorial
Jay
14 years ago
Hej guys, you never disappoint and I love the way you are always experimenting and going "where no one else has gone before". Looking forward to all the new tutorials to work on during those cold and dark winter nights.
Monu
14 years ago
Very cool Andrew
Mario - Berlin
14 years ago
That is definitely something I've been waiting for. Would love to see you playing with a little bit "out of focus" when you are zooming in...like you are on the street and ALL the houses around you start to collaps and you want catch it on cam when my super hero rescues people before they jump out of the window...NEED A TUTORIAL
Duduk
14 years ago
ur Great Sir.God bless u
Love VC
14 years ago
wow, thx master Andrew
ur the best
Fifik
14 years ago
Tutorial!!!! plz
14 years ago
Very cool as the other movies from VC, but are they useful for something? I love your work but I really don't understand where to apply this knowledge: music video?, post-production? For which clients?
Jay
14 years ago
Some of the VCP tutorials have sat in my subconscious for a while as I didn't really see a use for them at the time. But when the right project comes up, I head back to the tutorial and it is exactly what I wanted. And as a plus, it's always good to learn new things to keep the old gray matter in check.8)
14 years ago
Really??? that`s your comment!??? You can apply the knowledge where ever you like, asking that is like asking someone what they can use a line for. This is not design school its not about the "concept". Sorry i just think you wrotye a comment because it?s free.
tauthor
14 years ago
The best ever..And for those individuals who keep saying that they don?t understand what to use video co pilot for?Design is all about solving creative problems..And you are looking at the best in the business. Maybe Art isn?t really for you if you can?t see that..Most of the solutions to creative problems lie outside of the box..Just think about that..
14 years ago
The way I see it, you aren't supposed to use the tutorials directly. I think they're there to show you any work arounds and introduce you to features of After Effects. Andrew doesn't just show the same technique for doing something instead he shows many many different ones.

Watching these video's I learned about displacement maps, Particular, and hundreds of other extremely valuable plug-ins, effects, and short cuts and think THAT is what you're supposed to learn.
Aerandir
14 years ago
Sounds like you hired a transformer.
Izmir
14 years ago
'' I'M ON FIRE ''

C'mon guys! i was waiting for so long for the Demon Cam Tutorials ... P L E A S E !

At least show us the beard trick tutorial
TAG
14 years ago
In soviet russia the camera shakes you. I like the look: smooth and edge at the same time.
14 years ago
Very cool Andrew! This one will be fun
14 years ago
That's awesome... Looking forward for a tutorial
Steve_E
14 years ago
did it have anything to do with motion tracking handheld footage and applying that motion to an AE cam?
Nathan
14 years ago
Just when I think that you guys run out of ideas.......you publish something that blows my mind! Kudos
Rayman22201
14 years ago
Andrew Kramer, You have the uncanny ability to read my mind...You always talk about the exact production problems I am thinking about at the exact time I am having them. It is creepy, but awesome. Maybe we are twins who were secretly separated at birth.
Thomas
14 years ago
Sound effects are awesome. Can't wait to see the tut!
Haggai Nwokolo
14 years ago
Always the best...Andrew Kramer
Grscfide
14 years ago
just excited to see the demon cam vfx...
i'm in rush about freezing girl and become some rocks..
wowwwww
14 years ago
looking forward！
Frank
14 years ago
sound makes it look even more impressing, great job andrew!
14 years ago
Oh man always stepping it up, love it. Can't wait to see this one
14 years ago
nice, this tutorial or preset could help a lot!
I'm looking forward to see this
14 years ago
coolllllllllllllllll andrew i love it
shibin
14 years ago
Please andrew sir i want tutorials from demon cam in 3ds max
i love uuuuuuuuuuu
Ryan Farnes
14 years ago
Dude, the sound design on that is killer.

The camera thing is cool too.
edza48
14 years ago
nice work. but i wonder how i can make the circle blast wave?
Eric
14 years ago
It looks like he just used the bulge effect.
ah shang
14 years ago
i waiting!!!!!!!!wow~~~~~~~~
Daryl
14 years ago
Can't wait to see the tutorial. Your tutorials are giving me the edge on my competition. Also can't wait till "Element" comes out. THAT should be a game changer.
Your biggest fan in Papua New Guinea!!
JohnCobalt
14 years ago
Huge idea ! great thinking... a PlugIn would be nice... one of the settings could be "How drunk" the camera guy is... could be measured in beers...

Seriously, it would be like "TWITCH" applied to cameras... like "TWITCH" and "SURE TARGET" having a baby... TWITCH TARGET...

I may sound like I'm joking about it, but seriously, it is a real advanced creative tool that would make a huge difference in creative process and a tremendous time savior !!!

I've animated "NYPD style" camera in Blender and AE, and it is realy time consuming. I mean, like a lot of time !!!

We love our VCP...
Eric
14 years ago
TWITCH TARGET... with a blood alcohol level setting with presets: buzzing, typsy, sloshed, beer goggles, DUI, DWI

You = Very Win
14 years ago
nice.
Kristoffersen
14 years ago
Awsome, perhaps adding a bit of "lingering" blur as the camera moves as to imitate the autofocus struggeling with the shaky movement.
VCP rocks!
k!D-k@m!ll!0n
14 years ago
WIN!
darrik baker
14 years ago
that looked awesome
14 years ago
Sweet stuff ! Nice to see some breakdowns/tutorials of Demon Cam. Will "Element" be released this month or next month? Im ready to purchase the plugin once its released!
14 years ago
That was awesome. This would be a great plug in as getting realistic camera shake is hard. Wiggle is OK but not perfect as it looks to random. Thanks Andrew.
Unclocked
14 years ago
Yeah jonathan sure you need to shake "your" motion graphics in a more realistic way... you should start by applying a smooth expression to your crappy honesty. http://jonathanedis.com/ ----> made me sick and sad. i hope you never make a penny in this business.
cheese
14 years ago
Ok you unclocked,maybe his site is slightly flawed and should acknowledge videocopilot but that kind of advice and abuse is of no use to anyone and only helps to make people like yourself more pitied.Try and be supportive to fellow artists and if you cannot well i suggest you keep your opinions to yourself
14 years ago
That was super cool... inspiring! Can't wait to see more on this.
11 years ago
Me too! I am so excited about this cam, i think i will be penniless soon
paul holt
14 years ago
Classic Copilot content, looking forward to it!
14 years ago
Reminds me of some version of the stroke-effect. Looks nice!
James Price
14 years ago
Sounds great, I would like to see a 'trigger' function where you can set a camera shake event and it is automatically scaled depending on what end of the zoom that the camera is set to...so at telephoto, it is more apparent than when set to wide.
14 years ago
I'm eager to learn creating natural camera moves like that.
Looking forward to the tutorials
14 years ago
try using easy ease (F9) on the keyframes for a start!
sansar
14 years ago
What happened to the download link for tutorials PLZ some one answer.PLZ PLZ PLZ PLZ
Clanc
14 years ago
Ooo, vary nice. You should do a turorial on that sample video.
14 years ago
i agree with you , we waiting a tutor
14 years ago
Awesome. Definitely a need here.

Of course, figuring out how to pull focus correctly with a null object this week was huge... I can live off that for a while until you have time to get this worked up.
Push Eject
14 years ago
Kevin, where did you learn that?
Lu Vo
14 years ago
very nice, can we learn it? should make a tutorial for this video.
14 years ago
yeah, where did you find that gem?

Nice sample vid, BTW, Andrew. The sound about blew my ears out. Most excellent. As for whether to do a tutorial or a plugin - why not a tutorial on making the plugin. That way guys can tweak away at their own stuff. It will be too advanced for some, but just what others have been waiting for.