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Focal Length In After Effects' camera model, the distance from the film plane to the
camera lens. In After Effects, the camera's position represents the center of the lens. When
you specify new values for the focal length, the zoom changes to match the perspective of
a real camera.
Units The units of measurement in which the camera setting values are expressed.
Measure Film Size The dimensions used to depict the film size.
Understanding camera Transform properties
Cameras can be animated in 3D space just like 3D layers. Use the Camera Transform
properties to change the angle and distance of the composition view. Cameras have all
the Transform properties that a layer has, except for scale and anchor point, and are
adjusted just like other 3D Transform properties (see "Setting and animating a layer
property in the Timeline window" on page 114 for information on adjusting Transform
properties in the Timeline window). Cameras also add a transform value called the point of
interest.
The point of interest is the spot in the composition at which the camera points. It is
indicated by the point of interest icon in the Composition window. By default, the point of
interest is the center of the composition, and the camera's view is auto-oriented to it. You
can have the camera continue to point at the point of interest as it changes position, have
the camera's view oriented toward the motion path, or turn off orientation altogether,
thereby freeing the camera's view from any related element. You can adjust the point of
interest only if the camera is auto-oriented toward the point of interest.
If the camera is auto-oriented toward the point of interest, it continues to point that
direction as you change its position. When you change the camera's position by dragging
the camera icon in the Composition window, or by changing the camera's position value
in the Timeline window, the point of interest remains stationary within the composition
and, as the camera moves along the motion path, it continues to point at the point of
interest. When you adjust the camera's position by dragging the axes in the Composition
window, the point of interest moves as well, and the camera continues to point at it. You
could use this option to the depict an auto passenger's perspective, looking at a single
tree outside of a side window while driving past.
If the camera is auto-oriented toward the motion path, then the camera points only in the
direction of the motion path. You could use this option to depict a driver's perspective
looking at the road ahead when driving.
If the camera auto-orientation is turned off, then the camera rotates freely, independent of
the motion path or the point of interest.
Note: If you change the camera's Orientation or X, Y, or Z Rotation property while auto-
orientation is on, then the camera will point away from the object to which it is auto-
oriented. The auto-orientation is still on, but it will be offset by any additional rotation you
specified with Orientation or X, Y, or Z Rotation. You could use this feature to depict a
passenger's perspective looking out the side window of a car while the auto moves
forward. This feature may make interactions more complicated. After Effects warns you
before you use this feature.
To move a camera or point of interest in the Composition window:
1 In the Timeline or Composition window, select the camera you want to transform.
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3D Compositing
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