The Auto-Tracking tools allow users to configure how their camera tracks and follows a subject, adjusting settings such as tracking sensitivity, speed, shot composition, and fallback behaviors. This guide explains the key tools and features, with step-by-step instructions for configuring each one.
1. Deadband
What is Deadband?
Deadband sets a virtual boundary around the tracked subject, controlling the camera's sensitivity to movement. When the subject reaches this boundary, the camera begins tracking. Adjust the deadband size using sliders or by manipulating the red box around the subject in the video feed.
When to Use Deadband:
Smaller Deadband: Increases camera sensitivity, ideal for dynamic environments with more movement (e.g., sports, presentations).
Larger Deadband: Reduces sensitivity, best for slower, more controlled environments like interviews or static scenes.
How to Adjust Deadband:
Initiate Auto-Tracking: Select the subject for tracking, ensuring the green bounding box highlights them.
Access Deadband Settings: Navigate to the deadband section in the auto-tracking bottom tray.
Adjust Using Sliders: Modify pan (horizontal) and tilt (vertical) tolerance to control tracking sensitivity.
Direct Adjustment in Video Feed: Hover over the red deadband box and drag to resize or reposition the boundary around the subject.
2. Speed
What is Speed?
The speed setting determines how fast the camera moves to track the subject. Faster speeds allow for quick tracking, while slower speeds create smoother, more gradual camera movements.
When to Use Speed:
Higher Speed: Suitable for fast-moving subjects (e.g., sports or high-energy presentations).
Lower Speed: Ideal for smoother, more cinematic tracking in controlled environments (e.g., interviews, films).
How to Adjust Speed:
Use the slider in the bottom tray to set the desired tracking speed. Experiment with higher speeds for fast-paced actions and lower speeds for smoother movements.
3. Shot Composition Tool
What is the Shot Composition Tool?
This tool allows you to adjust the subject's position within the frame and choose between tight, mid, or wide shots. It ensures professional framing and composition without manual adjustments, adapting as the subject moves.
When to Use Shot Composition:
Use this tool to quickly frame your shot based on the subject's movement or positioning changes. Ideal for keeping subjects centered or adjusting the framing dynamically during an event.
How to Adjust Shot Composition:
Alignment: Choose left, center, or right to align the subject horizontally in the frame.
Shot Type: Select between tight, mid, or wide shots to adjust how much of the subject or surrounding area is visible.
Note: Adjusting alignment or shot type will override manual deadband adjustments.
4. Adaptive Zoom
What is Adaptive Zoom?
Adaptive Zoom automatically adjusts the zoom level to maintain the subject's framing, especially when they move closer or farther from the camera. It works in tandem with the shot composition tool.
When to Use Adaptive Zoom:
Enable Adaptive Zoom when you want to keep the subject consistently framed without needing to manually adjust the zoom. This is particularly useful when the subject moves around in variable distance environments (e.g., on stage or during a presentation).
How to Enable Adaptive Zoom:
Activate it from the bottom tray. When enabled, manual zoom is disabled. Adaptive Zoom works automatically when shot composition is active and cannot be turned off when this tool is in use.
5. Safe Shot
What is Safe Shot?
Safe Shot defines a preset camera position that the camera will revert to if it loses track of the subject. This feature prevents abrupt, disorienting jumps to a random frame, ensuring visual continuity.
When to Use Safe Shot:
Activate Safe Shot in unpredictable environments where the subject may move out of frame unexpectedly (e.g., events, wildlife filming). It provides a fallback position for the camera to return to, ensuring that the video remains composed.
How to Set Safe Shot:
Enable Safe Shot from the bottom tray.
Click "Set Safe Position" to define the fallback camera position.
If the subject is lost, the camera automatically returns to this preset shot.
Summary of Tools
Deadband: Adjust the boundary for initiating camera tracking. Use larger deadbands for minimal movement environments and smaller ones for dynamic tracking.
Speed: Set how fast the camera moves to follow the subject. Use higher speeds for quick actions and lower speeds for smooth, deliberate movements.
Shot Composition Tool: Align the subject within the frame and adjust between tight, mid, or wide shots to maintain professional framing.
Adaptive Zoom: Automatically adjust the zoom level to keep the subject framed as they move closer or farther from the camera.
Safe Shot: Define a fallback position for the camera to return to if it loses the subject, ensuring a stable and coherent visual.
These tools work together to provide an optimal tracking experience, tailored to the pace and style of your filming environment. Adjust settings based on your specific needs to ensure smooth, professional-looking results.