Using DRAGONFRAME 4
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Using DRAGONFRAME 4 Welcome Dragonframe is a stop-motion solution created by professional anima- tors—for professional animators. It's designed to complement how the pros animate. We hope this manual helps you get up to speed with Dragonframe quickly. The chapters in this guide give you the information you need to know to get proficient with Dragonframe: “Big Picture” on page 1 helps you get started with Dragonframe. “User Interface” on page 13 gives a tour of Dragonframe’s features. “Camera Connections” on page 39 helps you connect cameras to Drag- onframe. “Cinematography Tools” on page 75 and “Animation Tools” on page 107 give details on Dragonframe’s main workspaces. “Using the Timeline” on page 129 explains how to use the timeline in the Animation window to edit frames. “Alternative Shooting Techniques (Non Stop Motion)” on page 145 explains how to use Dragonframe for time-lapse. “Managing Your Projects and Files” on page 149 shows how to use Dragonframe to organize and manage your project. “Working with Audio Clips” on page 159 and “Reading Dialogue Tracks” on page 171 explain how to add an audip clip and create a track reading. “Using the X-Sheet” on page 187 explains our virtual exposure sheet. “Automate Lighting with DMX” on page 211 describes how to use DMX to automate lights. “Adding Input and Output Triggers” on page 239 has an overview of using Dragonframe to trigger events. “Motion Control” on page 247 helps you integrate your rig with the Arc Motion Control workspace or helps you use other motion control rigs. “Shooting in 3D” on page 315 explains how to connect Dragonframe to a stereo slider, set up 3D exposures, and review your 3D sequence. “Exporting Your Take” on page 331 explains how to access your files for post-production. “Preferences” on page 343 explains all of Dragonframe’s preferences and settings. iii Using Dragonframe 4 iv New Features for this Version Dragonframe 4 incorporates years of feedback from industry animators, camera technicians, directors and producers. New Features and Improvements Version 4.1 Changes • New “Notepad” for keeping track of scene notes. • Up to eight “punch-in” positions of live view magnification. • Focus check support for Sony A7III and A7RIII. • Support for ARRI direct ARRIRAW capture. • Support for RED DSMC2 direct R3D capture. • Support for Pentax KP, K-1, K-1 Mark II, 645Z. • Support for Canon EOS M50, T7/1500D/2000D and 3000D/ 4000D. • Support for 3rd-party DMX hardware: ENTTEC DMX Pro and Art- Net protocol. • New gamepad controller integration for programming motion con- trol. • New 3D mouse support for motion control. • More virtualized axis configurations for motion control. • Motion control capture in reverse. Version 4.0 Changes • New “Guide Layers” makes it easy to set up composition guides, line-up layers and drawings. • Multiple line-up layers with separate opacity, chromakeying and masking. • Integrated reference video player with animation time sync. v Using Dragonframe 4 • Timeline pre-roll area for setting up lead-in clip. • Multiple drawing layers with separate opacity. • Improved live view magnification tools. • New focus check tool within Animation workspace. • New color palette (swatch) sampling and comparison. • New color checking tools. • High-resolution image comparison tools (A/B). • Movie recording and playback for supported cameras. • Import multiple audio clips. • Custom DMX light profiles. • Improved live view and test shot setup in DMX. • Improved motion control keyframe editing. • Import raw motion control moves from Maya. • Support for many Sony Alpha A7 full frame mirrorless cameras. • Support for Olympus OMD E-M1, E-M1 II and E-M5 II micro four thirds cameras. • Support for Panasonic DMC-GH4 and GX8 micro four thirds cam- eras. vi Table of Contents Welcome........................................................................................... iii New Features for this Version ................................................................. v New Features and Improvements......................................................................................... v Maps ................................................................................................ xi Chapter 1: Big Picture ........................................................................... 1 How Dragonframe Works ..................................................................................................... 1 Powerful Tools....................................................................................................................... 3 Quick User Interface Overview ............................................................................................. 4 Activating Your Software ...................................................................................................... 6 Quick Set-Up Guide for Supported Video and Still Cameras .......................................................................................................................... 7 Passes, Takes and Exposures Explained............................................................................... 9 RAW File Workflow ............................................................................................................. 11 HDR (High Dynamic Range) Workflow .............................................................................. 11 Chapter 2: User Interface..................................................................... 13 Using Workspaces............................................................................................................... 13 Animation Workspace Overview ........................................................................................ 14 Cinematography Workspace Overview............................................................................... 16 X-Sheet Overview................................................................................................................ 17 Audio Workspace Overview ................................................................................................ 18 DMX Workspace Overview ................................................................................................. 19 Motion Control Workspace Overview................................................................................ 20 Dragonframe Keypad Overview.......................................................................................... 21 Menu Overview ................................................................................................................... 25 Chapter 3: Camera Connections............................................................. 39 Camera Options.................................................................................................................. 40 Connecting DSLRs with Live View ..................................................................................... 42 Connecting DSLRs without Live View................................................................................ 42 Connecting Digital Video Cameras ..................................................................................... 43 Connecting HD Video Cameras with HDMI....................................................................... 43 Connecting HD Video Cameras with HDV......................................................................... 44 Connecting a WiFi-Enabled Camera to Dragonframe ....................................................... 45 Connecting an Unsupported Camera to Dragonframe ...................................................... 47 Shooting Without a Video Assist ........................................................................................ 51 Switching Video or Capture Sources................................................................................... 52 Chapter 4: Guide Layers ...................................................................... 55 Composition Guides............................................................................................................ 56 Track Reads......................................................................................................................... 59 Drawing Layers .................................................................................................................. 60 Media Layers ....................................................................................................................... 64 Reference Movie Player....................................................................................................... 70 Animation Palette ............................................................................................................... 73 vii Using Dragonframe 4 Chapter 5: Cinematography Tools........................................................... 75 Composition Guides............................................................................................................ 77 Image Controls .................................................................................................................... 77 Multiple Passes and Exposures........................................................................................... 96 Movie Recording ............................................................................................................... 102 Tricks of the Trade ............................................................................................................ 103 Keyboard Shortcuts and Contextual Menus for