StopMotionCentral Blog

Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000

Not the cheapest webcam on the block but definitely one of the best for stop motion animation at least in the non professional field. Combine the  Carl Zeiss® optics and improved wide field of capture this makes for a really good animation webcam.

I notice alot of the good brickfilm makers especially have noticed the benefits of the Pro 9000. I always personally prefer to use a clip on type webcam (normally designed to clip on to the top of your LCD screen) as their small size and clip allow you to connect the webcam to anything in confined spaces.

Here is a good example of someone using the Pro 9000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xs6KF7cRUvc

from NickMOCstudios

Sony DCR - HC 62E

Just purchased the Sony DCR HC62E to use with stop motion movies. First here is the tech spec.

Title: Sony DCR-HC62 1MP MiniDV Handycam Camcorder with 25x Optical Zoom

Maximum Resolution: 0.7 Megapixel
Focal Length: 2.5 - 62.5 millimeters
Zoom: x25 (optical), x2000 (digital)
LCD Display Size: 2.7 inches
Item Dimensions: 2.5 x 3.3 inches, 8 pounds
Package Dimensions: 7.7 x 6.2 x 4.8 inches, 2.3 pounds

OK the reason I chose this paticular camera was for it’s USB streaming capabilities. Did it work - Yes.

Basically what you have here is a super webcam with 25x optical zoom , 25 fps at 640×480 with a crystal clear picutre and excellent color reproduction.

It takes your stop motion animation up a level if you have been using only webcams. Also you have a DV output on this camera which again is ideal for Stop Motion.

The other reason for choosing this camera is that because you are using the USB interface only..it will work with any stop motion software out there. The USB drivers must be loaded from the accompanying CD however before you can use it.

Recommended..YES !

JVC Camcorder with WebCam Function GR-D815

Up to recently DV and USB on Webcams and in some cases Analog capture have been

the main stay of stop motion animators for capturing frames. But now there is a new kid on the block..”USB Streaming”. It is primarily being pushed by Sony at present but a number of other manufacturers are moving in that direction also.

The concept behind it is to promote or allow the use of USB rather than DV / Firewire to import video from your camcorder to your PC / Mac rather than to facilitate live capture. Its the live capture element of the setup that is of interest to us however. In the case of the Sony camcorders it is the hard disk based cameras that it is more evident for obvious reasons. However if you are considering purchasing such a camera for your stop motion then be sure to check the model has what Sony describe as “Webcam Function” rather than just relying on it having USB streaming.

JVC also have a good range of camcorders with the WebCam function over Firewire (DV) at a good price. While this is not USB streaming per se the result for stop motion animators is the same.

I had a question recently through our webmaster address asking
“Anyway my question is that in movies I see people for lighting use a direct light and bounce it off of something. It is usually a silver or white colorWould that work for better lighting if you bounced say a board wrapped in tin foil or painted white or maybe one of those things u stick in your car window to stop the sun from coming in.”
I answered as follows..

In regard to the bouncing light issue..I would say this..The reason animators bounce light is to avoid glare or shiny spots on the characters.

This happens if the light is too strong.

So there are two ways to dampen the effect 

1 - Bounce the light ( as you say )

or

2 - Use a light dampener such as putting greaseproof paper over the light. Be careful not to put it too close to the bulb as it will eventually start to burn.

Bouncing the light can work but it takes up space on your set (where sets are small this is an issue ) and it can be time consuming trying to get the perfect deflection angle etc
So I would advise getting some GreaseProof paper (available in baking stall of shops ..its used in baking as it is heat proof
Let me know how you get on.

However there is one other way..which might work in some circumstances…using the set to block / dampen the light eg.

This shot is from one of my favourite brickfilms from a guy called..
Lindsay Fleay

The film was made in 2004 with a Cine Camera ( http://www.rakrent.com/mp/mp.htm)

A work of genius But you can see here he is dampening the light using part of the set

After a year or so, the legomation.com website is taking early retirement. Due to an issue with an alleged trademark infringement we have decided to move to a new domain StopMotionCentral.com.

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