StopMotion

We decided because of the recessionary times we live in to test out two big name entry level webcameras for under $25 for stop motion use. We have just purchased the Logitech Webcam C200 and the Microsoft VX-1000. We already reviewed the VX-1000 on the stopmtioncentral site some weeks back but we thought it was about time to review the lastest compeditor on the market.

The results are quiet surprising. We did state that the VX-1000 was a very decent webcam for the price. And we still stand by that assertion. However once we ran the same tests on the Logitech C200 it was clear that it was much better. Compare the two images below. The first is from the VX-1000 and the second is from the C200.

The main difference is in the clarity at close range. The C200 is better. However in fairness to the VX1000 the color is a little truer than the C200. Also the C200 has a easier to use manual focus. The clip on the C200 is also more awkward to secure than the flat base that is on the VX-1000. But when it comes to sharpness of image I would have to come down in favour of the C200. Both images were capture at 640×480. Both cameras have built in microphones. Also both claim to capture video at 30fps at the maximum resolution of 640×480

So many stop motion brickfilms and claymations are disappointing to both the viewer and the new animator because of basic mistakes with lighting when using a webcam. We have all seen those claymations and brickfilms that are creatively very  good but fall down on their lighting or settings on the webcam being used and thus result in poor image clarity and color. You can get good results these days with a budget webcam such as the Microsoft VX-1000 ($20). You do not need a Canon EOS/D DSLR 40 / 50 D etc etc to get good quality shots.

The mistakes are made firstly by in some cases not even installing the webcam drivers but secondly by not using them when they are installed. Take for example the snapshot below of my brickfilm minifig. This is what the picture looks like when you do not adjust any of the settings on the webcam.

Now take a look at the image after a few clicks on settings dialogue of the webcam. The difference is dramatic.

So by spending 15 seconds clicking on a few buttons on the webcam dialogue you have moved from a “crappy” image to a near professional image for your stop motion movie. And as you know 15 seconds is a very short time when it comes to stop motion.

How can I do that for my stop motion?

This is how to do it…at least with the Logitech range of webcams.

Open up your webcam application (assuming you have installed it…if not install it!! ).

First of all turn on Auto White balance then under Rightlight settings ..choose use Automatic settings.
Now take a look a your image..much improved..?
Next go back and untick those two options. The image will remain the same.
Also turn auto focus off and use manual focus. If you do not have an option for focus on your webcam software then you normally will have control over focus by manual rotating the lens. If you have no control either through your software or manual on focus..then throw the webcam in the bin and get one that does. You can not make stop motion without control of focus.

If you do have autofocus turned on it is is better to turn if off and manually control the focus. Because if autofocus is turned on it will try to refocus when ever you put your hands in to move you character and will cause untold trouble when viewed on playback.

It’s as simple as that. Give it a go and see how much you can improve your animations.
Good luck with it.!

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