21 D03_H03_04 Adding Bloom, Flare and Fog with realistic imperfections u...

Session 21 Summary – Final Touches, Post Process, Fog & Rendering

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🔧 Project Setup

• Downloaded and extracted camera settings - add files for imperfection render.zip

• Replaced required .uasset, .umap, and sequence files in the appropriate Unreal project folders.

• Set Module_7 as the default Editor & Game Map for startup.

---

🎥 Sequence Adjustments

• Fixed focus issues manually on the CU_Tray camera using manual focus distance and keyframes.

• Rearranged shots in the Sequencer for better narrative flow:

  • Started with crane shot → panning → trolley → closeups → zoom out.

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🎛️ Post Process Enhancements

• Added a Post Process Volume (PPV) to the level:

  • Set Infinite Extent (Unbound) for global effect

  • Adjusted Exposure settings manually for all cameras

  • Enabled Lumen lighting for realistic GI and reflections

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💡 Cinematic Effects Added

• ✅ Bloom: Enhanced glow of bright lights

• ✅ Lens Flare: Added subtle lens reflections for realism

• ✅ Bokeh Size: Simulated real camera blur

• ✅ Vignette: (optional) darkened edges of the frame

• ✅ Image Sharpening: Enhanced overall crispness

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🎨 Color Grading (In-Engine)

• Applied custom LUT created in DaVinci Resolve

• Enabled LUT in Post Process > Misc > Color Grading Look

• Manually controlled Shadow, Midtone, Highlight saturation to refine image directly inside Unreal

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🌫️ Fog & Lighting Volumetrics

• Added Exponential Height Fog to simulate atmospheric depth

• Enabled Volumetric Fog and set proper scattering colors

• Controlled Fog Density and spotlight Volumetric Scattering Intensity to get cinematic light shafts

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🎞️ Final Rendering Process

• Two rendering options discussed: Movie Render Queue and Movie Capture

• Enabled Movie Render Queue via Plugins

• Configured:

  • Apple ProRes 422 Codec

  • Resolution: 1920x1080, Framerate: 24 fps

  • Saved render as a reusable Preset

• Fixed missing object bindings in some shots before final rendering

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✅ Session Outcome

• Completed final cinematic render with:

  • Shot sequencing

  • Color grading

  • Post effects

  • Volumetric fog

  • Full resolution output via Movie Render Queue

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🏁 Wrap-up

Completed a full one-shot cinematic short film using only Unreal Engine’s native camera, lighting, and post tools — marking the conclusion of the introductory 21-session Unreal Filmmaking series.

Next chapter: Modeling and asset creation in Unreal Engine

20 D04_H03_03 Adding HDRI Backdrop Light and Color Grading using LUTs in...

Session 20 Summary – Color Grading & LUTs in Unreal Engine

🔹 Understanding Gamma & Color Science

• Linear RGB: How camera sensors capture light — brightness is directly proportional to light intensity.

• sRGB: How human vision perceives light — more sensitive to shadows and midtones.

• Gamma Curve: Used to convert linear RGB to sRGB for realistic display on screens.

• 18% Gray Concept: Human eye perceives mid-gray at ~18% intensity, not 50%.

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🎨 Creating a D-Log Look in Unreal

• D-Log: A flat, low-contrast image format used for capturing max color detail (like in RAW photography).

• In Unreal:

  • Use Post Process Volume > Film settings.

  • Set Toe and Shoulder values to 0 to simulate a D-Log image.

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🖼️ HDRI Backdrop for Environment Lighting

• HDRI images used to simulate realistic environments (like city streets or forests).

• HDRI adds ambient light and reflections to the 3D scene, mimicking real-world locations.

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🧪 Color Grading Workflow with DaVinci Resolve

1. Export High-Resolution Screenshot from Unreal (via console or capture tools).

2. Open DaVinci Resolve, import:

   • Unreal scene screenshot

   • LUT reference image (RGB 16x1)

3. Apply color corrections using:

   • Curves (Toe, Slope, Shoulder)

   • Temperature, Tint, RGB channel tweaks

4. Transfer the color grade to the reference LUT image.

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📁 Generating and Importing the LUT

• Export the graded LUT image (PNG) from DaVinci.

• Import into Unreal Engine under a LUTs folder.

• Set Texture properties:

  • Mip Maps: Disable

  • Texture Group: Set to Color Lookup Table

• Save and close.

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🎥 Applying LUT in Unreal Engine

• In Post Process Volume, go to:

  • Misc > Color Grading LUT

  • Select the imported LUT texture.

• Repeat for all cameras (Rig1, Rig2, etc.).

• Ensure Toe and Shoulder are set to 0 for consistent D-Log base.

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✅ Key Outcomes of the Session

• Understood the theory of Gamma, Linear RGB, and sRGB.

• Applied D-Log look to Unreal shots using Film settings.

• Color graded in DaVinci Resolve using LUTs and curves.

• Imported custom .PNG LUT into Unreal and applied across all cameras

19_D04_H03_02 Camera Shakes in Unreal Engine5.6

Session 19 Summary: Camera Shake with Blueprints in Unreal Engine 5.6

🧰 Project Setup

• Downloaded camera settings add files for camerashakes.zip from Patreon.
• Extracted and placed files in:
• Maps/Main → module_7.umap
• Sequences/Main → module_7.asset
• Sequences → camera_rig_shots folder
• Opened camera_settings project in Unreal Engine 5.6 and loaded camera_rig_shots_root.

---

🎬 Creating the Handheld Camera Shots

• Shot 5 (0050_01) was edited using two cameras:
• cu_tray (focused on male character)
• cu_zeva (focused on female character)
• Animated both cameras using manual transform keyframes from:
• 0–5s → camera panning movement on cu_tray
• 5–10s → close-in shot on cu_zeva

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🎥 Focus Target Setup

• Used Focus Tracker Actors:
• focus_tray moved to correct bone (tray_bone_1)
• Enabled continuous focus during camera animation

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🎞️ Creating and Applying Camera Shake

Available Camera shakes

1.       Composite Camera Shake Pattern

2.       Perlin Noise Camera Shake Pattern

3.       Sequence Camera Shake Pattern

4.       Wave Oscillator Camera Shake Pattern

• Created new Blueprint Class from CameraShakeBase:
• Named my_own_camera_shake
• Used Perlin Noise Shake Pattern
• Set duration = -1 for infinite shake
• Applied to cu_tray camera via the + Camera Shake track

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🌊 Adding Alternate Shake Types

• Duplicated my_own_camera_shake → my_own_camera_shake_2
• Changed to Wave Oscillator Shake Pattern
• Applied to cu_zeva camera with same infinite duration

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🔁 Using Predefined Shake Blueprints

• Used 5 pre-existing shakes:
• Handheld_Subtle
• Handheld_Mid
• Others recompiled and saved
• Replaced custom shakes with:
• Handheld_Subtle on cu_tray
• Handheld_Mid on cu_zeva
• Added Crane_Shake to Shot 0040_01 for crane movement realism

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📌 Key Learnings

• Camera Shake is added via Blueprint Classes.
• Blueprint exposes runtime properties like motion, focus, animations, etc.
• Shakes can simulate real-world handheld imperfections or camera rig wobble.

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📝 What’s Next

• Next session will cover Color Grading and LUTs (Look-Up Tables) in Unreal Engine 5.6.

 

18_D04_H03_01 Right way to use Camera Cranes in Unreal Engine

Session 18 Summary: Camera Crane Rig in Unreal Engine 5.6

🔧 Setup and Shot Context

• Opened the existing camera_settings project and loaded module_7.
• Continued working within camera_rig_shot_root sequence.
• Began editing Shot 0040_01—a cinematic crane shot moving from outside the house through the window to two seated characters.

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🏗️ Adding and Configuring the Camera Crane

• Added Camera Rig Crane from Cinematic → Camera Rig Crane.
• Named it rig_crane_4, placed into 08_camera_rigs folder.
• Duplicated wide_camera, named it cinecam_crane, and parented it to the crane rig.
• Reset camera’s transform (location and rotation) after parenting.

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🕹️ Understanding Crane Controls

• Pitch: Vertical tilt of the crane arm (animated from top-down angles).
• Yaw: Horizontal pan/rotation of the entire crane.
• Arm Length: Extends or retracts the crane’s boom to change the distance.
• Crane Yaw Control (height adjustment): Moves the crane rig vertically.

🔒 Enabled Lock Mount Pitch/Yaw to sync camera motion with crane tilt and rotation.

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🎬 Animating the Crane

• Inserted keyframes at 0s, 5s, and 10s for:
• Crane Pitch
• Crane Yaw
• Arm Length
• Yaw Control Location
• Created a 10-second animation where:
• Crane starts high and outside the window.
• Moves inward to focus on characters.
• Arm extends, camera tilts and pans inward gradually.

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🔭 Adding a Tracker for Look-at Focus

• Added a Helper Actor named crane_cam_tracker.
• Positioned between the two characters at table level.
• Enabled Look-at Tracking on cinecam_crane to always face the tracker.
• Ensured smooth tracking as the crane moved through the scene.

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🎚️ Camera Tweaks

• Adjusted focal length from 40mm to 20mm for wider framing.
• Fine-tuned final position of crane at 10s for better composition.
• Verified smooth movement, tracking, and actor framing.

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🗂️ Organizing & Finalizing

• Added rig_crane_4 and cinecam_crane to the crane folder inside sequencer.
• Enabled Camera Cuts at frame 0 to switch to the crane shot.
• Saved all sequences and nested them into the master sequence

 

17_D04_H02_02 All New Cine Cam RIg Rail in Unreal Engine 5.6 and using C...

Session 17 Summary: Cine Camera Rig Rail in UE 5.6

🚀 Setup

• Opened existing camera_settings project from previous session.

• Continued from camera_rig_shot_root sequence.

• Began editing third shot (shot_030_01) using Cine Camera Rig Rail (advanced version).

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🔧 Creating the Circular Camera Rig

• Added Cine Camera Rig Rail from Cinematic → Cine Camera Rig Rail.

• Switched to top orthographic view.

• Created a perfect 360° circular dolly path:

  • Measured 190 cm radius using middle mouse drag.

  • Placed 5 spline points in a circle using Alt + drag.

• Used spline tangent controls in Rails Plane Component to smooth out the curve.

• Ensured uniform speed using the Display Speed Heat Map (green = optimal speed).

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🎥 Attaching & Configuring the Camera

• Duplicated wide_camera, renamed to cine_cam_rig_3.

• Attached camera to rig_3 and reset its transform.

• Set focal length = 35mm (can later animate per spline).

• Enabled rig control of focal length, aperture, and focus (instead of camera).

• Placed both rig and camera into the sequence and camera folder.

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🔁 Controlling the Camera Movement

• Switched from manual movement to absolute spline position control:

  • Added keyframes at absolute position 1 (start) and 5 (end) over 10 seconds.

• Enabled “Use Point Orientation” so the camera rotates along the rail path.

• Rotated camera 90° so it always faces inward toward actor.

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🎛️ Using Drive Mode (Alternative)

• Enabled Drive Mode → Duration to auto-animate based on time.

• Demonstrated changing speed via duration or speed %.

• Later reverted to manual keyframing for full control.

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🎚️ Focal Length & Aperture Animation by Spline Point

• Adjusted focal length per spline:

  • Spline 0: 15mm (wide)

  • Spline 1–2: 30mm

  • Spline 3: 15mm

  • Spline 4: 50mm → revised to 30mm for smoother transition

• Adjusted aperture per spline to improve exposure:

  • Set all points to f/1.4 for brighter visuals.

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🎯 Focus Tracking with a Helper Actor

• Added "rig3_tracker" actor to guide camera focus during movement.

• Placed tracker at key locations (between characters, face, etc.) over time.

• Animated the tracker’s position and enabled it in camera’s Focus Tracking.

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✅ Final Composition Check

• Verified:

  • Smooth dolly movement

  • Dynamic focal length changes

  • Focus tracking accuracy

  • Proper brightness/exposure throughout shot

• Saved all changes and concluded third rig-based camera shot.

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🛠️ Key Features Demonstrated

• Cine Camera Rig Rail with multiple spline points.

• Spline-level focal length and aperture control.

• Drive Mode vs. Manual Animation.

• Tracker-based camera focus with smooth interpolation.

16_D04_H02_Simple Camera Rail Rig and Level Sequence with Shots in Unrea...

Session Summary: Using Camera Rig Rail in Unreal Engine 5.6

🧰 Project Setup

• Used the existing project from previous session: camera_settings.zip + metahumans.zip.

• Opened module_7 level and created a new sequence using “Add Level Sequence with Shots”.

• Named root sequence camera_rig_shot_root with 5 individual shots.

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🔧 Shot 010_01 – Straight Rail Shot

• Added Camera Rig Rail (legacy version) from Cinematic → Camera Rig Rail.

• Created rig_1 and aligned it horizontally in top view using two control points (vertices).

• Added a new camera cam_rig_1, made it a child of rig_1, and reset its location/rotation.

• Made the camera wide angle (20mm focal length).

• Animated Current Position on Rail from 0 to 1 over 10 seconds.

• Used Camera Cuts Track to activate cam_rig_1 for the shot.

• Rendered output shows smooth left-to-right camera movement across characters.

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🔧 Shot 020_01 – Curved Vertical Rail Shot

• Duplicated rig_1 to create rig_2, repositioned and bent it to form a curved rail.

• Added a new point by ALT + drag to shape the rail for elevation.

• Created new camera cam_rig_2, set it to 15mm focal length for a wider field of view.

• Attached the camera to rig_2 and animated movement from 0 → 1 in 10 seconds.

• Fine-tuned curve points and angles using top, right, and perspective views.

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🎯 Tracking and Focus

• Introduced a Helper Actor named rig2_tracker to control:

  • Look At Tracking: Enabled for cam_rig_2 to always face the tracker.

  • Focus Tracking: Set to track rig2_tracker for continuous focus during movement.

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🎬 Sequence Finalization

• Organized rig and camera actors into 08_camera_rigs folder.

• Added appropriate Camera Cuts in both shot sequences.

• Verified smooth transitions and framing in both rendered shots.

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✅ Key Learnings

• How to create nested sequences using Add Level Sequence with Shots.

• How to use Camera Rig Rail for linear and curved cinematic shots.

• How to animate rail movement using Current Position on Rail.

• How to control camera tracking and focus using a helper actor.

15_D04_H01_All About Sequencers in Unreal Engine 5.6

Unreal Engine Sequencer Basics (Session Summary)

🔹 Project Setup

• Download and extract camera_settings.zip and metahumans.zip from the provided link.

• Place the extracted MetaHumans folder inside the Content > int_vc directory of the camera_settings Unreal project.

• Open the project using Unreal Engine 5.6.

🔹 Introduction to Sequencer

• Sequencer is Unreal's timeline tool, similar to Adobe Premiere Pro or After Effects.

• Used to animate characters, cameras, and objects over time.

🔹 Level & Characters

• Open module_6 level which has 2 characters and 3 pre-placed cameras.

• Initially, characters may not be in a seated pose until you load the correct sequencer.

• Control Rig must be manually copied from working sequences to new sequences.

🔹 Creating a New Sequence

• Use Add Level Sequence from the +Cinematics button.

• Save it under Content > int_vc > sequences as my_first_sequence.

🔹 Fixing Pose Issues

• Copy the character tracks and control rigs from module_6 sequence to the new sequence.

• Rig compatibility issues may occur with older MetaHuman assets—manually apply compatible rigs.

🔹 Adding and Animating Cameras

• Use the Cinematic Viewport for better preview.

• Set animation frame rate to 24 FPS (film standard) and convert timeline to seconds view.

• Adjust focus distance manually to animate focus blur over time.

🔹 Camera Animation Steps

1. Wide Camera – Animate dolly-in movement from 0 to 4 seconds.

2. CU_Tray Camera – Side-to-front animation from 4 to 10 seconds.

3. CU_Zeva Camera – Rotating-in animation from 10 to 16 seconds.

4. Use local transform coordinates for better camera movement control.

🔹 Organizing Timeline

• Group all camera tracks into a new folder called "Cameras".

• Use Camera Cuts Track to switch between cameras at defined times (0s, 4s, 10s).

🔹 Rendering the Animation

• Use the Render Movie icon to export the final animation.

• Choose H.264 MP4 as the output format.

• Output will be saved under Saved > MovieRenders as my_first_sequence.mp4.

📝 Assignment

• Create a new sequence in any project.

• Add and animate three cameras with cuts.

• Render the output and share the video for review

Access our youtube in multi languages reels #unrealengine #cinematograp...

Global Availability Announcement

We are thrilled to announce that the educational content we are developing for teachers, professionals, trainees, and film enthusiasts is now globally accessible in 11 languages!

📚 Key Highlights:

• 🌐 All our content is available worldwide.

• 🗣️ Multilingual support includes Hindi (currently live), with other Indian languages like Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Marathi coming soon.

• 🤝 Special thanks to Google for enabling multilingual accessibility via YouTube’s multi-language audio feature.

---

🎥 How to Access Our Content in Your Preferred Language

1. Open Google Chrome

   • In the search bar, type: Sudheendra SG

   • Click on the YouTube channel link that appears first.

2. Switch Audio Language in YouTube

   • Open any video.

   • Click on the Settings (gear icon).

   • Select Audio Track → Choose your preferred language (e.g., Hindi, French, Spanish, German, Japanese, etc.).

---

🧠 For Summarized Notes in Your Language

1. Install the "ChatGPT YouTube Summarizer" Chrome Extension

   • Search: ChatGPT YouTube summarizer in Chrome.

   • Click “Add to Chrome”.

   • Check it under Extensions in your browser settings.

2. Use It on Any Video

   • Click the summarizer button below the video.

   • The video transcript will appear in ChatGPT.

   • Ask ChatGPT to translate it to any language (e.g., Kannada, Tamil, Telugu).

   • Use it as personalized study notes.

---

💡 Example:

• Audio in Hindi – Click settings > audio track > Hindi.

• Notes in Kannada – Use the summarizer → "Translate to Kannada" in ChatGPT.

14_D02_H02_02_Camera and Post Process Controls in Unreal Engine 5.6

Unreal Engine Workshop – Session 14 Summary

📌 Topic: Implementing Exposure Settings in Unreal Engine with Cine Cameras & Post Process Volume

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🎬 Project Setup

• Launched Camera Settings Project (v5.6).

• Loaded module_5.11 map and activated module_5 sequencer.

• Used 3 cameras: CU_Tray, CU_Zeva, and a wide camera.

• Hidden obstructing wall mesh to enable clean camera views.

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🔆 Camera View & Exposure

• Switched CU_Tray camera to Manual Exposure mode.

• Adjusted Aperture (f-stop) to control brightness and depth of field:

  • f/1.8 → Bright with shallow depth

  • f/11 → Darker with more depth

• Balanced exposure using:

  • Shutter Speed: Changed from 60 to 30

  • ISO: Boosted from 100 to 800 for brightness compensation

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📸 Creating Cameras with Different Depth of Field

• Duplicated cameras to create variants:

  • CU_Tray_with_DOF: Shallow depth (f/2, ISO 100, shutter 60)

  • CU_Tray: Deep focus (f/11, ISO 800, shutter 30)

• Similar adjustments made for CU_Zeva and CU_Zeva_with_DOF.

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🧪 Post Process Volume Setup

• Added and placed a Post Process Volume in the scene.

• Enabled:

  • Manual Exposure Metering Mode

  • Exposure Compensation to fine-tune global brightness (e.g., set to 6)

  • Shutter Speed, ISO, and F-stop overrides to match camera settings

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🌫️ Motion Blur Demonstration

• Enabled Motion Blur in Post Process Volume to simulate realistic human-eye perception:

  • Set Target FPS to 30

  • Observed motion blur effect during camera movement

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📁 Final Steps

• Saved all level changes.

• Confirmed exposure settings now work:

  • On Cine Cameras individually

  • Across the entire scene using Post Process Volume

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🎯 What’s Next

• In the upcoming session:

  • Explore Sequencer, Camera Rigs, and Dolly Tracks

  • Continue learning about camera tools in Unreal Engine

13_D03_H03_01_Exposure Settings Aperture Shutter Speed and ISO Triangle ...

nreal Engine Workshop – Session 13 Summary

📌 Topic: Exposure Settings – Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO, and White Balance

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🔺 Exposure Triangle Fundamentals

• Exposure = Controlled light hitting the camera sensor/film.

• Aim: Maintain consistent light intensity (e.g., 100 watt-equivalent) regardless of lighting conditions.

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🔘 1. Aperture (F-stop)

• Controls light entry by adjusting lens opening diameter.

• Lower f-stop (e.g., f/2) = More light; Higher f-stop (e.g., f/16) = Less light.

• Each full stop halves or doubles the light.

• Example: f/2 (8000W) → f/2.8 (4000W) → f/4 (2000W), etc.

• Aperture also affects Depth of Field.

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⏱️ 2. Shutter Speed

• Determines how long the sensor/film is exposed to light.

• Shorter exposure = less light; longer = more light.

• Still photos: slower shutter speed can compensate for low light (e.g., 1/4 sec).

• Video cameras (e.g., 30fps): limited to fixed frame rate.

• Cannot reduce FPS below standard without impacting playback smoothness.

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📈 3. ISO (Film/Sensor Sensitivity)

• Amplifies signal from the sensor to simulate more light.

• Higher ISO = brighter image in low light (e.g., ISO 800 needs less light than ISO 100).

• Trade-off: higher ISO introduces noise or grain (especially in mid-tones).

• Modern cameras (e.g., iPhone 16 Pro) use AI-based noise reduction for low-light clarity.

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🎨 White Balance & Color Temperature

• Ensures white appears white under different light sources.

• Artificial light (e.g., tungsten) alters perceived color.

• Controlled using Color Temperature:

  • Red @ 1600K, Yellow @ 3200K, White @ 5000K, Blue @ 6000K+

• White Balance compensates by digitally adjusting color channels.

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🌀 Mechanical vs Electronic vs Global Shutter

• Mechanical/Rolling Shutter: Opens/closes physically; used in old DSLRs/cinema.

• Electronic Shutter: Uses current; seen in mobile/digital cameras.

• Global Shutter: Captures entire sensor at once → no distortion with fast motion.

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🐢 Motion Blur & Frame Rate

• Human eye ≈ 32 fps sensitivity; fast motion causes blur.

• High-speed photography (e.g., 480–980 fps) enables smooth slow-motion playback.

• Unreal Engine supports high FPS for fluidity in gameplay and animation.

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⚙️ Practical Use in Unreal Engine

• All these settings (Aperture, ISO, Shutter Speed) can be simulated with Cine Cameras.

• Helps achieve cinematic lighting and depth in virtual shots.

• White balance and exposure settings are key for realistic visual effects.

12_D03_H02_02_Focus Tracking in Unreal Engine

Unreal Engine Workshop – Session 12 (Day 3, Session 1) Summary

📌 Topic: Camera Focus Settings and Object/Character Tracking

• ✅ Loading the Project

  • Opened module_4 map from the content drawer.

  • Loaded the level sequencer to animate characters.

• 🎥 Camera Setup

  • Existing two cameras: one for CU_Tray, another for CU_Zewa.

  • Created a new Cine Camera Actor named cine_focus.

  • Adjusted focal length and aperture (35mm, f/2.8).

• 🎯 Manual Focus Demo

  • Showed how manual focus works using a number object “4”.

  • Demonstrated focus shifting as the camera moves, requiring manual updates.

• 🔁 Pulling Focus (Real-world concept)

  • Explained how focus-pulling is done in cinema using focus marks.

• 🧲 Enabling Tracking Focus

  • Switched focus method to Tracking.

  • Used eyedropper tool to assign focus target.

• 👤 Character Focus Challenge

  • Problem: Unreal tracks character origin (feet), not the face.

  • Solution: Added a new actor (zewa_focus_tracker) as a helper focus point.

• 📍 Positioning Focus Tracker

  • Placed the helper actor manually near the character’s eyes using top/front/side views.

  • Observed improved facial focus during camera movement.

• 🧠 Advanced Setup – Head Bone Parenting

  • Created a Blueprint Actor (zewa_head_bone) and attached it to character's head bone.

  • Parent the focus tracker to this head bone for accurate facial tracking.

• 📌 Final Results

  • Camera maintains focus on Zewa’s face, even if she moves, stands, or animates.

  • Reinforced the use of blueprints, bone sockets, and parenting for precise cinematic focus control.

• 🧠 Coming Up Next

  • Upcoming session: Understanding and controlling exposure settings in Unreal Engine.

11 D03 H02 01 Cinematic Focus and Depth of Field in Unreal Engine 5.6

Session 11 – Summary: Aperture, Focusing & Depth of Field in Unreal Engine

🔍 Key Concepts

• Focusing: Adjusting the lens so that subjects at specific distances are sharp.

• Hyperfocal Distance: The closest distance beyond which everything remains in focus.

  • Human eye hyperfocal ≈ 25 cm.

  • Smaller focal length = shorter hyperfocal distance (e.g., GoPro).

  • Longer focal length = larger hyperfocal distance (e.g., 50mm f/1.2 ≈ 30 meters).

🎯 Focus Mechanics in Cameras

• Focus ring (manual adjustment) shifts lens to match object distance.

• Pull Focus: Changing focus between subjects (e.g., actor to background) in cinema.

• Accommodation: Human eye's focusing behavior when viewing near objects.

📏 Depth of Field (DoF)

• Definition: The range (front to back) in which subjects appear acceptably sharp.

• Factors Affecting DoF:

  • Aperture (f-number):

    • Low f-number (e.g., f/1.2) → shallow DoF, blurry background.

    • High f-number (e.g., f/16) → deep DoF, everything in focus.

  • Focal Length:

    • Wide-angle lenses (e.g., 20mm) → greater DoF.

    • Telephoto lenses (e.g., 75mm) → shallow DoF.

  • Object Distance: Closer subjects reduce DoF.

🛠️ Practical Demo in Unreal Engine

• Cameras simulated:

  • GoPro (6.17mm x 4.63mm) with 4mm focal length & squeeze factor 1.5.

  • iPhone (9.8mm x 7.3mm) with adjustable aperture and focus.

  • ARRI Alexa (54.12mm x 25.58mm) with 60mm lens.

• Enabled Auto Exposure for consistent lighting during aperture changes.

• Demonstrated:

  • Changing Aperture from f/1.2 to f/16 to vary DoF.

  • Changing Focal Length from 16mm to 75mm to demonstrate focus behavior.

  • Impact of focus shifts using eyedropper tool.

  • How blur varies with focal length and aperture combination.

🎬 Cinematic Composition Tips

• For sharp background & foreground: Use wide-angle lens + high aperture (f/11 or f/16).

• For blurry background (bokeh effect): Use telephoto lens + low aperture (f/1.4 or f/2).

• You can animate focus in Unreal to create pull focus shots using sequencer.

10 D02 H01 P02 Focal Length and Field of View Settings in Unreal Engine 5.6

Session 9 – Summary: Understanding Focal Length & Lens Behavior in Unreal Engine

🔍 Camera & Lens Fundamentals

• Focal Length: Distance between the lens center and image plane; affects field of view (FoV).

  • Short focal length → wide-angle view (e.g., 20mm).

  • Long focal length → narrow FoV, zoomed-in (e.g., 200mm, telephoto).

• Lens Power: Measured in diopters; 1 diopter = standard eye power.

• Normal Lens: Focal length equal to the sensor's diagonal size.

• Field of View: Wider FoV at shorter focal lengths; directly influenced by sensor size.

📏 Sensor Size Examples

• iPhone: 9.8mm x 7.3mm → ~13mm is normal lens.

• Blackmagic: 25.34mm x 14.25mm → ~30mm is normal lens.

• ARRI Alexa: 54.12mm x 25.58mm → ~60mm is normal lens.

📸 Practical Setup in Unreal Engine 5.6

• Download and extract camera_settings.zip and metahumans.zip.

• Import Metahuman assets into the Content/INT_VC/ directory.

• Add Cine Camera Actor in the level.

• Use real camera sensor specs (from VFXcamdb.com) to simulate specific camera types.

• Adjust focal length per camera type (ARRI, Blackmagic, iPhone).

• Focus Settings: Use eyedropper tool or manually adjust to ensure sharp focus.

• Use Omni Calculator to compute sensor diagonal = normal focal length.

• Use multiple viewports to compare cameras side by side in Unreal.

🔧 Unreal Engine Camera Workflow

• Game view toggle: G key hides UI clutter.

• Set Film Back Width & Height for accurate simulation.

• Adjust Lens Settings → Focal Length to explore wide/normal/tele views.

• Use Viewport Splits to compare ARRI, Blackmagic, and iPhone setups.

🧪 Observations

• Same focal length yields different results across different sensor sizes.

• Normal field of view ≈ 45–50°.

• Focal length affects perspective, depth compression, and background scale.

08 D02 H03 Update to Unreal 5.6 New UI and Camera Basics

Session 8 Summary – Unreal Engine Cameras & Upgrade to 5.6

🔧 Unreal Engine Upgrade to 5.6 Preview

• Announced the release of Unreal Engine 5.6.0 (Preview).

• Demonstrated how to upgrade Unreal Engine via Epic Games Launcher.

• Emphasized choosing a drive with 100+ GB free space (preferably SSD).

• Explained component selection (e.g., MetaHuman Core, Editor Symbols).

• Set 5.6 as default version and updated project files accordingly.

• Noted UI/UX changes in 5.6: camera tools repositioned, combined snapping tools, new focus plane display, etc.

👁️ Understanding Human Vision Before Cameras

• Explained how eyes perceive images using light reflected from objects.

• Introduced the concept of electromagnetic radiation and visible light (400–700 nm).

• Described how wavelength determines perceived color.

• Discussed amplitude of light and how it affects brightness perception (e.g., black vs. white).

• Highlighted eye sensitivity compared to animals like owls.

• Described the iris function in controlling light (similar to camera aperture).

📷 Camera Fundamentals in Unreal

• Camera purpose: record what the eye sees using lenses and sensors.

• Compared human eye to camera:

  • Lens focuses image

  • Iris controls light → Aperture in camera

  • Retina captures light → Sensor (CMOS) in camera

• Introduced ASA/ISO sensitivity concept from film and digital imaging.

🎥 Cine Camera Usage in UE 5.6

• Opened the "my studio with characters" level.

• Configured cine cameras (center, left, right).

• Explained focus method settings:

  • Manual focus

  • Focus distance in cm

  • Enabled focus plane for visual aid.

• Saved as new level “my studio_with_cameras” and built level.

⚠️ Build Error Noted

• Encountered Swarm initialization failure after upgrading engine.

• Announced that error resolution will be covered in the next session