A molecular model can be changing while the camera should not. During a presentation or an animation, a view that shifts unexpectedly can make it harder for people to follow the structure, compare what they see across frames, or focus on the point you are explaining. The shift may happen simply because the view was adjusted while working on the document.
In SAMSON, the Hold camera animation is a way to keep the camera parameters fixed across a chosen span of frames. It is useful when you want the system to remain in a particular view and are not using another camera animation at those frames. Think of it as setting a steady visual viewpoint for a section of an animation—not as moving the camera from one position to another.
Set the view before you add the hold
The order matters: first choose the frame where the hold should begin, then orient the view as you want it to appear. Once the camera is positioned, add the Hold camera effect and set its end frame. This makes the intended view the reference for the selected interval.
- In the Animator’s Track view, select the start frame for the static view.
- Orient the view or camera to show the system as you want it presented.
- In the Animator’s Animation panel, double-click Hold camera.
- Set the end frame to cover the interval during which you want the view to remain fixed.
You can move the animation’s start and end frames later, so the interval can be adjusted as the presentation takes shape. If the view needs to stay steady for longer, extend the end frame; if the stable section should begin later, move the start frame. After changing the range, review the animation to confirm that the hold covers the part where the fixed viewpoint is needed.
When this is useful
A fixed camera can help create a calmer visual rhythm. For example, you might want one section of an animation to show a molecular system from a consistent angle while the audience examines it. A steady view also helps avoid an unintended change in perspective when you have adjusted the camera during document work. If your goal is instead to show the system from changing viewpoints, a camera hold is not the effect for that motion; SAMSON’s Move camera animation is a related option for camera movement.
A useful planning habit is to decide which parts of an animation need a stable view before you add camera effects. Mark the relevant start and end frames, set the view at the start, and then add the hold. This makes it easier to distinguish deliberate camera movement from a section where the audience should be able to concentrate on the molecular system without the viewpoint changing.
The current workflow uses the Animator: animations are accessed through its Animation panel, and presentation actions are available through the Animator’s controls. Older references to an Animation menu may not match the current interface.
For the complete instructions, see the Hold camera documentation.
Note: SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. Get SAMSON.