You are preparing an animation of a molecular system. The structure is moving as intended, but the camera shifts because you adjusted the view while working—or because no camera animation controls that part of the timeline. The result can be distracting: viewers have to follow both the molecular motion and an unexpected change in perspective.
When you want a view to remain unchanged across a section of an animation, SAMSON’s Hold camera effect can help. It keeps the camera parameters fixed between two frames, so the system can be presented from a defined static view during that interval.
Choose the view before you set the hold
Start by choosing the frame where the steady-view section should begin in the Animator’s Track view. At that frame, orient the view and camera as you want the audience to see the system. This is a useful moment to check that the molecular features you want to discuss are visible and that the composition feels appropriate for the segment.
Next, add the effect: in the Animator’s Animation panel, double-click Hold camera. Set the animation’s end frame to define how long the static view should remain in place. You can move the start and end frames later, so you do not need to get the timing perfect on the first attempt.
- Select the intended start frame in the Animator’s Track view.
- Orient the camera to the view you want to preserve.
- Double-click Hold camera in the Animation panel.
- Set the end frame, then review the relevant section of the animation.
Think of it as a presentation interval
A steady camera is useful when the molecular motion is the main story: for example, when you want viewers to concentrate on a change in the system without also tracking a changing viewpoint. It can also give a sequence a clear visual pause. You might use one fixed view to establish the system, then use a different camera effect elsewhere when a change of perspective is useful.
The key is to decide what each part of the animation should communicate. If the viewpoint should stay the same, define a hold for the relevant frame range. If you want the camera to change, the documentation points to Move camera as a related animation. These effects serve different purposes: one holds the camera parameters fixed, while the other is intended for camera movement.
Check the timeline, not just the starting view
After adding the effect, review the animation across the interval you set. Confirm that the start and end frames cover the portion where you want the view preserved. If the interval is too short or begins at the wrong point, adjust its frame boundaries; the start and end frames can be moved. This small timing check can prevent an otherwise polished molecular presentation from changing perspective at an unintended moment.
Interface note: The example shown in the documentation uses an Animation menu that is no longer present in SAMSON. Access animations through the Animation panel in the Animator, and presentation actions through the Animator’s controls.
For the full instructions, see the Hold camera documentation.
Note: SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. Get SAMSON.