Molecular modelers often struggle when trying to create clear and informative animations that follow the vertical structure of their systems—especially in elongated molecules or membrane environments where visual focus tends to shift along the vertical axis. If you’ve ever wished your camera movements would better match the natural symmetry or architecture of your molecular model, the Pedestal camera animation in SAMSON could be a helpful tool.
Unlike regular translations or rotations, the Pedestal camera animation tweaks both the camera’s position and its target point in parallel along a vertical direction. This means your view stays centered on the region of interest while smoothly rising or descending, making it easier to highlight structural elements stacked along an axis—e.g., DNA helices, nanotubes, or even large membrane proteins.
Here’s when and why you might want to use it:
- Following the vertical layout of your system: When your molecule is structurally vertical—like DNA strands or membrane-spanning systems—the Pedestal camera animation helps present them in a coherent path.
- Improving presentations: By gently moving the view along the object, you can create a more dynamic and readable visual walkthrough of your model for reports or presentations.
- Avoiding disorientation: Because the camera’s focus point stays aligned throughout the movement, the result feels smooth and deliberate.
How to set it up in SAMSON
The animation is found in the Animation panel under the Animator workspace. To apply a Pedestal camera move:
- First, orient the camera as you want for the start frame.
- Double-click the Pedestal camera effect in the Animation panel.
- SAMSON will generate a vertical move by shifting both the view and the focal point upward in the camera reference frame by the same amount.
- Set your end frame by dragging or modifying its time property in the track view.
That’s it—the animation is ready to go.
Tips for better control
The Pedestal camera animation comes with a few settings that let you further refine your movement:
- Apply to active camera: This default setting works on the currently selected view, but you can assign it manually to different cameras if needed using the Inspector.
- Keep camera upwards: If you want to ensure the camera maintains its upright orientation (especially relevant if you have the grid activated), toggle this setting in the animation properties.
- Easing curve: For smooth entry and exit of the motion (or constant speed), adjust the interpolation easing curve.
Working with limitations
If you’re doing precise camera choreography, it’s worth noting that the Pedestal camera animation limits the specific ways in which you can adjust the target and position points. It’s designed for vertical transitions only, so horizontal tweaking is better done using the Truck camera animation.
Want more detailed instructions or explore related camera movements in SAMSON? You can read the full documentation here: https://documentation.samson-connect.net/users/latest/animations/pedestal-camera/
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can download SAMSON from https://www.samson-connect.net.