When creating molecular animations in SAMSON, one common challenge that modelers face is keeping the camera viewpoint consistent throughout specific segments of the animation. This is particularly frustrating when you’re trying to highlight subtle conformational changes or focus attention on a specific molecular region. Any unintended shift in the camera can distract the viewer and diminish the clarity of your presentation. Fortunately, SAMSON’s Hold camera animation offers a simple but powerful solution.
Why fix the camera?
Imagine you’ve oriented your molecule perfectly for a close-up on a binding pocket for frames 10 to 50. But while adding other animations or editing molecular configurations, it’s easy to accidentally adjust the view. If no camera animation is active, SAMSON may interpret user-adjusted views as part of the final animation – suddenly, your carefully planned focus is gone.
This is where the Hold camera animation comes in: it locks the current camera parameters (position, angle, zoom) between any two frames of your choosing. It acts like a freeze-frame for your viewpoint, ensuring your molecule stays precisely where you want it for as long as needed.
How it works
Here’s how you can add a Hold camera animation in SAMSON:
- In the Animator’s Track view, select the start frame for your fixed view.
- Adjust and orient the camera exactly how you want it using SAMSON’s navigation tools.
- Go to the Animation panel in the Animator and double-click on Hold camera.
- Set the end frame where you want the fixed view to stop.
That’s it. Your camera is now immobile between those two frames—no matter how much else changes in the animation.
An efficient habit to adopt
Even if you don’t think you’re moving the camera, it’s a good habit to use Hold camera animations deliberately, especially between segments of activity. Think of it as bracketing specific visual intentions. This way, you avoid later surprises when you export your movies or presentations. It can also be combined smoothly with Move camera animations for clearer and more expressive transitions.
What to keep in mind
You can move the start and end frames at any time—SAMSON offers flexible control. Also note that older versions of SAMSON used to feature an Animation menu, but now all animations, including Hold camera, are accessible via the Animation panel in the Animator.
For researchers creating molecular movies, teaching resources, or visual records, precise camera control is not optional—it’s essential. Whether you’re saving time during editing or improving clarity in communication, mastering the Hold camera feature ensures that your visual storytelling remains intentional and uninterrupted.
To learn more, see the Hold camera animation documentation page.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can get SAMSON at https://www.samson-connect.net.