In molecular design, clear communication is often the difference between a model that convinces and one that confuses. For structural biology presentations, teaching complex assemblies, or simply keeping your group interested as you rotate, pan, and zoom through a protein’s world, visual clarity is essential.
However, many molecular modelers struggle to create smooth, intentional camera movements that help the viewer focus on the progression of the structure in 3D. Spinning molecules randomly doesn’t always help. If you’re working with membrane proteins, fibrils, nanotubes, or any elongated structure, moving the camera *vertically* rather than simply rotating may make all the difference—and that’s exactly what the Pedestal camera animation in SAMSON helps you do.
What is the Pedestal Camera?
The Pedestal camera animation moves your scene straight up or down from one point in time to another. Unlike a zoom (which changes distance) or a rotation (which changes angle), a pedestal movement maintains the camera’s orientation but shifts both its position and target point vertically within the camera’s reference frame. Think of lifting a drone straight up while keeping the lens pointed the same way.
This is especially useful when your structure extends vertically—like in a microtubule model or DNA origami—because it feels like you’re ‘traveling’ through the molecule. It’s also perfect for showing layer-by-layer structural features that sit on top of each other in space.
How to Add It in SAMSON
Here’s how to apply a Pedestal camera animation in SAMSON:
- In the Track view of the Animator, place your start frame and orient the view as needed.
- In the Animation panel, double-click the Pedestal camera effect.
- By default, SAMSON will shift the camera upward for the final frame. You can then adjust the distance and easing.
- Set the end frame for this animation segment.
You can also:
- Change interpolation using the easing curve to control the speed of the motion.
- Use controllers to fine-tune camera position, though pedestal-specific constraints may apply.
- Link multiple pedestal moves to create a smooth continuous ascent or descent across a long structure.
A Quick Example
Here’s how a Pedestal animation looks in action:
Notice how both the camera and its target move in sync upwards, keeping the visual context constant. It feels like you’re smoothly elevating, as if rising through a molecular elevator shaft.
Why This Solves a Real Problem
Many molecular animations unintentionally disorient the viewer. With the Pedestal camera, you keep consistent orientation while smoothly shifting perspective. This is incredibly useful for:
- Studying fibril growth or amyloid stacking.
- Layered inspection of membrane systems.
- Showing the path of ligands through vertically oriented channels.
- Creating didactic animations for students to follow structural tiers.
Rather than twisting the entire scene, you now control how the audience progresses through space—making your story about molecules easier to follow.
To explore all the options, including adjusting parameters for different grid settings or inspecting additional properties, visit the full Pedestal Camera documentation.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can get SAMSON at https://www.samson-connect.net.