When creating scientific animations of molecular systems, clarity is key. A common challenge arises when trying to zoom in on a specific region of a molecule without inadvertently shifting the viewing target. This can lead to distracting camera movements that detract from the scientific content of your video.
If you’re using SAMSON to prepare animations for presentations or publications, the Zoom camera animation offers a focused tool to overcome this issue. Unlike other camera animations, such as the Dolly camera effect which alters both camera position and target point, the Zoom camera only changes the position of the camera while keeping its target still. This produces a clean, straightforward zoom effect—perfect when your goal is to emphasize a specific molecular detail without disturbing the overall orientation of the scene.
How it works
The Zoom camera animation is available in SAMSON’s Animation panel within the Animator. You can think of it as the molecular equivalent of a telephoto lens—a way to move closer while keeping your focus firmly centered.
To add this animation:
- Navigate to the start frame in the Animator’s Track view, and orient the camera as desired.
- Double-click on the Zoom camera effect in the Animation panel.
- Set the end frame for the zoom.
You can adjust the start and end frames later, as needed, giving you flexibility without redoing the animation.
Controlling consistency
By default, the Zoom camera animation affects the current active camera. The target point remains fixed at the camera’s current view center. This consistency can be beneficial when using rendering effects like Fog and Depth-of-field, which are often sensitive to changes in the camera target.
To further refine your control, you can:
- Uncheck “Apply to active camera” in the Inspector to assign the animation to a different camera.
- Modify the Easing curve to change how the camera moves between frames.
- Adjust the camera’s position and target manually using animation controllers to fine-tune framing.
What about the grid?
The presence of the grid in SAMSON can slightly affect the animation, especially if the Keep camera upwards option is enabled. This ensures cameras stay aligned relative to the scene’s up direction—which may be important for consistency in animations featuring orientations over time.
When to use it
Use the Zoom camera animation when:
- You want to zoom into a binding pocket or active site without shifting your orientation.
- You are preparing comparative animations and need a consistent focal point.
- You’re emphasizing spatial relationships in crowded molecular environments.
This feature helps you produce clear visual narratives: the camera moves, but your story stays focused.
Learn more about the Zoom camera animation on the official SAMSON documentation page.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. Download SAMSON here.