Michael Daniels Hello, Micheal. A few weeks ago, I asked Andrew Hatchett about green screen apps for HOA and he directed me to you and your use of ManyCam. Have visited the site and it looks like what I want but I would appreciate any insight you have about have an optimal setup for using it.
Right now, I'm using a Toshiba laptop, i7 processor, 8 gig ram, and an NVIDIA graphics card. I also have a Microsoft LifeCam connected in addition to the builtin webcam. Have made the LifeCam the default on HOA but I can't control the zoom, etc. once it is engaged with HOA. It returns to wide angle even if I zoomed it in before starting HOA. So wonder if the camera controls mentioned in ManyCam would override HOA and let me control LifeCam.
Ok! This is a lot! So, please know that I appreciate any insights you have to offer. Basically, I'm curious about how well the green screen works and options for camera control in HOA (would get a different camera if necessry). Thank you!
Cindy
Cynthia Gaffney
ReplyDeleteI am not Sir Michael Daniels but I am a user of ManyCam.
The trick here, is not so much of your hardware, but what is behind you. I think the trick is the right color, smooth, backdrop that is immediately behind you.
I have a back drop, but it's not green and not smooth.
I think that is the real trick here. Michael will certainly correct me if I am wrong here.
Hope that helps,
Russ
Thank you, Russ. I have done quite a bit of green screen composites in Premiere,etc. But composites in real time can take some processing power, so just inquiring about optimal setups. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI think you are mising my point. What I am talking about is NOT on your computer. No processing power required. It's the physical back ground behind you
ReplyDeleteThanks, Russ.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michael Daniels! Am out in the world right now but look forward to another opportunity.
ReplyDeleteCynthia Gaffney, I haven't worked with the MS Lifecam and the associated Dashboard control software. However, I've noted that some users on the web complained of inability to control the camera and having to settle for "auto adjustments" made by the camera. Also some of the reviews indicate a maximum resolution of 720P unless you purchase additional software. There are a number of different versions of MS LifeCams and you haven't stated which you own. If those statements are accurate, I would suggest you consider using a Logitech C920 camera as it has a higher resolution (1080p) and it's control software will automatically activate when you start your HOA with that camera selected. I've often adjusted the zoom or pan settings while in an HOA. I'm not thrilled that the logitech software makes every change a "jump" to the new focal length or position. It would be nicer if the changes were smooth. But, what can you say about a $70.00 camera. One point to consider: while using a USB webcam and executing a "zoom", you are really cropping and stretching the image (digital zoom). While trying to use such a camera to capture a person across a room my experiece was a fuzzy image as the camera software zoomed in digitally reducing resolution as it went. It's like grabbing a small photo and trying to make it large. It gets fuzzy. If, however you are using the camera as it is designed to be used, (to capture yourself some 18 inches from the camera, you should be just fine. Just my two cents worth. Good luck!
ReplyDelete