Apple Shake 4 New Features - Manual (Page 51)

Chapter 2 Major Features and New Nodes 51
Importing and Exporting Shape Data
Two controls let you import and export shape data between Shake and external
applications. These controls are located in the Viewer shelf when editing RotoShape,
Warper, or Morpher nodes.
To export shape data:
m Click the Import Shape Data button in the Viewer shelf, choose a name and destination
for the export file in the File Browser, then click OK.
To import shape data:
m Click the Export Shape Data button in the Viewer shelf, choose a compatible shape
data file using the File Browser, then click OK.
To support this new feature, a new shape data file format has been defined—named
SSF (Shake Shape File). This format standardizes the manner in which shape data is
stored by Shake for external use. Before shape data can be imported from an external
application, it must first be converted into the SSF format. For more information on the
SSF format, see the Shake 4 SDK Manual.
The SmoothCam Node
This transform node differs from the other tracking nodes in that it doesn’t focus the
track on small groups of pixels. Instead, it evaluates the entire image at once, using
advanced motion analysis techniques to extract transformation data.
Once this information is derived, this node has two modes. It can smooth the shot,
eliminating unwanted jitter while maintaining the general motion of the camera, or it
can lock the shot, stabilizing the subject. This node can affect translation, rotation,
zoom, and perspective, making it more flexible for certain operations than the other
tracking nodes.
The SmoothCam node is primarily useful for removing unwanted trembling from less
than stable crane or jib arm moves, eliminating teetering from handheld walking shots,
or reducing vibrations in automotive shots. Secondarily, the SmoothCam node can be
used to stabilize shots that may be difficult to lock using the Stabilize node.
As useful as the SmoothCam node is, be aware that motion blur that is present in the
image will remain, even though the subject in the shot is successfully smoothed or
locked. This may or may not affect your approach to the composite.
Important: Interlaced images must be deinterlaced prior to use with the SmoothCam
node.