Overview of Stop Motion Software & Tools
*
UPDATE - It
is realized that this page has not been updated
in awhile. Some of the programs may no longer be available.
Would like to update this resource page. If you find programs
are not available, you may contact me which
would help
in updating this resource listing. 10-28-13
BRIEF
HISTORY: "Movie Film" was the most
common image storage medium to permanently record & preserve your
animation (film still used). In the early Stop Motion days, while
you were animating, there was no way to see the animation
inprogress. It was difficult to visually
measure and judge the incremental frame by frame movements, and
impossible to see your previous animated movements (as you were animating).
It took much practice to master Stop Motion back then. You
had to wait until the next day after the
movie came back from the film lab, to see
how your animation looked. With experience, one eventually
developed an intuitive Zen thing where you can
visualize, feel, and see
the motion in your mind's eye. Before all
the current technological tools, in those days, surface guage
pointers were used to
measure the
movements of just the
major parts/appendages of the puppet. The smaller puppet
appendages, you still had to 'remember' or write down
in exposure
log sheet ahead of time, what to
move. Then along came the early modified VCR devices to
record & save your animation and then
later, computer based software to capture
and save the animated frames.
Finally, Stop Motionists can
SEE the frame by frame motion on the
screen, while animating. A basically, simple
technology, however, for the Stop Motion
Art/Craft, the "live video frame grabbing
technique" which provides accurate frame to frame
animation visual measurment, control, &
instant feedback; has made a powerful positive impact
on the animation quality, creative freedom, and
also, significantly increasing the animator's consistent animation results,
and more production output. Some QuickTime clips where you can see how
Surface Guages are used Clip 1 Clip
2
The following are not
detailed reviews of the of the Stop Motion capturing/recording
software-tools, but more of my general comments and I am not going to be
too critical. Software here covers PCs and
some Macs (not as many though).
You should be thankful that there are a minority few
software authors, who have made the effort to produce such programs for
this unique & esoteric animation art/craft. They are also
affordable and most all of them offer a trial limited demo to test their
software. ALWAYS .... FIRST look at
the Software's Minimum System Requirements for your computer to run the
software. For PCs, most of these programs
require the latest version of Windows DirectX ....
free download (read DirectX ABCs) but usually, it is
"already" installed in Windows. You should be aware that most of
programs will save your final animation as an AVI movie file which
are large ..... 360 full 720x576 bitmap frames can occupy approximately ONE
Gig of Hard drive space. One usually downsizes them, converting them to
compressed QuickTime or Windows Media format .... or you transfer or burn
the movies onto VCD/DVD to free-up your hard drive space. Most of these
programs do not
work with consumer digital still
cameras. You will need to use consumer DV camcorders or
Webcams. If you cannot afford a DV corder, then for just
"practice" animation, most USB Webcams will work. If you want higher
quality Webcam, read this. Only "some" Stop
Motion Software are "freeware". You should encourage these software
developers by trying their products. If you like it .... then just pay the
reasonable affordable cost for the program. Do not whine or complain that
these are too expensive.
Instead of asking, "Which is
the best program?", it would better if you just test them yourself
and do not rush it. Each
program has different combination of
features and user interface. Play with each of
programs for a few days. Most all the programs come with "Un-install". If
you want to be sure, contact the software company to check if you can
easily un-install. Try
the programs that interests you, one at a time .... download
it .... test it .... un-install it (remove it), then try the
next program of your choosing.
Okay, here goes .... happy shopping .......
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DragonFrame has
rapidly gained recognition as a serious
tool for professional
Stop Motion
production work. Many features listed
and this is only a general overview: 1) Controls
Digital Still C ameras and Hi-Definition
Video camcorders (with HDMI capture
card) for single frame animation &
effects 2) Provides a comprehensive set of animation &
cinematogoraphy tools to help you get the shot right 3)
Keeps your scenes, shot-takes, and
frames well-organized for post production. You can then import your
animation (shot with Dragon) to your favorite editing and/or special
effects software for post production work completion of your animation
project. If your camera is not supported, you can ask their customer
support about possible 'workaround' options. DragonFrame has been designed by professionals working in the Stop Motion Animation field. The Dragon folks
have a very responsive custom service
support including discussion
forum. Their latest DragonFrame version comes with an intuitive Keypad Controller that helps
keep 'you' FOCUSED on your frame-by-frame animation work. Available for
both Apple-Mac and
Windows-PC
Their website DragonFrame
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Stop Motion Pro .... was one of the first
trailblazing software products back
in 2000 year, to offer to the public, a completely
dedicated & specialty Stop Motion program for the Stop
Motion hobbyist, practitioner, and for pro use. It has quite a number of
very specific and beneficial features for the Stop Motion
specialty that can meet demands of experienced Stop Motionists. Has audio
lip syncing feature. It is for PC-Windows. You can use DV camcorder (Firewire connection),
USB webcams (USB connection) and Analog
camcorder (if you have analog video capture card).
Stop Motion Pro can control some
Digital Still Cameras, too. Many other
features listed at their website. They have
good online support & video tutorials. A trial
demo version is available for you to test it. If you decide to
purchase it, you will get the full version at a reasonable cost
Stop Motion Pro, They are also working on an HD
version of Stop Motion Pro to
capture uncompressed HD Video. It will
not be a low cost set-up for everyone (very pricey HD capture card) and you
will need extra computer power. Good choice maybe for the higher budgets in
doing professional stop motion work and also for those just compulsively
seeking, "HD Nirvana" 
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Animator DV frame capturing software is another excellent choice for
PC-Windows users.This one looks like it is for very professional
use. Has similar features as Stop Motion Pro, but
it looks like Animator DV have some program versions with
plenty of bells & whistles
features for high end "Pro" use and can
control some Canon Digital Still Cams.
Some versions have audio lip syncing feature. Too many features to list.
You can see the features listed here, 4
versions of Animator
DV. This is possibly not for kids or beginners because of the many
choices of features and it might get confusing with regards to the more
intricate user interface. They have good
online documentation & video tutorials. Even though the name says
"DV" which is used with DV Camcorders,
Animator DV is also compatible USB
Webcams and Analog Camcorders (if you have analog
capture card installed). I have heard that their customer
support is good &
responsive. They offer trial demo download of one of their high end Animator
DVs for you to test it. Also,
Animator DV are very generous and are now
offering a FREE version of Animator
Simple+. If you have any
questions, Contact them and
also provide them feedback W
Multimedia's Animator DV
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Stop MotionMaker for PC-Windows. The
user interface is very user friendly. The software
developer originally designed this software for
children-schools-e ducators and they want to
maintain this simple user interface concept. Do not be deceived by
its simple looks. Stop Motion Maker has some
strong features .... onionskin, toggling-review of
stored frames, rotoscoping, delete/replace last frame, loop last frame,
instant preview of animation, frame markers, time lapse, and simple
chromakeying /compositing. Connection choices for USB Webcams,
DV Camcorders (firewire), and Analog (if you have analog capture
card) ..... has video compression and de-interlacing. Again ....
the user interface is really straight forward and great
for beginners, young & old and even for experienced
The only Stop Motion capture software that has a flicker reduction feature.
Stop Motionists or anyone that wants a good basic
Stop Motion program without complexity. Free trial demo
download is available. Go
to Stop MotionMaker Update: New Stop Mo software Stop MotionMaker HDMI, which is capable of using High Definition
camcorders.
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Stop Motion Station 1.2
for PC-Windows. This one looks like a get-down-to-business
animation software that is not too technically complex, however,
perhaps more suited for computer literate users. For young children, there
are other stop motion programs that they can perhaps begin
with, then they can always later graduate to Stop Motion Station.
The user interface for this program, entirely uses
the keyboard. The live image &
animation playback viewing is always full
screen. There are no icon screen menus or mouse clicking, and so,
you can FOCUS on the 'Animation'. Stop Motion Station can accept
Firewire, USB, and Analog (with proper capture interface). This
software has the most detailed online documentation than any of the other software listed here. It is very informative. The
software author is very much involved with animation associations and so he
has a true passion for the general animation medium. Customer service seems
to be good. There is a free 30 trial download and it is a full version of the program so that
you can really test it out. If you like, then definitely
buy it .... affordable Stop Motion Station
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This is a good
freeware program
called MonkeyJam. It
is originally designed for pencil testing use in 2D drawn animation
techniques, however the program's creator,
David Perry, added some useful additional features
for Stop Motion. Has a film preview slider so that you
can see the previously stored frames that you already shot and
compare it to the "live" frame. As I said before, this is also
known as frame flipping. ..... very important
feature that will help you learn Stop Motion more quickly. Also, a
really good feature ....you can cut, duplicate, or reshoot frames.
To view animation preview, you do have to do some extra mouse clicks and
maybe not as instant as others but overall, it is good program for Stop Mo
use. It is compatible with PC-Windows and one of the specs requirements says that you should have the
latest version of Microsoft's DirectX. You can use it with
USB Webcams, DV Camcorders (firewire
connection) and Analog Camcorders (if you have analog
capture card installed). Updated MJ has importion feature
of WAV or MP3 audio files. Waveform display with audio scrubbing (for
dialog lip sync) MonkeyJam
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This Stop Motion capture
program MotionMage was created by the BricksinMotion people. The
freeware
version includes ...full camera
settings, auto-averaging, color analysis, frame delay,
frame-order editing, onion skin display, audio playback, AVI-JPG-GIF, &
PNG import, and AVI export. You can use MotionMage with
USB Webcam, DV Camcorders or the ol'
Analog Camcorders (if you have analog capture card).
Again, this is the free version and so resolution
choice will be limited but but seems like a good starter tool for learning
Stop Motion. MotionMage is written in Java and it
uses the Java Media Framework for video functions. This
means, it works with both PC-Windows and Unix/Linux
systems. (It has
not been tested on Macs yet) According to software's author, this one may be a little
more tricky to set-up. If you
are somewhat computer literate, it may not hurt to at least try it as it
does have good useful Stop Mo features. If you have any issues or
questions, I do not know how responsive they are. Check it out
MotionMage1.2
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This one looks
like a new
one (2008) which I accidentally stumbled upon, IKITmovie for
PC-Windows. Does not
seem to be promoted much online. It is kind of a bells and whistles Stop
Motion software for beginners. To me, this program looks more focused on
creating animations for the Free Video Hosting websites (like YouTube). For
you High Definition obsessed, this is not for you. It appears that
IKITmovie is for ease of use
by beginners
or in a classroom
environment, and therefore, primarily works
with the common and ubiquitous USB
webcams with resolutions good enough for
internet and mobile media. Has custom built sound engine with over 2,200
sound effects and background music. You do not need to export your movie to
other software in order to complete your project. The exporting all done
within IKITmovie. It has Onionskin but not sure if it has
back/forth Frame Toggling to 'Live' feed. My suggestion and feedback to
them, would be, that the frame rates are only from 1 to 25 frames per second. In
my view, it should be able to go up to 30
fps. Their flash based tutorials are good
but not fully completed or still under construction. Also, I do not see a
list if IKITmovie is compatible with certain USB webcams or maybe works
with most webcams. Free trial download to test it IKITmovie
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Here is another
one most of us probably
never heard of .... I don't even know how to pronounce it .....
Animaatiokone. It
is created in Finland and the software is in English. Do
not be fooled my the simple interface. It seems to have good amount of
basic features ..... onionskinning, timeline navigation & zooming (not
sure what that is)), quick preview, you can cut, paste and duplicate
frames. For PC-Windows and is compatible with USB Webcams, DV
Camcorders, and Analog Camcorders (if you have
analog capture card). They do offer a free 30 day trial for you to test it. Remember too, most likely, if you pay
for program, you will get customer service support. Give
them your honest feedback about the program, the interface, or other
features you would like or be improved Animaatiokone
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Anasazi Stop Motion Animator is freeware for
PC-Windows. This is Old Software from some years ago. I guess,
because it is Free, people tolerate its
glitches. I have done quick test of Anasazi. This
software is only for use with USB Webcams
or
Analog Camcorders (if you have analog capture card).
You cannot use DV Camcorders or any Firewire type
connection with Anasazi. The important features are, its
onionskinning, back & forth frame toggling, looping, instant
preview of your animated scene,, adding markers, you can set hot keys,
and some other good features. With Anasazi you cannot delete or replace
frames. One of the spec requirements is that you need Microsoft's old
Video for Windows which Windows usually already has on your systen
but is now superceded by the newer DirectShow as part of
Windows DirectX
Anasazi
Update:
Someone contacted me and says there is a
fix for Anasazi so that it can work with
DV Camcorders. It requires downloading/installing a
codec, specifically, the Panasonic VFW, DV Codec. Do not ask me if it works with all DV
camcorders. Just try it then let me know if
your DV camcorder works with it. Also, supposedly, some are trying to do
an
update of Anasazi which would also run on Macs.
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StopIt .... was written by someone for
his own personal use but is offering it for free. It is
for PC-Windows and it is a most
basic and very simple Stop Motion software. There
is no website for this program. He originally posted and announced his
software program at the Stop Motion forum and he
gives more details about the
program. At the time, he was thinking about adding some features (such as
rotoscoping) but there has been no update about it. StopIt
appears to be user-friendly with minimal bells &
whistles, however, looks good enough for good ol' practicing and
learning Stop Motion. Again, it is free. If he
thinks no one is using the software, it
might not be available later? UPDATE 2010 New
Website: StopIt.
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Frame
Thief capture software is for
Macs
using DV Camcorders or
Mac-compatible Webcams, and Mac-compatible capture
cards. Has all kinds of bells & whistles and has a
serious professional interface. It includes a lightbox which
does the same as onionskinning and you can toggle through the
frames. Another powerful feature is Frame Averaging;
improves the video image even from a webcam. Has audio lip
syncing feature. It also has some other features where you can
have limited control of "some" digital still cameras. It
is my understanding, a lot of pro's who are Mac-philes use
FrameThief. This is a shareware program and you
can test it for 30
days. If you like it, you then buy it.
Website: FrameThief Update: I hear that
FT seems to be the preferred Stop Motion
capture program used by experienced Stop Motionists who use
Macs, however, there are complaints that it
needs to be updated, however,
will you pay for newer version? FrameThief is
only $40.(USD).
Perhaps, the software creator,
Roman Blok should receive more $$$
compensation (raise prices) incentive for him to keep
FT up to date. Framethief offers no
customer support, even if you buy it. They have a FAQ
section that is primarily old archived
postings. A bad omen and
puts Framethief in
the Abandon-Ware category.
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AnimAide XT for Macs. This is a
'new kid on the block'. It looks like this is a full featured
software that can be
a possible Frame Capturing choice for you Mac people. Someone contacted me
and said, "very satisfied with AnimAide XT". I do not use
Macs, but looking at AnimAide XT
features; to me it seems similar to
FrameThief. AnimAide XT compatible with DV
camcorders and webcams and 'some' interface features with Digital Still
Cameras. Also has an interesting 'voice syncing' feature. Their
support link has an
online manual for you to look over, and of course, a
Free Trial Download too. Why don't you test it
out? Give them feedback. Guess how much
AnimAide XT costs? I cannot believe this .... it is
only $40.USD! Note: Only has
Onion-skinning. You cannot toggle back to previous frame. Go
to AnimAide
XT main page for download
trial & provide feedback.
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BTV-PRO is only
for Macs. They
have two versions, and you want to get the
Pro version which is more
specific to Stop Motion. Compatible with any video source .... from
Mac-compatible USB Webcams, or any firewire source
like DV camcorders and also Analog Camcorders if
Mac has Analog Mac-compatible interface installed. BTV Pro
has Stop Mo features including one onionskin layer to view
previous frame, but it does not say if it has frame
scrolling-flipping? IMO, the strongest
feature of BTV Pro, which most programs do not
have, is, Frame Averaging which will very much reduce
video noise and sharpen the captured image. The other features are
instant movie playback & editing (deleting/adding frames),
time lapse capture, folder viewer, movie
export, and DV control device to control
"some" DV camcorders (rewind, play, stop, etc).through software. Also you
can capture frames in variety of image formats (like FrameThief).
Good online documentation. There is
an email form on the website for you to ask questions. This is a
shareware programs and you can test it for 15 days
BTV PRO
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iStopMotion is only for Macs and works with DV
camcorders and Mac-compatible USB Webcams or Firewire Webcams. I
think it does not work with Analog
Camcorders. It has ..... onionskinning, but no frame flipping back
& forth. You need to ask them for details. Their
website does not clearly explain the features. Has audio
lip syncing feature. You can also download a 7 day time limited demo
to try it out before you pay for it. Here is a
maybe, a too enthusiastic iStopMotion Review ? There is an optional iStopMotion HR version where
you can use it to trigger a DV still camera and will
display a window with all images and you select images for importing to
view as movie. Using a DV Still Cam is not instant
feedback whereas, using Webcams or DV camcorders you can see the
live image and use the onionskinning and immediately
playback the animation iStopMotion
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I Can Animate is an animation software created in England. All
you Mac people
should behappy. This is only for you! It looks like it is also geared
towards education market and has some good basic features. It works with
DV Camcorders and Mac compatible Webcams.
It has onionskinning, you do limited
layering, it has time lapse capturing and
something not found in many other Stop Mo programs .....
chroma-keying and some limited image
retouching features .....for example, if you need to remove wires
or rigs or do some kind of special effects. The user interface
design appears to be easy to understand so kids
or beginners can grasp it quickly. Their prices are in English pounds so
you will also need to contact them to see how much it costs in US
dollars I Can Animate Update: I do not see on their website if they offer a trial demo
download? Their website does not say. Suppose,
for some reason, it does not work in your computer configuration, (it can
happen) or you do not like the interface? You might contact them and
inquire about that. They do have an online basic manual (pdf file),
but IMO, trial demo would be better for testing.
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StopMotioner Beta 3 seems to be a new program and is for Macs only. This will be a multi-featured
software and quoting from their website
....."All in one: record stop-motion, add/edit audio (I
assume for lip syncing), and edit video ... pan, zoom, and rotate
effec ts .... includes
tons of transitions, effects, and filters and much more features!"
StopMotioner website does not clearly describe
what you get when you download their software. I contacted them and they
explained to me ... yes, they offer a 30 day demo trial
download, restricted to 15
seconds length in movie editor mode and there is no help menus with
program but you can use their online forum. They have a "carbon download"
which means it is for Mac OS9 and Mac
OSX. When you purchase Beta-3, it is a full version with
no restrictions and it may have some bugs, but supposedly, you will get to
update later if ever they come out with revised or final versions. For
those that did not buy Beta-3, in the future, the final price of
StopMotioner may be higher than what is currently listed. If
StopMotioner wants to more effectively promote
this product, they should more clearly describe it so I should not have to
do it for them StopMotioner Beta 3
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This animation software,
Frames was
created by a company called Tech4
Learning is for PC-Windows
and Macs. This company focuses on creativity-educational tools & packages. They
offer Stop Motion packages for curriculum type
instruction, to teach a group of kids, or just to sort-of
home school 'Stop Motion'; for beginners to
start learning hands-on & tactile creativity
expression. Tech4 Learning offers guidelines
& much online documentation for
teachers or home schoolers in setting up
an animation curriculum. They say it does have
onionskinning feature. Although, their
online instructions for using Frames is not
clear & a little confusing to me. They do not give any details how the
cameras connect or interface with Frames. If you are not sure, they give
you a free trial
version for 30 days to test it.
Tech4 does require you to fill out a form before you download
it. It seems reasonably priced. Look it over or request details
FRAMES .
Also, available, are Clay Animation Kits
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Here is a most
bare-bones & simple Stop
Motion freeware program
called TrikFilm Cam. It is
for PC-Windows. A very small program size that might work on old computer systems.
It just captures still images but will "onionskin" last captured
& stored frame with the "live" image .... you then
need another program to construct-assemble as movie. I
think this Stop Motion program might be applicable for the more
experienced animators, accustomed to the still useful
old surface guaging ways,
and through experience have gained a keen visual memory and sense of timing
(like a Ray Harryhausen, Jim Danforth, Barry Purves, etc) .... where they
maybe do not rely as much on frame toggling, or the need to instantly
preview the animation. In the old days, we could not see the finished
animation shot until the next day. How spoiled you are all now! If
you want to have fun and do straight-ahead animation without all the fancy
frame toggling or instant playback, give this program a try. The
other free programs to assemble-construct the animation as
a movie, is also available at TrikFilm Cam
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This program StopMoJo, just
came out this month (March '05). It is very basic but has
a few more beneficial Stop Motion-specific features than
TrikFilm Cam. Here is their overview description
of StopMoJo ...." StopMojo is a cross-platform (using Java ...
for PC-Windows, Linux, and yet untested on
Macs)
Stop-Motion animation suite designed to aid in the creation of stop-motion
animations. Currently it includes a capture program supporting capture of
image files from various video capture devices, overlay of previous frames
(onion skinning), and export to AVI and QUICKTIME video formats. The goal
is to create a program or suite of programs to faciliate the creation of
stop-motion movies. Initially, we only intend to provide software to
capture individual frames (possibly exporting to various video format
files) and create/edit exposure sheets (xsheets) for audio/lip
sync." So it seems that StopMoJo' s goal is to
eventually add some more features. It is a very basic freeware
program and maybe worth your consideration.
StopMoJo encourages you to give them constructive
feedback StopMoJo
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MORE Stop Motion Software
_____________________________________________
There are a few more Stop
Motion Programs for the more obscure operating systems
available for installing on
the PC platform. If you are reeeeeally into computers and know how to partition your
hard drive, you can possibly add different operating system. Do not ask me
about these Stop Motion programs. Read their features. They do have useful
and practical tools & aids for Stop Motion, but unfortunately, not
accessible to most of the public who mostly have Windows and the
minority remainder using Macs:
FrameWorks (free) for Linux
----- Stop Mo Animation Project (free) for Linux
----- eXposer (trial demo) for Be
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Lip-Dialogue
Syncing: Only a
very few of the above Stop Motion programs have dialogue
lip syncing, however, you can use separate programs to perform this
function. So just because a Stop Motion program does not have lip
syncing, IMO, it does not mean it is of lesser quality.
You can use these additional programs here.
Magpie ....If you
are animating puppets that have dialogue or need to be animated to music or
sound beats, here is an additional tool that will help in planning your
animation projects. This is not a frame capture program but a tool that
helps in the analysis of a recorded voice for lip sync
animation called MagPie. It provides a set of
tools that let you identify how a character's mouth should look at each
frame of the animation. This limited version is free for testing and does not have all the features of the full
version. You have choice to pay for full upgrade version
or just keep the limited version. This is for PC-Windows
only MagPie
Other
Lip Syncing Software (Free):
WavTracker for PC : The most simple & easy. Not much
instructions but seems self-explanatory (mirror
site) |
Papagayo for PC & Mac : It seems easy to use .... you
need free QuickTime player for this to
work |
JLipSync for PC & Mac : Works similar to
Magpie. You need free Java for this
this work (explained at JLipsync) |
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Video Editing: Here
is a freeware editing
software, ABC VideoRoll 2.5 looks like it has plenty of features
for video editing
production. It supports most popular video, sound and image
formats such as QuickTime, AVI, RealMedia, AIFF, JPG, BMP, TGA,
GIF. You can do some sound editing. It also features over 100
special effects and transitions, video capture, internet streaming.
Installation includes interactive help file and tutorial. It is for
the PC-Windows platform. It might work for you and perhaps worth trying it out. Read
this detailed review. Since ABC
Video Roll is provided as free, there is no support but help
files are usually included within most programs ABC Video Roll 2.5
Other
Editors for Windows-PC
(Free):
Movie Maker 2.1 (WindowXP) ---- Zwei-Stein 3.01 Non-Linear Editor ---- Audacity
Audio Editor-Recorder
Bobyte AVI
Software VirtualDub REAPER
(Audio program)
Most of the Stop Motion
Software saves as uncompressed AVI file format which are
very
large and can use up
much hard drive space. If you want to free-up
your hard drive, you either save AVI on another hard drive
or output your work to mpeg format for burning
onto DVDs, or you do further compression for the
small QuickTime, Windows Media or Real Media
players for online viewing of movie clips. Many programs available
for
digital media conversion and also QuickTime Pro can do some media
format conversions in addition to compressing.
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LunchBox DV: Before
computer based animation frame capturing software, there was (and still
available) the LunchBox unit. It primarily served as an
accessory device to the film movie camera
(or now, can be used in conjunction with Digital Still Cameras).
LB function was as a reliable "animation
assist" tool for frame by frame
"prev iew"
visualization to accurately guage the animation
movements. The "preview" gives you an accurate
indication of the final animation choreography. This latest
LB incarnation, is called LunchBox DV.
This is not software and not a computer
workstation. It is a stand-alone portable unit which you
can connect to any TV set or TV monitor.
It will work with DV camcorders and the older
Analog video cams or camcorders. The strongest
point that is said by the manufacturer, is its user
friendly features. It is basically, mostly
designed as a hardware device with but
with a computer-type Hard Drive storage and you access the
functions via push buttons only. No
software interface, no computer screen menus, no mouse clicking. After you
make all your cable connections, you basically just
turn-on the LunchBox, like a good ol'
appliance ... on & off. I will be straight-up honest
.... for the hobbyist & budget minded, LB-dv is a
costlier investment (about $3500. USD) when compared to
other computer based software frame capturing tools.
Studios & schools though, have used
the LB in their professional productions and animation
instruction curriculum. More details at Animation ToolWorks
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DV
Camcorder & Still Cam with Animation Feature:
This is the only consumer digital camcorders that I know of, that can shoot
single frames without having to be connected to computer .....
Sanyo's IDshot digital disk camera. It uses no video
tape and the images are stored onto Sanyo's Magneto-Optical
Disk with a large 730MB storage capacity which acts as mini
hard drive in the camera .... you just use it over and over. The
IDshot's animation feature is not as good as a
DVcamcorder camera connected to Computer & using Stop Motion Software.
It is a quirky camera, however one can do variety of
workarounds for animation IDshot Tutorial. Also you should
know .... IDshot still image feature is
just 1.5 megapixels which for a still cam is weak compared to
dedicated digital still cams. Update 04/05:
The IDshot is not
produced anymore but it may be available for a brief while until
the suppliers get rid of their stock. IDshot was a unique product
and too bad Sanyo did not continue with improved versions. IMO, Sanyo's
marketing of IDshot was bad, and it was initially
overpriced and some of its features & user interface
were weak. Some camera vendors where you might be able to get
it: Sales Store (Florida, USA) is
about the only place I know where they still have new models collecting
dust, but I am not sure if they carry spare optical storage discs. You can
try eBay too. Online detail description about
Sanyo's iDshot and IDshot & Stop Motion.
Idshot certainly a rare consumer product that had built-in Stop Motion
feature .... a collector's item now, maybe.
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Digital Still Camera Remote
Capture Software
Using above Stop Motion frame
grabbing software in conjunction with Digital
Still Cameras; you need TWO pieces of Software:
1) One of the above
Stop Motion video frame grabber softwares
2) Digital Still Camera
Remote Capture Software listed below
So, for every
frame, you click TWICE; you click one
frame for the video frame grabber, and click
one frame for the digital still
camera.
What is
Remote Capture? It is
NOT a Stop Motion frame grabber program, but a tool that
will allow the captured Still Images to be
directly downloaded to your
computer's hard drive (while camera is connected to to
your computer) as you are shooting the still images. You
can control some of Digital Still Cams features through the computer
(keyboard or mouse). Only some digital still camera models
already come with Remote Capture software; however, you
can also purchase aftermarket Remote Capture software,
but they only work with specific
Digital Still Cams. These programs are not
free but some will provide trial demo downloads
for you to test. Since Remote Capture programs allow you
to capture still images directly to the computer hard drive, you do not
have to be concerned about camera's built-in memory card getting
full .... AND .....another advantage ... you do
not need to touch the camera, to
shoot/click frames, thus reducing chance of possible camera shake. I also
attempted to write a Digital Still Camera overview page but it is unfinished as this subject can fry my
brain. I am not an expert on this
convoluted subject area , so anyone is
welcomed to contact me regarding any errors or corrections here. If you have any technical
questions about Remote Capture & Digital Still Cams, do
not ask me. You should contact the companies or software authors
below about specifics of their software products:
AnimAide (free version) Mac OS
X 10.3 or later .... works with PowerShot cams but ask them
which models
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Stop MotionMaker Advance or
SMM-HDMI
PC ...
for actual stop motion video capture animation
and also interfaces with digital still
cams that have remote capture.
SMMadv copies Hi Res Still Images into
sharp & crisp BMP images for AVI exporting
to NTSC or PAL video.
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Stop
Motion Pro 5 PC .... does stop motion video capture animation with
built-in remote capture for
some Canon digital still
cams. It works similar to Stop MotionMakerPlus ....
the hi res still images are better image quality than video cam
and can be exportedto NTSC or PAL for much sharper video
quality.
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Nikon Remote Capture
(old version)
PC &
Mac .... This may
be overkill for Stop Mo, having lots of bells & whistles,
but the primary feature allows capturing of still
images from the camera and
store directly to computer's hard drive. It
only works with some Nikon
Cams. Links 2 &
3 New:
Capture Control Pro
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Related
Link: Stop Motion & Digital Still Cams Overview
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SHOOTING STOP MOTION WITH MOVIE
FILM
I am not sure if we all have
been brainwashed already with the over abundance of hyperbole by
the media (& self interested parties) which seems to be proclaiming,
that Digital is the panacea to all of our world
problems? Well, I
should let you know that, before digital took over the planet,
there was something called Movie
Film! YES, it is a long strip of
thin plastic material that you thread through a Movie
Projector and you actually see the
images moving on a screen . Pretty amazing, huh? How primitive,
you say? Stop Motion can be shot
using a "Movie Camera" ..... professional film formats are
35mm and 16mm which can be very costly especially
if you are a beginner and also there is a big learning curve ......
knowing about film exposures settings, depth of field, focusing, film type
selection, ad infinitum. In the "old school" days (Already?....I
am not that old-!) there were no computer frame
capturing tools where one can instantly playback and view the
animation. We had to WAIT for the movie film to return from the processing
lab so that we could then see the results of our animation or if we made
made mistakes. Yes indeed, perhaps a tedious way to learn but eventually,
with much practice & perserverance via the old methods, the
mind almost becomes like an internal frame grabber, where we can
mentally visualize and remember the movements .... much concentration is
required. The great masters of Stop Motion acquired this skill.
Again, you can shoot animation
on movie film. Today, the most affordable format is SUPER
8mm, which in the ancient Aztec civilizations, this movie film format was used
to shoot./.document vacations, birthdays, weddings, sacrificial rites, etc.
Super 8 film was used like our Video Camcorders of today.
Why shoot on film? It has a softer or what is
called the film look.....a feeling of distance or
then-ness and maybe slightly surreal. Consumer Video has
a now-ness / too immediate look ....... it is more of a
hard feel & look to it. Super 8 Movie Film comes in
Cartridges (50 feet of movie film)
that is inserted into a Super 8 Movie Camera which has a
Single Frame Trigger. The Super 8 camera IS NOT connected to a
computer......all the single frame images are photographed onto the movie
film. If you decide to shoot the animation on movie film, you can use a
computer with frame capture software to assist your
animation technique ..... just position your webcam or video camcorder as
close to the Super 8 camera so that camcorder/webcam approximately sees the
same image as Super 8 cam...... now move your puppet, click off a frame on
the camcorder/webcam , then click off a frame on the movie camera ......
and do this for each time you animate/move the puppet.
After you finish animating, you can immediately preview & see the
results of your animation on the computer, while your movie film is at the
lab being processed. If you do not have a frame grabber program and just
want to animate using movie film ...... there are low tech ways to visually
measure the incremental movements of the puppets which was .used by past
masters of Stop Motion. It is slower, but works ..... the link is near
bottom of this page. Also, here are some Super resource links:
SHOOTING 8MM
Check all their links and especially their
forum
ON SUPER 8MM
Also, a lot of information here
THE 8mm FILM FORMAT METADIRECTORY
An overwhelming amount of resources, links, information, just about Super
8
DWAYNE'S PHOTO
Kodachrome 40 is the major film emulsion used for Super 8. A
couple of places process' it......here in the USA (this link) and by Kodak
in Switzerland
KODAK'S SUPER 8MM FILM PRODUCTS
Super 8 film not as easily available at your local drugstore, but one can
always purchase directly from Kodak and even though you may think of them
as a large impersonal corporation, they provide good service to the "little
people"
MOVIESTUFF SUPER8 TO DIGITAL TRANSFERS
 Soooo, you want to retain
that softness and unique film look quality, but would like to edit
on the computer and release your animated movie film on VHS tape, VCD, or
DVD? Well now you can and at very cost effective prices. MovieStuff will
transfer your Super 8 animation TO miniDV tape.....you
then insert DV tape into your DV camcorder......connect 'corder to computer
via firewire, then download onto the hard drive.
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GUAGING / MEASURING PUPPET MOVEMENTS by Anthony Scott
With the advent of frame capture tools one would think there is no need for
mechanical guaging of the incremental puppet movements, however, many
animator's still use this technique, but maybe to to a lesser extent and in
combination with the frame grabber visualizing aids. If you do not
have any frame grabber, one can still animate using pointers/guages and
using a TV monitor and any camcorder. The manual process of guaging the
puppets is slower and requires much more concentration to visually retain
the images and animated action-movements, in your mind's eye.....very good
mental aerobics! It is truly amazing how Ray Harryhausen and Jim Danforth
achieved their incredible animation using this method (no frame capture
previewing) _____________________________________________
How do I record-shoot Stop Motion? Choosing a Camera for Stop Motion Digital Still Cameras
Overview
_____________________________________________
So remember .... everything is
not free! If it is a hobby, past-time, activity you enjoy
.... one devotes some time, effort & money to it.
How much cash do you spend on music CD's, DVD movies, monthly Cell
phone bills, high speed internet .... or on any of your other
habits? If you have suggestions, comments, or corrections or if you discover
any new Stop Motion program-software-tools ...... please
share and let me and everyone know. Also, if you
have actually tried some of the above products .... give us your opinions
or feedback.You are very welcomed to contact me.
* Stop
Motion Works is providing opinions, views, and editorial
commentaries. Before you make any purchase,
you are soley responsible for
researching products, vendors, suppliers, service providers, etc.
Terms
Updated NOV
'09
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