views

Hello,
I'm having a bit of a problem. I've got many years of experience in building 3d models in outside model programs such as truespace, 3dsmax, and Lightwave. I'm used to instantly moving between front view, left view, top view at the touch of a button. Is there any way to do this in sl? A script? camera presets? Any help would be appreciated.
-Kalain Kamachi-

Dont think so but could be very wrong. As the camera rotates 360 degrees it would be very hard/impossible to manipulate it to suddenly jump into a predetermined position facing a predetermined direction. The only way I can envision it happening is for a tool to map an object and set coordinates based on the objects size and position, it could then be possible to to get the camera to rotate and stop at that predetermined position. But the problem with this is that when you are building the object is generally changing size and dimension constantly as you add and manipulate the prims.

Ive never seen such a tool in my time in SL and I dont really think that the client has the ability to support such a function. However I am constantly amazed at what people do in SL so it could be that it is possible or will be possible now SL has gone open source.

Sorry, not the most helpful answer

This is a pretty popular question among those coming from a traditional 3D modeling background. You're not gonna like the answer.

In SL, you only have one camera per avatar, and it's a perspective camera. There's no way to do orthographic views. While it is possible to control the camera via scripted objects, so in theory, you could park you camera directly above your project for a top view, or directly to the side for a side view, you still won't be getting the kind of view you're asking for. Since, it will always be a perspective camera, never an orthographic camera, you'll always have vanishing. In other words, objects will always appear to arc as they angle away from you in 3D space. You won't be able to see parallels the way you can with the kind of 2D orthographic cameras you're used to.

Modeling well in SL is really a question of getting used to things. Since you already understand 3D, you'll pick it up faster than most people, but you'll also have more frustrations than most people since it's different from what you're used to. Remember, SL is not a great 3D modeling application. It's a multi-function platform, with an okay 3D modeling component.

As I often say, you could build a much nicer sand castle in Maya or Max or Lightwave than you can in SL, but you wouldn't get to move into it. SL allows you to make your environment visually decent if not great, and then you actually get to hang out in it, which is something you could never do in "better" 3D modeling apps.

The Buckysoft Security Camera System allows you to place multiple cameras around a region, and switch between views using a hud. When you select different cameras, your whole field of view changes, and it's possible to select and edit different prims that way. You can also make changes to the cameras actual field of view and zoom in or move it around a bit, tho, I've never actually tried to ues it the way you're describing. Another possible downside is that the cameras themselves are "prim heavy" tho, I once took one apart and it still worked with one or two (I forget) prims that held the actual scripts.

You can find it in SLEX. IM Mark Gjellerup for more information

One method is to log in with multiple alts, and have the extras locked in place with a pose ball or by sitting on something. I frequently do cheap photo studio sessions by having an aly as my 'camera man' while the alt remains seated on a cushion with a pose script in it. I move the cushion or have several cushions set about to change their point of view.

There are camera control systems that can allow you to pre-set several camera locations, and to switch between them at will. Cali Cam? is I think one of the better ones out there, but is fairly spendy. Most of these are aimed at the pro photp/portrait studio market.

It's possible to use LSL to script camera changes. I have no experience in doing so, but that is what Cali Cam and similar systems use.

Look in SL Exchange and SL Boutique and search in-world for "Camera Control".