Using the Main and Auxiliary Cameras
The Main and Auxiliary cameras can be rotated about the center of the scene and are the main cameras that you’ll probably want to use. These cameras are not affected by the movement of the figures in the scene. The Main and Auxiliary cameras work exactly the same, but the Auxiliary camera lets you maintain the main camera’s position while you investigate another view.

Another difference between the Main and Auxiliary cameras is that the Main camera’s Focal Length is set by default to 55mm, which is more standard view and that the Auxiliary camera is set to 25mm, which is closer to a wide-angle lens.

Using Orthogonal Cameras
The Left, Right, Top, Bottom, Front, and Back cameras are all orthogonal cameras that are located at the end of each axis. Orthogonal cameras are special views that show the scene without any perspective and all dimension measurements are correct. Figure 6-3 shows the scene using the Four Ports layout, which includes three orthogonal views. Orthogonal cameras also cannot be rotated and the Trackball in the Camera Controls is disabled when any of these cameras are selected.

If the Four Ports option is selected from the Layout list at the bottom of the Document Window or if the Display, Camera View, Four Cams menu command is selected, three of the views will be orthogonal cameras.

Using the Posing Cameras
The Posing camera can also be rotated about the scene, but it is focused on the selected figure. If the selected figure is moved, the Posing camera follows along with the figure. If a different figure is selected, the camera view changes to focus on the new figure.

The Posing camera is also set by default to a 25mm focal length.

Using the Face and Hand Cameras
The Face and Hand cameras work like the Posing camera, except they are focused on the current figure’s face or individual hands. These provide a quick close-up of the face and hands so you can check their details without having to maneuver the camera. The Face and Hand cameras also rotate about the face and hands of the selected figure. The Three Ports – Big Top layout displays views using the Face and both Hand cameras, as shown in Figure 6-4. The Face camera’s focal length is set to 95 mm to reduce any distortion of the facial features.

The Face and Hand cameras look for objects named Face, Left Hand, and Right Hand. If you rename these elements, these cameras will not work.

Using the Dolly Camera
The Main and Auxiliary cameras orbit around the center of the screen, but the Dolly camera pivots about its own axis, points at its own unique location, and is set with a 35mm focal length, making it act just like a real camera. For animation sequences where the camera is moving, you’ll want to use this specialized camera.