Lens distortion
Lens distortion in animation is when the image gets stretched or bent in because of the camera lens. It can make things look closer or farther away than they really are, or make straight lines appear curved. This effect is sometimes used on purpose to create a cool visual style, but other times it can be corrected so that things look more realistic.
Please note that Lens distortion is not directly applicable to Brush Ninja.
Lens distortion is a common issue that animators face and can greatly impact the final product. Understanding the two main types of lens distortion, barrel distortion and pincushion distortion, can help animators create intentional effects or avoid unwanted distortions.
Barrel Distortion
Barrel distortion occurs when the edges of the frame appear to be bulging outwards. This effect can be used intentionally to create a fisheye lens effect, which can add a sense of urgency or disorientation to a scene. Fisheye lenses are often used in action sequences or horror movies to create an unsettling feeling for the viewer.
Pincushion Distortion
Pincushion distortion, on the other hand, appears as if the edges of the frame are being pulled inwards. This effect can give a more natural look to images captured by cameras with lenses that have this type of distortion. However, in animation, pincushion distortion is often not desired as it can make objects appear compressed and distorted.
In order to avoid unwanted lens distortion in animation, it is important for animators to carefully select their camera lens and adjust accordingly. For example, using a wider lens may lead to barrel distortion while using a longer lens may lead to pincushion distortion. Additionally, adjusting the position of the camera or changing the angle at which shots are taken can also affect lens distortion.
It is also important for animators to consider how lens distortion will affect their final product and whether it will contribute to their desired aesthetic. While fisheye lenses can add an interesting effect to certain scenes, overusing this effect can become distracting and take away from the overall quality of the animation.
In some cases, post-production techniques such as digital correction or compositing can be used to correct unwanted lens distortion. However, it is always best for animators to strive for proper camera selection and adjustment during filming in order to produce high-quality work.
Understanding lens distortion and its effects on animation is crucial for animators who wish to create intentional effects or avoid unwanted distortions. Careful consideration and adjustment of camera lenses during filming can greatly impact the final product and contribute to a professional and polished aesthetic.
