Using the Nikon Cameras

We will have access to a number of cameras to use for our animations, including webcams, but for the next project we will use a Nikon DSLR. 

When we install the software on your computers you will have the option of using either the Nikons or a webcam...we'll learn how to set up and use the webcam next week.

We will be using Nikon DSLRs in class. Here is a link to the online guide for the Nikon D 3100.

You'll need to know how to access the online guide and find information about the Nikon D 3100.

I want you to know the following:

• Find the Mode Dial
• Locate and explain the various settings on the Mode Dial, including P, S, A, M and the Auto modes
• Find the Information Display, and locate and click on the ISO, Aperture, and Shutter settings within the display.

Next we will start to work with the cameras to create chalkboard-whiteboard type frame by frame animations.

Here are some example of whiteboard animation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vZ0iqUS6sg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8b381MQyPU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqupJBlwOYw

Persistence of Vision and the Thaumatrope

Objectives
Today we will explore the phenomena of “persistence of vision”, and make a replica 19th Century toy illustrating the principle. Students should also understand that these devices were precursors to the invention of the movie film camera. 

Concept
Animation has a rich history, dating from prehistoric cave paintings through to today’s high tech 3D animation simulating real life; this is credited to a phenomenon called “persistence of vision”. Animation history begins with a simple mechanical toy called the “Thaumatrope”. This optical toy was in wide circulation in Europe and America in the 19th Century. The toy was very simple - a paper disc attached to two pieces of string. Each side of
the disk had a drawing, a classic being one side a bird, the other a cage. The disk was twirled by twisting the strings between the fingers. This produced an effect of blending the two images together; the bird was in the cage. This perceptual phenomenon is known as the “persistence of vision”. Our eyes hold on to images for slightly longer than they are actually projected. Rather than a blur we perceive the images as a continuous picture. This phenomenon is used to its greatest effect in television and films, where rapid sequences of still images give the illusion of movement.

Tasks
Build a Thaumatrope. Use a piece of heavy cardboard to produce some paper discs. Use a hole punch to make two holes on opposite sides of the disc. Thread some string though the holes and the Thaumatrope is complete. Recreate the bird in a cage effect, or try something else. Experiment with photographs cut out from magazines, on one side of the disc stick the photograph of a celebrity, on the other draw in glasses, a beard, hat or whatever comes to mind. The image on the right shows a
completed Thaumatrope.



For a challenge, now try creating a “Phenakistoscope” 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rzwdRqsuVM

Here are a couple of videos illustrating the concept

What color is the ball?

The Zoetrope

Welcome to the class!

Good morning and welcome to 3 Dimensional Design. Today we'll go over the syllabus and take a look at some examples of stop-motion animation.

Make sure that you and your parent or guardian read the syllabus and send an email confirmation to me at johncazort@ga.ozark.k12.mo.us


Also, search for examples of sculpture and animation that appeals to you. We'll share next time.