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3D Tracking Tools Enhancements for After Effects Users: SynthEyes Update

Latest Update: SynthEyes 2024.1 Now Includes Advanced Lens Distortion Plugin, Direct 3D Mesh and Texture Export, and Other Enhancements.

Enhanced 3D Tracking Tools Unveiled for After Effects Artists under the Label SynthEyes
Enhanced 3D Tracking Tools Unveiled for After Effects Artists under the Label SynthEyes

3D Tracking Tools Enhancements for After Effects Users: SynthEyes Update

SynthEyes 2024.1, the latest version of the popular 3D tracking software, has introduced several key features and updates aimed at improving its core tracking capabilities and interoperability with other compositing software, including Adobe After Effects.

One of the significant improvements in SynthEyes 2024.1 is the enhanced export tools. These advancements include the Silhouette Exporter with distortion prediction and colour tracker export, which are designed to provide smoother and more precise data export. Although After Effects isn't explicitly mentioned, these enhancements typically translate into improved data fidelity and workflow efficiency for other compositing software, including After Effects.

Another notable update is the support for focal length metadata. This feature allows users to import camera focal length directly from shot metadata, benefiting zoom scenes and resulting in more accurate camera data exported to compositing applications like After Effects, enhancing matchmoving and visual effects accuracy.

Improved tracker export logic is another key feature in SynthEyes 2024.1. The software automatically detects if additional trackers can be exported and prompts the user accordingly, which helps maintain tracker comprehensiveness in compositing workflows.

Stabilization features have also been integrated into SynthEyes 2024.1, driven by 3D solves. This can create "physical rigs" for export, potentially making it easier to stabilize footage within After Effects while preserving 3D motion consistency.

While specific new features in SynthEyes 2024.1 related strictly to After Effects integration are not outlined in the search results, the above improvements reflect ongoing enhancements in export precision, metadata handling, and workflow efficiency that improve the overall interaction of SynthEyes with After Effects workflows.

For precise details on 2024.1 After Effects integration, consulting Boris FX’s official release notes or SynthEyes documentation for that exact version is recommended.

SynthEyes 2024.1 also includes updates for the 3D tracking workflow in After Effects, such as the new Advanced Lens Distortion Plugin and Multi-Frame Rendering (MFR) on Windows and macOS. The Advanced Lens Distortion Plugin supports all lens models in After Effects and offers features like off-center lens support and an animated distortion feature.

The AE version selector in SynthEyes 2024.1 needs to be set to "Beta after 2024.1" for the direct export feature.

For those interested in learning how to effectively use the new After Effects export options, Harry Frank, the product manager, has created a guide demonstrating the 3D tracking process and the use of the new After Effects export options. This guide also provides insights into using the powerful new After Effects export options, including the Advanced Distortion plugin, and offers tips for tackling 3D tracking tasks efficiently.

SynthEyes 2024.1 is now available for download and supports Apple M1-M3 processors. The new plugin provides a seamless integration with SynthEyes for lens distortion settings, streamlining undistorted and re-distorted workflows in After Effects.

In summary, SynthEyes 2024.1 likely includes foundation-layer improvements that facilitate better export of camera and tracker data, refined stabilization exports, and enhanced metadata support, all of which contribute indirectly to smoother integration with After Effects workflows.

[1] Source: SynthEyes 2024.5 Release Notes and User Guide

Data-and-cloud-computing technologies have played a significant role in the development of SynthEyes 2024.1, as the enhancements in export precision, metadata handling, and workflow efficiency aim to improve its compatibility with cloud-based compositing applications like After Effects.

The integration of the advanced AE version selector in SynthEyes 2024.1, designed to be set to "Beta after 2024.1" for direct export, further cements its connection with technology like After Effects, paving the way for more seamless workflows.

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