3D Equalizer 4 version 3B2 win x64 20: A Review
3D Equalizer 4 version 3B2 win x64 20: A Review
If you are looking for a professional and powerful 3D tracking solution for merging live action footage with digital visual effects, you might want to check out 3D Equalizer 4 version 3B2 win x64 20. This software is developed by Science-D-Visions, a company that has been in the industry for over two decades. It is used by many of the leading post-production houses and visual effects studios around the world, such as Weta Digital, MPC, Cinesite, and Double Negative. In this article, we will review the features and benefits of 3D Equalizer 4, how to use it, and what are some of the alternatives to it.
3D Equalizer 4 version 3B2 win x64 20
What is 3D Equalizer 4?
3D Equalizer 4 is a software that allows you to track the movement and position of a camera in a video sequence, and reconstruct the 3D geometry and motion of the scene. This enables you to insert computer-generated objects or effects into the footage, creating realistic and seamless composites. For example, you can add explosions, creatures, buildings, or landscapes to a live action shot, or remove unwanted elements from it.
3D Equalizer 4 is not just a simple point tracker. It is a sophisticated tool that can handle complex shots with varying camera parameters, lens distortion, zooming, motion blur, rolling shutter, occlusion, and more. It also offers a high level of customization and control over the tracking process, allowing you to fine-tune the results and optimize the quality. Moreover, it supports Python scripting, which lets you automate tasks, create custom tools, or integrate with other software.
Features and benefits of 3D Equalizer 4
Here are some of the main features and benefits of using 3D Equalizer 4 for your visual effects projects:
Camera tracking and 3D reconstruction
One of the core features of 3D Equalizer 4 is its ability to track the camera movement and position in a video sequence, using either manual or automatic point tracking methods. You can create multiple point groups to track different regions or layers of the scene, and assign different weights or constraints to them. You can also use survey data or reference frames to improve the accuracy of the tracking.
Another feature of 3D Equalizer 4 is its ability to reconstruct the 3D geometry and motion of the scene from the tracked points. You can create various types of primitives, such as planes, spheres, cylinders, or cubes, or import your own models from other software. You can also use line-up controls to align the models with the footage, or use scripts to transform them into poses. You can then export the camera data and the models to other software for compositing or rendering.
Lens distortion and focal length estimation
Lens distortion is a common issue that affects the quality of the tracking and compositing. It refers to the deformation or curvature of the image caused by the optical properties of the lens. If not corrected properly, it can result in misalignment or mismatch between the live action footage and the digital elements.
3D Equalizer 4 has a powerful feature that can estimate and correct lens distortion automatically or manually. It can use a grid or a checkerboard pattern to measure the distortion, or use the tracked points to calculate it. You can also adjust the distortion parameters manually, such as the radial, tangential, or anamorphic coefficients. You can then apply the distortion correction to the footage, or export it as a STMap or a Nuke script.
Focal length is another important parameter that affects the tracking and compositing. It refers to the distance between the lens and the image sensor, and determines how much of the scene is captured and how it is magnified. If not estimated correctly, it can result in incorrect perspective or scale between the live action footage and the digital elements.
3D Equalizer 4 has a feature that can estimate the focal length automatically or manually. It can use the tracked points, survey data, or reference frames to calculate it. You can also adjust the focal length manually, or use a zoom curve to account for variable zooming. You can then export the focal length data to other software for compositing or rendering.
Multiple point groups and survey data
Another feature of 3D Equalizer 4 is its ability to handle multiple point groups and survey data. Point groups are collections of tracked points that belong to different regions or layers of the scene. For example, you can create point groups for the foreground, background, moving objects, or static objects. You can then assign different weights or constraints to each point group, such as fixed, free, or smooth. This allows you to control how much each point group influences the camera solution, and achieve more accurate and stable results.
Survey data are measurements or coordinates of known points in the scene, such as markers, landmarks, or GPS data. They can help improve the accuracy and reliability of the tracking and reconstruction. For example, you can use survey data to define the scale, orientation, or origin of the scene, or to calibrate the camera parameters. You can import survey data from other software, such as Maya or Houdini, or enter them manually in 3D Equalizer 4.
Python scripting and customization
One of the most powerful features of 3D Equalizer 4 is its support for Python scripting and customization. Python is a popular and versatile programming language that can be used to automate tasks, create custom tools, or integrate with other software. 3D Equalizer 4 has a built-in Python interpreter and editor that allows you to access and manipulate its data and functions. You can also use external Python modules or libraries to extend its capabilities.
Some of the things you can do with Python scripting in 3D Equalizer 4 are:
Create custom user interfaces or menus
Import or export data from other formats or software
Perform calculations or operations on points, models, cameras, or images
Create custom tracking algorithms or methods
Generate reports or logs
Debug or test your scripts
You can also use Python scripts to create custom plugins for 3D Equalizer 4, which can be loaded and executed from within the software. Plugins are useful for adding new features or functionality to 3D Equalizer 4, such as new tools, commands, widgets, or dialogs. You can also share your plugins with other users or developers.
Compatibility and integration with other software
Another feature of 3D Equalizer 4 is its compatibility and integration with other software. 3D Equalizer 4 can work with various file formats and standards, such as image sequences, video files, LIDAR data, FBX models, Alembic caches, OpenEXR images, etc. It can also communicate with other software via TCP/IP sockets or command-line arguments.
Some of the software that 3D Equalizer 4 can integrate with are:
Nuke: A compositing software that can import camera data and models from 3D Equalizer 4 via FBX files or Nuke scripts. It can also apply lens distortion correction from 3D Equalizer 4 via STMaps or Nuke scripts.
Maya: A 3D modeling and animation software that can import camera data and models from 3D Equalizer 4 via FBX files or Maya scripts. It can also export survey data or reference frames to 3D Equalizer 4 via Maya scripts.
Houdini: A 3D modeling and animation software that can import camera data and models from 3D Equalizer 4 via FBX files or Houdini scripts. It can also export survey data or reference frames to 3D Equalizer 4 via Houdini scripts.After Effects: A compositing and motion graphics software that can import camera data and models from 3D Equalizer 4 via FBX files or After Effects scripts. It can also apply lens distortion correction from 3D Equalizer 4 via STMaps or After Effects scripts.
Cinema 4D: A 3D modeling and animation software that can import camera data and models from 3D Equalizer 4 via FBX files or Cinema 4D scripts. It can also export survey data or reference frames to 3D Equalizer 4 via Cinema 4D scripts.
These are just some examples of the software that 3D Equalizer 4 can work with. You can also use Python scripting to create your own integration with other software that you use.
How to use 3D Equalizer 4?
Now that you know what 3D Equalizer 4 can do, you might be wondering how to use it. Here are some of the basic steps and tips on how to use 3D Equalizer 4 for your projects:
Installation and setup
The first step is to install and set up 3D Equalizer 4 on your computer. You can download the software from the official website, or get a license from your employer or client. You can also request a trial version if you want to test it out before buying it. The installation process is simple and straightforward, and you can follow the instructions on the screen.
Once you have installed the software, you need to activate it with a license key. You can enter the license key in the License Manager dialog, which you can access from the Help menu. You can also use a dongle or a network license server if you have one. You can check the status of your license in the License Manager dialog as well.
After activating the software, you need to configure some settings and preferences for your project. You can access the settings and preferences from the Edit menu. Some of the settings and preferences that you need to set are:
Project settings: These include the project name, location, frame rate, resolution, aspect ratio, etc.
Image sequence settings: These include the image sequence name, location, format, compression, color space, etc.
Camera settings: These include the camera name, type, sensor size, pixel aspect ratio, etc.
Lens settings: These include the lens name, type, focal length range, distortion model, etc.
Point group settings: These include the point group name, color, weight, constraint, etc.
Script settings: These include the script name, location, language, arguments, etc.
You can also customize other settings and preferences according to your needs and preferences, such as keyboard shortcuts, interface layout, display options, etc.
Basic workflow and interface
The next step is to start working on your project. The basic workflow of using 3D Equalizer 4 is as follows:
Import your image sequence or video file into the software.
Create point groups and track points in each frame of the sequence.
Solve the camera motion and position from the tracked points.
Create or import models and align them with the footage.
Export the camera data and models to other software for compositing or rendering.
The interface of 3D Equalizer 4 consists of several windows and panels that allow you to access and manipulate different aspects of your project. Some of the main windows and panels are:
Project window: This is where you can see and manage your project settings and preferences.
Image window: This is where you can see and edit your image sequence or video file.
Point window: This is where you can see and edit your tracked points and point groups.
Solve window: This is where you can see and edit your camera solution and parameters.Model window: This is where you can see and edit your 3D models and primitives.
Line-up window: This is where you can see and edit the alignment of your models with the footage.
Script window: This is where you can see and edit your Python scripts and plugins.
Console window: This is where you can see the output and error messages of your scripts and plugins.
You can also use other windows and panels, such as the histogram, the curve editor, the parameter editor, the image viewer, etc. You can customize the interface layout by docking, undocking, resizing, or rearranging the windows and panels according to your preferences.
Advanced tips and tricks
The last step is to improve and optimize your project. Here are some of the advanced tips and tricks that you can use to enhance your results and workflow:
Use keyboard shortcuts to speed up your work. You can find a list of keyboard shortcuts in the Help menu, or create your own in the Edit menu.
Use filters to reduce noise or enhance details in your image sequence. You can access the filters from the Image menu, or create your own in the Script menu.
Use masks to isolate or exclude regions of interest in your image sequence. You can create masks from the Image menu, or import them from other software.
Use reference frames to fix or lock the camera position or orientation in certain frames. You can create reference frames from the Solve menu, or import them from other software.
Use scripts to automate tasks, create custom tools, or integrate with other software. You can access the scripts from the Script menu, or write your own in the Script window.
Use plugins to add new features or functionality to 3D Equalizer 4. You can load plugins from the Script menu, or create your own in the Script window.
What are the alternatives to 3D Equalizer 4?
3D Equalizer 4 is not the only software that can do 3D tracking and reconstruction. There are other alternatives that you can use for your projects, depending on your needs and preferences. Here are some of the alternatives to 3D Equalizer 4:
Boris FX Mocha
Boris FX Mocha is a software that specializes in planar tracking and rotoscoping. Planar tracking is a technique that tracks flat or planar surfaces in a scene, such as walls, floors, screens, etc. Rotoscoping is a technique that creates masks or mattes around objects or regions in a scene, such as actors, props, logos, etc.
Boris FX Mocha can be used for various purposes, such as object removal, screen replacement, logo insertion, stabilization, etc. It can also export camera data and models to other software for compositing or rendering. It has a user-friendly interface and a fast performance. It also supports Python scripting and plugins.
Blender
Blender is a free and open-source software that can do 3D modeling, animation, rendering, compositing, video editing, and more. It also has a feature that can do 3D tracking and reconstruction. It can track points in a video sequence using either manual or automatic methods. It can also reconstruct the 3D geometry and motion of the scene from the tracked points.
Blender can be used for various purposes, such as adding digital elements to live action footage, creating virtual sets or environments, etc. It has a modular interface and a powerful performance. It also supports Python scripting and addons.
Nuke
Nuke is a software that specializes in compositing and visual effects. Compositing is a technique that combines multiple images or videos into one final image or video. Visual effects are techniques that create or modify images or videos using computer-generated elements or effects.
Nuke can also do 3D tracking and reconstruction using its CameraTracker node. It can track points in a video sequence using either manual or automatic methods. It can also reconstruct the 3D geometry and motion of the scene from the tracked points. It can then use its 3D system to composite digital elements into the footage.
Nuke can be used for various purposes, such as creating realistic and seamless composites, adding effects or enhancements to live action footage, etc. It has a node-based interface and a high-quality performance. It also supports Python scripting and plugins.
Conclusion and FAQs
In conclusion, 3D Equalizer 4 version 3B2 win x64 20 is a professional and powerful software that can do 3D tracking and reconstruction for merging live action footage with digital visual effects. It has many features and benefits that make it a versatile and reliable tool for visual effects artists and studios. It also has a high level of customization and control over the tracking process, allowing you to fine-tune the results and optimize the quality. Moreover, it supports Python scripting and plugins, which let you automate tasks, create custom tools, or integrate with other software. It is compatible and integrated with various software and formats, such as Nuke, Maya, Houdini, After Effects, Cinema 4D, FBX, Alembic, OpenEXR, etc.
If you are interested in using 3D Equalizer 4 for your projects, you can download it from the official website, or get a license from your employer or client. You can also request a trial version if you want to test it out before buying it. You can also check out some of the tutorials and resources available online, such as the official documentation, the user forum, the YouTube channel, etc.
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about 3D Equalizer 4:
Q: How much does 3D Equalizer 4 cost?
A: The price of 3D Equalizer 4 depends on the type and duration of the license you choose. There are different types of licenses available, such as single-user, multi-user, floating, rental, educational, etc. You can also choose between perpetual or subscription licenses, which have different durations and prices. You can contact the sales team or visit the official website for more details on the pricing and licensing options.
Q: What are the system requirements for 3D Equalizer 4?
A: The system requirements for 3D Equalizer 4 are as follows:
Operating system: Windows 10 (64-bit)
Processor: Intel Core i7 or equivalent
Memory: 16 GB RAM or more
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or equivalent
Storage: 500 GB SSD or more
Internet: Broadband connection for activation and updates
Q: What are some of the projects that used 3D Equalizer 4?
A: Some of the projects that used 3D Equalizer 4 are:
The Lord of the Rings trilogy
The Hobbit trilogy
The Avengers series
The Harry Potter series
The Matrix series
Jurassic World series
Game of Thrones series
And many more...
Q: How can I learn more about 3D Equalizer 4?
A: You can learn more about 3D Equalizer 4 by visiting the official website, where you can find information on the features, benefits, pricing, licensing, support, etc. You can also check out some of the tutorials and resources available online, such as the official documentation, the user forum, the YouTube channel, etc. You can also contact the support team or join the community if you have any questions or feedback.
Q: How can I contact the developers or the company of 3D Equalizer 4?
A: You can contact the developers or the company of 3D Equalizer 4 by using one of the following methods:
Email: info@science-d-visions.com
Phone: +49 (0)231 / 1675 - 0
Fax: +49 (0)231 / 1675 - 599
Address: Science-D-Visions GmbH & Co KG Rheinlanddamm 201 44139 Dortmund Germany
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