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Topic: Is Dragonframe really WORTH it? and Why?

I really need a frame capturing program, since I have a DSLR now, sigh, I didn't think it would be this hard, but it is, I have looked and realistically I can't find any software, the one that came with my DSLR is the worst thing I have ever received, so now I ask is Dragonframe really worth it?

Helium Frog is free, and has been awesome to use, why is Dragonframe $299 is it better, is it the same?

I would appreciate if you give some detail as to why it is good (If it is) and what things you have benefited out of it, as an animator and such.

Any any free software for remote control for DSLR that support canon? I'd really prefer one if theres onion skinning, as it is very useful, in its respective ways.

Thanks a lot in advance,

Kind regards,
Generalned

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Re: Is Dragonframe really WORTH it? and Why?

I use Dragonframe and couldn't imagine not using it. I would try it for yourself and see what you think of it. Here is the free trial: http://www.dragonframe.com/download.php My personal opinion is if you are going to be brickfilming with a DSLR Dragonframe is a must have. The timeline editor is super handy and I use it quite a bit. The software is designed around DSLRs and adjusting camera settings is simple. The work flow is designed really well. You can also take your pictures in RAW which is very nice for post production. You can import sound files and film with the sound files so you can get the timing perfect. There are even more features than that but those are the ones I have found to be the most useful for me. I don't believe there are currently any free stop motion programs that work with DSLRs. The bottom line is try it out and see if you think it is worth paying for it over your current set up.

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Re: Is Dragonframe really WORTH it? and Why?

Hey AquaMorph thanks for your helpful response, I really do appreciate it, Alot of the features you mentioned, I did not know what so ever, I'll try out the trial, and see it for my self, thanks alot.

I am experiencing a problem with the DSLR tbh though, I'll post it on the other thread I made that you responded in,

thanks very much again for your great response it, it was very helpful.

Kind regards,
Generalned

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Re: Is Dragonframe really WORTH it? and Why?

I'd also like to point out that there are other programs out there that don't cost nearly as much, and are designed to work with DSLRs. You're just starting out and I'd suggest learning your way around you camera and getting a better hold of basic animation principles before going out and spending another few hundred dollars on software; the equipment doesn't make the film, you do. While these tools are nice, and can be very helpful when animating, you can make a great animated film without them, there are plenty out there. I would encourage you to work without an expensive capture program first (I still haven't gotten around to buying one myself), It has helped me learn how to visualize animated movements well, and it will make things easier down the road. I've seen a lot of good films made without capture programs and a lot of bad films made with capture programs; and besides, you need to learn how to use your camera before you try to use it with a capture program. mini/smile

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Re: Is Dragonframe really WORTH it? and Why?

Here's where I am on it.  Get DragonFrame.  I spoke with Aquamorph prior to making a serious attempt at Brickfilming and based on his advice (DragonFrame and a camera) and some research, I made this on my first try with the camera and software.

Having played with a webcam and MonkeyJam, I can say without hesitation, DragonFrame is the easiest and most rewarding way to Brickfilm.

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AFewBricksShort's Website

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Re: Is Dragonframe really WORTH it? and Why?

Hey backyardlegos,
Thanks for your great response, just a question though, are you able to name any programs for remote control on canon DSLRs? Cause I have no luck finding any, so if you do know any possibly that support onion skinning, please let me know!
Also I do apologize for the late reply, I haven't had a chance to log in.

the equipment doesn't make the film, you do. While these tools are nice, and can be very helpful when animating, you can make a great animated film without them, there are plenty out there.

That, is a great theory, I do appreciate your feedback and response, as said, if you DO know any programs, please let me know, I'd really like to get started, to try em out.
Oh also I did try the trial, it's alot different from monkeyjam and helium frog, I still need time to check it out properly tho.


Hey AFewBricksShort, funny film man, I enjoyed it, and that's really well done if it was your first attempt, so good job, I will definitely look into it, however I am still trembling and learn about my DSLR, and as said, If I can get free software for the time being just to work with, it'd be good for experience, and for general use.

But thanks alot for your comments guys, I really do appreciate your time.

Kind regards,
Generalned

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Re: Is Dragonframe really WORTH it? and Why?

Not a problem, as they say, there are several ways to skin a cat.  There are a number of key things to putting a good brickfilm together, but I cut them into two distinct parts:

1: Creative - the story and the set.  An amazing story can overcome poor production quality, especially if you know your production methods and outputs well enough to use them to your advantage.  I like to think about the film "Blair Witch Project" as a great example of that.  It was groundbreaking when it came out because it was made with almost nothing as a budget, but made a fortune at the box office because the story was told well and made to fit the production capabilities.  Brickfilming sets are an extension of the creativity aspect and can really make the difference when putting a film together.

2: Technical - lighting, audio, visual quality, SFX etc.  This is an area that can often cover for a flawed story.  We see this all the time in films today.  Poorly written films get made into multi-part series because they have eye candy and can distract the viewer from what is effectively a horrible script.

The good news is that these can all be worked on and the skills grown.  The nice part about creativity is that it really doesn't cost anything except time.  For someone who is carefully watching their money (who isn't, really) between purchases, working on the creative side will only help you to make better films.

I'll recommend a book that might help with story writing, its called "Invisible Ink" by Brian McDonald.  A great read and none too expensive either.

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Re: Is Dragonframe really WORTH it? and Why?

Hey there AFewBricksShort

Cheers for the awesome tips, and great response, I appreciate it, and will take in very seriously on future films, I'll definitely check out the book, thanks for that friend.

Blair Witch Project, Yea I though it was low/poor production, but as you said great point, the story sold the movie, not the production in the long run.

Once again awesome tips man, and thanks again!

kind regards,
Generalned

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Re: Is Dragonframe really WORTH it? and Why?

If it were me I would just wait it out for BISCUIT.

BISCUIT!
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Re: Is Dragonframe really WORTH it? and Why?

What exactly is BISCUIT meant to be for though? I never fully understood its benifit, or what it will have? Are you able to explain to me what its going to do? I need its going to be a software for animators, especially brick filmers respectively, but what will it feature? And when is its release date?

Thanks in advance, I will wait on it,

Kind regards,
Generalned

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Re: Is Dragonframe really WORTH it? and Why?

I don't know if Biscuit is worth the wait, and as much as I would like to promote it, being one of the programmers here I'll  be realistic. The Graphical User Interface (GUI) is not designed nor implemented, the mac version crash upon startup, and the windows version is very minimal as far as features go. However, it will be free, regularly maintained, and open source, meaning that other people can continue to access the code without special passes or anything, allowing it to "blossom" into a program that has potential to be as good as or better than DragonFrame. I just wanted to let you know that in time, it will be a great program, but the first public release is likely to be far away and contain minimal features. If you are willing to wait, go with Biscuit and save a few (quite a few) bucks. This decision, of course requires your discretion and, if it matters at all, I use a trial of DragonFrame and it is great despite the 50 frame limit per take.

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Re: Is Dragonframe really WORTH it? and Why?

Hey Caveman Incorporated, thanks for your response, It definetly put alot more meaning and understanding to ehat you are referring to about Biscuit which I have to say I believe you, I appreciate you taking your time to post this as it has helped alot, like you said in future it should improve as it open source however can people potentially harm the program as it's open source or? I never really understood that part.

And yea, I did get the trial but being limited to 50 frames is difficult and frustrating, but thanks again!

What do you mean by per take? so after 50 you close it then continue?

Kind regards,
Generalned

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Re: Is Dragonframe really WORTH it? and Why?

Open source means that everyone and anyone has access to the source code, but that does not grant them the opportunity to update the code. Normally this is the case.

Also, by 50 frames per take I mean that when it says "50 frames trial hublubluh" then I have to start a new take, which I believe is found in file>new take. After 50 more frames, the cycle repeats.

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Re: Is Dragonframe really WORTH it? and Why?

Ohhh, ok so its just there for people to check the coding but can't update it, thats a smart and logical way!

Oh and I though that's what you were referring to but however with the trial I think your limited it, for a month not forever? Or I may be wrong, either way thanks alot for your response back on my question, it all makes logic sense now mini/smile

Kind regards,
Generalned

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