A camera viewport shows the view from a camera, looking in the direction the camera is aimed.
In 3D modeling and animation software, a camera viewport is a specialized display panel that simulates what a virtual camera "sees" within the 3D scene. Unlike standard perspective or orthographic viewports which offer general perspectives of the environment, a camera viewport specifically represents the exact perspective of a designated camera object placed within the scene.
This is crucial for tasks such as:
- Framing shots: Precisely composing the view that will be rendered in the final output (image or animation).
- Aligning elements: Ensuring objects are correctly positioned relative to the camera's perspective.
- Previewing renders: Getting an accurate preview of how the scene will look from the camera's point of view before committing to a full render.
Think of it as looking through the lens of your virtual camera. What you see in the camera viewport is what the camera "records."
Accessing a Camera Viewport
Switching a standard viewport to display the view from a specific camera is a common operation. Based on the provided reference, typical methods include:
- Clicking or right-clicking the Point-Of-View (POV) viewport label.
- Navigating through the menu: Point-Of-View (POV) Viewport Label Menu > Cameras > [Choose a specific camera from the list].
- Using a keyboard shortcut, often the C key, which may cycle through available cameras or open a selection dialog.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Menu Navigation | Access via the POV label and Cameras submenu. |
| Keyboard Shortcut | Use the 'C' key (common in many software). |
By switching to a camera viewport, you lock the display to that camera's position, rotation, and lens settings, allowing for accurate composition and previewing of your scene from that particular perspective.
