Understanding the facecam effect

If you haven't already picked up the facecam effect, this video serves two purposes. First, it will show you why you should consider picking it up. Second, it provides a tutorial on how to use it.

Utilizing this effect saves a significant amount of editing time. You’ll see its impact when animating and similar tasks in upcoming videos. The efficiency it offers makes it worth the investment, as it will easily pay for itself in time saved.

Setting up in DaVinci Resolve

Once installed in DaVinci Resolve, you find the facecam effect under the effects tab. Navigate to effects and find 'screencasting.com tools'. From there, you can locate the facecam effect. Simply drag and drop it onto your top clip to apply the screen camera effect quickly and efficiently.

Customization options

There are ample customization options available for more personalized settings. To select the top clip, alt-click it. Under the effects menu, you can move the camera to any corner using presets. You may opt for a custom position by adjusting the center x and y coordinates.

In addition, you can alter the camera size and padding while keeping it in the desired corner. To reset controls to their default, click the little circle below them. Width and height control allows you to adjust the mask size, from squares to circles. Reset settings by default if necessary to retain an aesthetically pleasing look.

Reframing and resizing

Beyond resizing, reframe controls let you reposition media within the masked shape. Use the reframing center along with x and y positions for flexible movements. Double-clicking the text resets it to default. Zoom functionality ensures better framing for distant subjects.

Adding outlines and shadows

An outline can be added to enhance visibility against certain backgrounds. Adjust the outline thickness and change colors using the drop-down menu as necessary. While testing, consider removing the outline if the visuals appear better without it. A soft drop shadow is pre-set, and its strength, blur, and distance can be customized.

Animation features

Animation features introduce fluid transitions between states. By setting the effect to 'in', the animation moves from full screen down to the corner over a customizable duration, such as one or two seconds. Additional controls include easing curves for advanced users and motion blur adjustments.

Finally, implement animations where screen divisions are required during focal shifts. The animation can be reversed, transitioning upward when desired, providing flexible presentation styles.

Bringing it all together

The ease of transforming visual effects with the facecam effect in DaVinci Resolve saves editing time while offering dynamic customization. Use these tools efficiently to create engaging and polished screencasts. Subsequent lessons will explore this workflow further, focusing on practical applications and animation techniques.