Z-Depth Like A Pro in Adobe After Effects

[@elissitdesign]

FYI: as of version 2021 AE automatically creates all the necessary splitting of layers in EXR files and even creates a contact sheet. It’s come a long way!

[@vinhson5313]

I'm three years too late to comment but nevertheless. The tutorial was a big help in solving a couple of issues I've had, so thank you. What I'd like to learn is how to composite elements made in Form/Particular or Stardust (AE renders) with image sequences made in Cinema 4D/Blender (3D RENDERS) and it's depth pass render. I have all the object IDs rendered and alpha mattes of all things 3D. How do I occlude the AE RENDERS using proper depth settings that they go behind some of the 3D RENDERS; interact properly with the camera data and lights etc.❤

[@MrCAT1996]

Hi, thanks for your video, I went through the same issue as you and i just feel that the depth of field tool of Ae is really bad. I dont understand why they don't put more efforts into such an essential compositing tool. Thanks though, your video showed me that my problem had no easy solution :)

[@MichaelStarkTV]

It's truly terrible.

[@matteoforghieri]

They have the monopoly on the market, they dont need to fix anything...and infact they dont

[@searchingforasecret]

@@matteoforghieri monopoly?? just lol

[@matteoforghieri]

@@searchingforasecret do you have a better explanation on why ae doesnt have a decent dof effect, or a particle system or a usable 3d space

[@SuperPhunThyme100]

@matteoforghieri Because AE is not really the professional choice for CG compositing. Nuke is. AE leans more towards motion graphics.

[@MaxCrow]

Amazing, that fixes something I have struggled with for along time. I'll have to get your AE tutorial for any other gems

[@MichaelStarkTV]

I’m glad it was helpful! Thanks, Max. Consider Subscribing to my channel if you haven’t already :)

[@blacklight4720]

I rewatched several times and I still don't get it. Why not just set a low blur radius? Isn't z depth map render already giving you enough information to work with?

[@MichaelStarkTV]

Because the point is that you are able to do a high blur radius if you want as well. I think the part that isn't making sense to you is that you need solid edges(when they are jagged). It has to be solid because in this case, the luminance value of the pixel tells the plugin how far it is supposed to be in space. So if white is the very front, and black is the very back, if you have non-solid pixels in let's say the mouth, then the luminance value could read as very low because of it's transparency. So even though the mouth is up front, the plugin will read the luminance value as low (remember, low luminance = farther back). So it wouldn't make sense.

[@christopherpower3254]

This is a nice tip. But man, please prepare a little more. It's confusing and frustrating to see you jump back and forth on your decisions.

[@MichaelStarkTV]

DEAL WITH IT

[@loganpatrick1469]

@@MichaelStarkTV no he's right, really painful getting through this m8. just take the feedback.

[@MichaelStarkTV]

@@loganpatrick1469 lol it was sarcasm. I think it's been 2 or 3 years since this was posted. I am the worst teacher, trust me. I don't think I've opened After Effects since soon after this recording so it's kind of like "eh" - take it or leave it.

[@natekraw4543]

Hi, new to after effects..how did you get the initial white and grey graded depth of field image for the creature? thanks

[@-saca-1297]

Yea but how do you do this with a video. so far I've only found tuts fr still images

[@amaiaverde]

I guess it's the exact same thing but with the exception of having the shot fully rendered in a image sequence and the same exact shot rendered but only with Zdeph images. I really don't remember, it been I while since I did learn it.

[@wakeup2.369]

Hlw create this in video footage a drone?

[@LunaticProductions]

Great tutorial! Here from Instagram. Keep it up

[@MichaelStarkTV]

Yay! I know you made an effort because you had to type to get here. 🤙

[@petrholusa5855]

Someone... let's post pro DoF in AE..... me: I want to dieeeee..... (crying)....

[@dharmeshkashyap7671]

Thanks man

[@danielzinevych500]

Thank you!!)

[@erfanrahmani]

Would tell what that search box name?

[@chaosbreaker8737]

FX Console

[@sir-ihlo]

Hello, wich tool are you using for applying your effects

[@MichaelStarkTV]

After Effects

[@sir-ihlo]

@@MichaelStarkTV I mean the box where you write the effects to apply, is similar to quick menu from aescripts but yours looks much cool

[@MichaelStarkTV]

it's from videocopilot. It's free and it's called fx console.

[@sir-ihlo]

@@MichaelStarkTV Tanks!!!

[@poopiecon1489]

you can use simple matte choker in negative values to extend the whites