Motion Blur is a camera setting that enables us to simulate the effect we see in real cameras when shooting fast-moving objects. We configure Motion Blur in the Object Properties palette with our camera (and only with a camera) selected.
In this example we will explore the motion blur settings with an animated dart.
Remember: we need a camera to be able to render motion blur.
Here is where we control the Motion Blur properties
The variables that control motion blur are:
Blur Quality
This parameter controls how many images comprise the final image or frame. The better the blur, the slower the render.
Quality=1; Blur mode=even; shutter=1/8 sec. Almost instant rendering.
Quality=2; Blur mode=even; shutter=1/8 sec.
Quality=5; Blur mode=even; shutter=1/8 sec.
Quality=10; Blur mode=even; shutter=1/8 sec.
Quality=20; Blur mode=even; shutter=1/8 sec.
Quality=100; Blur mode=even; shutter=1/8 sec. 53 seconds rendering time
Shutter
Just like in real life cameras, the shutter controls how much of a “sweep” we’ll have. Slower shutters give us longer trails.
Quality=10; Blur mode=even; shutter=1 sec.
Quality=10; Blur mode=even; shutter=1/4 sec.
Quality=10; Blur mode=even; shutter=1/8 sec.
Quality=10; Blur mode=even; shutter=1/30 sec.
Quality=10; Blur mode=even; shutter=1/125 sec.
Quality=10; Blur mode=even; shutter=1/500 sec.
From 1 sec. to 1/30 sec. the images are virtually indistinguishable.
The image at 1/500 sec. shows virtually no motion blur, just like in real life.
Choosing a good shutter speed will depend on the speed at which our objects are moving and will require some trial and error.
Blur
Strata 3D allows us to use different types of motion blur, simulating different relative speeds at which the shutter opens and closes. These are subtle effects most of the time.
Quality=10; Blur mode=Even; shutter=1/30 sec.
Quality=10; Blur mode=Trailing; shutter=1/30 sec.
Quality=10; Blur mode=Heavy Trailing; shutter=1/30 sec.
Quality=10; Blur mode=Forward; shutter=1/30 sec.
When the camera targets an object, the object will not be blurred, but the background will.
The camera targets the dart. The background will be blurred instead of the dart.
Motion blur can add a lot of realism to our stills and animations. Be sure to set the correct blur quality, as the impact on rendering time can be huge!
