3ds max 2012 - camera path

[Avila]

Hey there.

I built a DNA strand and I want the camera to follow one of the DNA sides so it looks like someone's driving along the strand. I've managed to do this with a helix and follow+flip z alignment on path constraint with a free camera, smooth and cool.

The problem I'm having occurs when I convert the helix to an editable spline (or add an edit spline modifier). The path becomes steppy and kinda jagged (I assume because of the spline vertices). I tried making them bezier and smooth vertices, but it's still steppy and not at all smooth. The reason I want to convert it to an editable spline is to further alter the camera movements (making the camera move away from the strand or making it look in another direction, etc.), which I cannot do with a helix. Any advice? Sorry if I'm not clear with my doubt

[needse]

have you tried changing the interpolation or maybe normalize spline

[rocneasta]

i would suggest you delete that helix, cause it holds more vertex than you want to edit and it will never look good - use circle > edit spline > vertex mode > break a vertex and then alter it's location on Z axis, copy that segment few times and you will get a helix with as little as possible vertex points that you can easily alter.

To follow up on needse advise assign adaptive and be on your merry way

[Avila]

Awesome suggestions, guys. Thanks a lot. I'll try them and get back to you with the one that worked best for my situation. Thanks for your time as well

[rocneasta]

np, let us know how it went

[Avila]

@needse, @rocneasta

Ok, I got it.

I used circle->editable spline->adaptive and moved my vertices around to get my path done right and smoothly. I actually ended up using a target camera so that I could control the sequence more easily. My bosses are gonna love this. Thanks guys, really appreciate your help, see you around