Stabilizing a Surface Using Motion Vectors

Motion Vector-based stabilization is available when a Motion Vectors map is parented to the surface. It is best used to stabilize subtle motion, such as camera shake.

To use motion vectors to stabilize a surface:

1. Select the surface to stabilize.

2. Right-click the node and select Add Map Motion Vectors Map.

3. If the media assigned to the Motion Vectors map is not the media of the surface to analyse, change it to the surface's media. In the schematic, right-click the Motion Vectors map, and Assign Media Media to use.

4. Double-click the surface and open the Tracking tab.

5. Enable Stabilization.

6. Set the Mode box to Warp.

7. Using the timebar, go to a reference frame.

   The reference frame establishes the reference image within the sequence. Any stabilization done is in relation to that frame.

8. Click Add.

   This creates a snapshot of the surface, snapping it to the underlying UV of the Motion Vector map. As you scrub the timebar, the surface warps to conform to the movement of the UV.

9. Optional: If the stabilization drifts, usually because of occlusion, add reference frames; Action can interpolate and stabilize the image between different reference frames.