Camera
The Camera section of the View tab provides tools for controlling scene lighting, camera parameters, and view positioning. Use these controls to set up optimal viewing conditions for analysis and presentation.
Lighting Inspector
Lighting Inspector opens a dedicated panel for configuring scene lighting. Proper lighting enhances depth perception, surface visibility, and overall image quality.
Light Kit
The light kit provides a multi-light setup designed for balanced illumination:
| Light | Description |
|---|---|
| Key Light | Main light source; creates primary shadows and highlights |
| Fill Light | Secondary light; softens shadows from the key light |
| Back Light | Positioned behind subjects; creates edge definition |
| Headlight | Attached to the camera; provides even front illumination |
Each light can be adjusted for:
- Intensity
- Warmth (color temperature)
- Position (for positional lights)
Individual Light Control
For finer control, adjust individual lights:
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Directional, Positional, or Spotlight |
| Intensity | Brightness of the light source |
| Color | Light color (RGB) |
| Position | Location in 3D space (for positional lights) |
| Focal Point | Direction target (for spotlights) |
Reset Options
- Reset Light Kit – Restore light kit to default values
- Reset Light – Reset individual light parameters
For medical imaging, a single headlight or soft light kit often works well. For CAD models or surface inspection, adjust the key light angle to emphasize surface features.
Workflow: Configuring Lighting for Surface Inspection
- Open the View tab and click Lighting Inspector
- Select the 3D View from the render view dropdown (if not already selected)
- Enable the Light Kit checkbox to use the multi-light setup
- Adjust the Key Light:
- Set Intensity to control the main shadow strength (e.g., 0.8–1.0)
- Set Elevation and Azimuth to position the light above and to the side of the scene
- Adjust the Fill Light ratio to soften shadows (lower = softer shadows)
- Enable Maintain Luminance to keep overall brightness consistent when changing ratios
- Click Reset Light Kit at any time to return to defaults
Camera Settings
Camera Settings opens configuration panels for individual view cameras. Select from the dropdown:
| View | Controls |
|---|---|
| 3D View | Full camera configuration for the 3D rendering view |
| Sagittal View | Camera settings for the Right/Sagittal slice view |
| Coronal View | Camera settings for the Front/Coronal slice view |
| Axial View | Camera settings for the Top/Axial slice view |
3D Camera Parameters
The 3D view camera supports:
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Projection | Perspective (realistic depth) or Parallel (orthographic) |
| View Angle | Field of view for perspective projection |
| Clipping Range | Near and far clipping planes; objects outside this range are not rendered |
| Focal Point | Center of the view; the point around which the camera rotates |
| Position | Camera location in 3D space |
| View Up | Which direction is "up" in the view |
Slice View Camera Parameters
Slice view cameras typically provide:
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Zoom | Magnification level |
| Pan | Horizontal and vertical offset |
| Parallel Scale | View extent for parallel projection |
Perspective vs. Parallel Projection
| Mode | Description | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Perspective | Objects appear smaller with distance | Natural appearance, presentations |
| Parallel | No size change with distance | Measurements, CAD-style viewing |
Toggle between modes using the V key in the 3D view or through Camera Settings.
Workflow: Switching to Orthographic Projection for Measurements
- Open the View tab and click Camera Settings
- Select 3D View from the dropdown menu
- In the Camera Settings panel, change Projection from Perspective to Parallel
- The 3D view now displays orthographic projection where object sizes remain consistent regardless of distance
- Use this mode when making measurements or comparing object dimensions
Standard Views
Quickly orient the 3D camera to predefined directions. Click Standard Views to access the menu:
Axis-Aligned Views
| Option | View Direction | Description |
|---|---|---|
| -X | From negative X | Left side view |
| +X | From positive X | Right side view |
| -Y | From negative Y | Back view |
| +Y | From positive Y | Front view |
| -Z | From negative Z | Bottom view |
| +Z | From positive Z | Top view |
Isometric View
Isometric positions the camera at a diagonal angle showing all three axes equally. Useful for overview presentations and general inspection.
Orientation-Dependent Labels
View labels change based on the selected orientation preset (Standard, Classic, Medical, etc.):
| Engineering Mode | Medical Mode |
|---|---|
| Left / Right | Left / Right |
| Front / Back | Anterior / Posterior |
| Top / Bottom | Superior / Inferior |
Keyboard Shortcuts
When the 3D view has focus:
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
| X | View from +X |
| Shift+X | View from -X |
| Y | View from +Y |
| Shift+Y | View from -Y |
| Z | View from +Z |
| Shift+Z | View from -Z |
View Controls
Three buttons provide quick camera adjustments:
Center 3D View
Resets the camera focal point to the center of the scene without changing the viewing angle or zoom level.
Use when:
- The view has drifted off-center
- You want to rotate around the scene center
- Objects appear off-screen
Reset 3D View
Fits all visible objects in the 3D view by adjusting the camera position and focal point. The view angle resets to show all content at an appropriate zoom level.
Use when:
- Starting inspection of a new object
- Objects are too small or too large in the view
- The camera position has become disoriented
Keyboard shortcut: Press R in the 3D view.
Reset Slice Views
Resets all slice view cameras and returns slices to the center of the volume:
- Zoom levels reset to fit the image
- Pan positions reset to center
- Slice positions return to the volume midpoint
Use when:
- Slice views have been zoomed or panned significantly
- You want to start navigation from the volume center
Center of Rotation
The 3D view rotates around a focal point. You can set this point interactively:
| Method | Action |
|---|---|
| C key | Press C with the cursor over a surface to set the center of rotation at that point |
| Middle mouse button | Click with the middle mouse button to set the crosshair and focal point |
Setting the center of rotation under specific features helps when inspecting detailed areas.
Mouse Navigation
Default 3D view mouse controls:
| Action | Mouse Operation |
|---|---|
| Rotate | Left mouse button + drag |
| Pan | Middle mouse button + drag |
| Zoom | Right mouse button + drag or scroll wheel |
| Pick point | Left click on surface |
For slice views:
| Action | Mouse Operation |
|---|---|
| Pan | Middle mouse button + drag or right mouse button + drag |
| Zoom | Scroll wheel or Ctrl + right mouse button + drag |
| Scroll slices | Scroll wheel (when not zooming) |
Common Workflows
Setting Up a Presentation View
- Reset the 3D view to fit all objects
- Select Isometric from Standard Views
- Open Lighting Inspector and adjust for balanced illumination
- Switch to Parallel projection if orthographic appearance is preferred
- Hide the clipping box and object widgets for a clean view
Detailed Inspection
- Navigate to the region of interest using slice views
- Use the crosshair to center on the feature
- Press C in the 3D view over the feature to set the rotation center
- Zoom in and rotate around the feature
- Adjust lighting to emphasize surface details
Related Topics
- View Tab Overview – Complete View tab reference
- 3D View – Rendering and representation options
- Layouts – Workspace arrangement options