05:22
What Gadgets
So Then, What is the BEST Stop Motion Software?
Here They Are!
Stop Motion Pro - Stop Motion Pro .... was one of the first trailblazing software products back in 2000 year, to offer to the public, a completely dedicated & specialty Stop Motion program for the Stop Motion hobbyist, practitioner, and for pro use. It has quite a number of very specific and beneficial features for the Stop Motion specialty that can meet demands of experienced Stop
Motionists. Has audio lip syncing feature. It is for PC-Windows. You can use DV camcorder (Firewire connection), USB webcams (USB connection) and Analog camcorder (if you have analog video capture card). Stop Motion Pro can control someDigital Still Cameras, too. Many other features listed at their website. They have good online support & video tutorials. A trial demo version is available for you to test it. If you decide to purchase it, you will get the full version at a reasonable cost Stop Motion Pro, They are also working on an HD version of Stop Motion Pro to capture uncompressed HD Video. It will not be a low cost set-up for everyone (very pricey HD capture card) and you will need extra computer power. Good choice maybe for the higher budgets in doing professional stop motion work and also for those just compulsively seeking, "HD Nirvana" More Info HERE 
Animation DV - Animator DV frame capturing software is another excellent choice for PC-Windows users.This one looks like it is for very professional use. Has similar features as Stop Motion Pro, but it looks like Animator DV have some program versions with plenty of bells &
whistles features for high end "Pro" use and can controlsome Canon Digital Still Cams. Some versions have audio lip syncing feature. Too many features to list. You can see the features listed here, 4 versions of Animator DV. This is possibly not for kids or beginners because of the many choices of features and it might get confusing with regards to the more intricate user interface. They have good online documentation & video tutorials. Even though the name says "DV" which is used with DV Camcorders, Animator DV is also compatible USB Webcams and Analog Camcorders (if you have analog capture card installed). I have heard that their customer supportis good & responsive. They offer trial demo download of one of their high end Animator DVs for you to test it. Also,Animator DV are very generous and are now offering a FREE version of Animator Simple+. If you have any questions,Contact them and also provide them feedback W Multimedia's Animator DVStop Motion Maker - Stop MotionMaker for PC-Windows. The user interface is very user friendly. The software developer originally designed this software for children-schools-e
ducators and they want to maintain this simple user interface concept. Do not be deceived by its simple looks. Stop Motion Maker has some strong features .... onionskin, toggling-review of stored frames, rotoscoping, delete/replace last frame, loop last frame, instant preview of animation, frame markers, time lapse, and simple chromakeying /compositing.Connection choices for USB Webcams, DV Camcorders (firewire), and Analog (if you have analog capture card) ..... hasvideo compression and de-interlacing. Again .... the user interface is really straight forward and great for beginners, young & old and even for experienced The only Stop Motion capture software that has a flicker reduction feature. Stop Motionists or anyone that wants a good basic Stop Motion program without complexity. Free trial demo download is available. Go to Stop MotionMaker Update: New Stop Mo software Stop MotionMaker HDMI, which is capable of usingHigh Definition camcorders.Stop Motion Station - Stop Motion Station 1.2 for PC-Windows. This one looks like a get-down-to-business animation software that is not too technically complex, however, perhaps more suited for computer literate users. For young children, there are other stop motion programs
that they can perhaps begin with, then they can always later graduate to Stop Motion Station. The user interface for this program, entirely uses the keyboard. The live image& animation playback viewing is always full screen. There are no icon screen menus or mouse clicking, and so, you can FOCUS on the 'Animation'. Stop Motion Station can accept Firewire, USB, and Analog (with proper capture interface). This software has the most detailed online documentation than any of the other software listed here. It is very informative. The software author is very much involved with animation associations and so he has a true passion for the general animation medium. Customer service seems to be good. There is a free 30 trial download and it is a full version of the program so that you can really test it out. If you like, then definitely buy it .... affordable Stop Motion StationMonkey Jam - This is a good freeware program called MonkeyJam. It is originally designed for pencil testing use in 2D drawn animation techniques, however
the program's creator, David Perry, added some useful additional features for Stop Motion. Has a film preview slider so that you can see the previously stored frames that you already shot and compare it to the "live" frame. As I said before, this is also known as frame flipping. ..... very important feature that will help you learn Stop Motion more quickly. Also, a really good feature ....you can cut, duplicate, or reshoot frames. To view animation preview, you do have to do some extra mouse clicks and maybe not as instant as others but overall, it is good program for Stop Mo use. It is compatible with PC-Windows and one of the specs requirements says that you should have the latest version of Microsoft's DirectX. You can use it with USB Webcams, DV Camcorders(firewire connection) and Analog Camcorders (if you have analog capture card installed). Updated MJ has importion feature of WAV or MP3 audio files. Waveform display with audio scrubbing (for dialog lip sync) MonkeyJamMotion Mage - This Stop Motion capture program MotionMage was created by the BricksinMotion people. The freeware version includes ...full camera settings, auto-averaging, color
analysis, frame delay, frame-order editing, onion skin display, audio playback, AVI-JPG-GIF, & PNG import, and AVI export. You can useMotionMage with USB Webcam, DV Camcorders or the ol' Analog Camcorders (if you have analog capture card). Again, this is the free version and so resolution choice will be limited but but seems like a good starter tool for learning Stop Motion. MotionMage is written in Java and it uses the Java Media Framework for video functions. This means, it works with both PC-Windows and Unix/Linuxsystems. (It has not been tested on Macs yet) According to software's author, this one may be a little more tricky to set-up. If you are somewhat computer literate, it may not hurt to at least try it as it does have good useful Stop Mo features. If you have any issues or questions, I do not know how responsive they are. Check it out MotionMage1.2IKIT MOVIE - a new one (2008) which I accidentally stumbled upon, IKITmovie forPC-Windows. Does not seem to be promoted much online. It is kind of a bells and whistles Stop Motion software for beginners. To me, this program looks more focused on creating animations for the Free Video Hosting websites (like YouTube). For you High Definition obsessed, this is not for you. It appears that IKITmovie is for ease of use by beginners or in a classroom environment, and therefore, primarily works with the common and ubiquitous USB webcams with resolutions good enough for internet and mobile media. Has custom built sound engine with over 2,200 sound effects and background music. You do not need to export your movie to other software in order to complete your project. The exporting all done within IKITmovie. It has Onionskin but not sure if it has back/forth Frame Toggling to 'Live' feed. My suggestion and feedback to them, would be, that the frame rates are only from 1 to 25 frames per second. In my view, it should be able to go up to 30 fps. Their flash based tutorials are good but not fully completed or still under construction. Also, I do not see a list if IKITmovie is compatible with certain USB webcams or maybe works with most webcams. Free trial download to test it IKITmovie
Animaatiokone - Here is another one
most of us probably never heard of .... I don't even know how to pronounce it .....Animaatiokone. It is created in Finland and the software is in English. Do not be fooled my the simple interface. It seems to have good amount of basic features ..... onionskinning, timeline navigation & zooming (not sure what that is)), quick preview, you can cut, paste and duplicate frames. For PC-Windows and is compatible with USB Webcams, DV Camcorders, and Analog Camcorders (if you have analog capture card). They do offer a free 30 day trial for you to test it. Remember too, most likely, if you pay for program, you will get customer service support. Give them your honest feedback about the program, the interface, or other features you would like or be improved AnimaatiokoneAnasazi - is freeware for PC-Windows. This is Old Software from some years ago. I guess, because it is Free, people tolerate its glitches. I have done quick test of Anasazi. This software is only for use with USB Webcams or 
Analog Camcorders (if you have analog capture card). You cannot use DV Camcorders or any Firewire type connection with Anasazi. The important features are, itsonionskinning, back & forth frame toggling, looping, instant preview of your animated scene,, adding markers, you can set hot keys, and some other good features. With Anasazi you cannot delete or replace frames. One of the spec requirements is that you need Microsoft's old Video for Windows which Windows usually already has on your systen but is now superceded by the newer DirectShow as part of Windows DirectX Anasazi Update: Someone contacted me and says there is a fix for Anasazi so that it can work with DV Camcorders. It requires downloading/installing a codec, specifically, the Panasonic VFW, DV Codec. Do not ask me if it works with all DV camcorders. Just try it then let me know if your DV camcorder works with it. Also, supposedly, some are trying to do an update of Anasazi which would also run on Macs.
Analog Camcorders (if you have analog capture card). You cannot use DV Camcorders or any Firewire type connection with Anasazi. The important features are, itsonionskinning, back & forth frame toggling, looping, instant preview of your animated scene,, adding markers, you can set hot keys, and some other good features. With Anasazi you cannot delete or replace frames. One of the spec requirements is that you need Microsoft's old Video for Windows which Windows usually already has on your systen but is now superceded by the newer DirectShow as part of Windows DirectX Anasazi Update: Someone contacted me and says there is a fix for Anasazi so that it can work with DV Camcorders. It requires downloading/installing a codec, specifically, the Panasonic VFW, DV Codec. Do not ask me if it works with all DV camcorders. Just try it then let me know if your DV camcorder works with it. Also, supposedly, some are trying to do an update of Anasazi which would also run on Macs.StopIt - Was written by someone for his own personal use but is offering it for free. It is for PC-Windows 
and it is a most basic and very simple Stop Motion software. There is no website for this program. He originally posted and announced his software program at the Stop Motion forum and he gives more detailsabout the program. At the time, he was thinking about adding some features (such as rotoscoping) but there has been no update about it. StopIt appears to be user-friendly with minimal bells & whistles, however, looks good enough for good ol' practicing and learning Stop Motion. Again, it is free. If he thinks no one is using the software, it might not be available later? UPDATE 2010 New Website: StopIt.
and it is a most basic and very simple Stop Motion software. There is no website for this program. He originally posted and announced his software program at the Stop Motion forum and he gives more detailsabout the program. At the time, he was thinking about adding some features (such as rotoscoping) but there has been no update about it. StopIt appears to be user-friendly with minimal bells & whistles, however, looks good enough for good ol' practicing and learning Stop Motion. Again, it is free. If he thinks no one is using the software, it might not be available later? UPDATE 2010 New Website: StopIt.______________________________________________
Frame Thief - capture software is for Macs using DV Camcorders or Mac-compatible Webcams, and Mac-compatible capture cards. Has all kinds of bells & whistles and has a serious
professional interface. It includes alightbox which does the same as onionskinning and you can toggle through the frames. Another powerful feature is Frame Averaging; improves the video image even from a webcam. Has audio lip syncing feature. It also has some other features where you can have limited control of "some" digital still cameras. It is my understanding, a lot of pro's who are Mac-philes use FrameThief. This is ashareware program and you can test it for 30 days. If you like it, you then buy it. Website:FrameThief Update: I hear that FT seems to be the preferred Stop Motion capture program used by experienced Stop Motionists who use Macs, however, there are complaints that it needs to beupdated, however, will you pay for newer version? FrameThief is only $40.(USD). Perhaps, the software creator, Roman Blok should receive more $$$ compensation (raise prices) incentive for him to keep FT up to date. Framethief offers no customer support, even if you buy it. They have a FAQ section that is primarily old archived postings. A bad omen and puts Framethief in the Abandon-Ware category.
professional interface. It includes alightbox which does the same as onionskinning and you can toggle through the frames. Another powerful feature is Frame Averaging; improves the video image even from a webcam. Has audio lip syncing feature. It also has some other features where you can have limited control of "some" digital still cameras. It is my understanding, a lot of pro's who are Mac-philes use FrameThief. This is ashareware program and you can test it for 30 days. If you like it, you then buy it. Website:FrameThief Update: I hear that FT seems to be the preferred Stop Motion capture program used by experienced Stop Motionists who use Macs, however, there are complaints that it needs to beupdated, however, will you pay for newer version? FrameThief is only $40.(USD). Perhaps, the software creator, Roman Blok should receive more $$$ compensation (raise prices) incentive for him to keep FT up to date. Framethief offers no customer support, even if you buy it. They have a FAQ section that is primarily old archived postings. A bad omen and puts Framethief in the Abandon-Ware category.______________________________________________
AnimAide XT - for Macs. This is a 'new kid on the block'. It looks like this is a full featured software
that can be a possible Frame Capturing choice for you Mac people. Someone contacted me and said, "very satisfied with AnimAide XT". I do not use Macs, but looking at AnimAide XT features; to me it seems similar to FrameThief. AnimAide XT compatible with DV camcorders and webcams and 'some' interface features with Digital Still Cameras. Also has an interesting 'voice syncing' feature. Their support link has an online manual for you to look over, and of course, a Free Trial Download too. Why don't you test it out? Give them feedback. Guess how much AnimAide XT costs? I cannot believe this .... it is only $40.USD! Note: Only has Onion-skinning. You cannot toggle back to previous frame. Go to AnimAide XT main page for download trial & provide feedback.
that can be a possible Frame Capturing choice for you Mac people. Someone contacted me and said, "very satisfied with AnimAide XT". I do not use Macs, but looking at AnimAide XT features; to me it seems similar to FrameThief. AnimAide XT compatible with DV camcorders and webcams and 'some' interface features with Digital Still Cameras. Also has an interesting 'voice syncing' feature. Their support link has an online manual for you to look over, and of course, a Free Trial Download too. Why don't you test it out? Give them feedback. Guess how much AnimAide XT costs? I cannot believe this .... it is only $40.USD! Note: Only has Onion-skinning. You cannot toggle back to previous frame. Go to AnimAide XT main page for download trial & provide feedback.______________________________________________
BTV-PRO - is only for Macs. They have two versions, 
and you want to get the Pro version which is more specific to Stop Motion. Compatible with any video source .... from Mac-compatible USB Webcams, or any firewire source like DV camcorders and also Analog Camcorders if Mac has Analog Mac-compatible interface installed. BTV Pro has Stop Mo features including one onionskin layer to view previous frame, but it does not say if it has frame scrolling-flipping? IMO, the strongest feature of BTV Pro, which most programs do not have, is, Frame Averaging which will very much reduce video noise and sharpen the captured image. The other features are instant movie playback & editing (deleting/adding frames), time lapse capture, folder viewer, movie export, and DV control device to control "some" DV camcorders (rewind, play, stop, etc).through software. Also you can capture frames in variety of image formats (like FrameThief). Good online documentation. There is an email form on the website for you to ask questions. This is a shareware programs and you can test it for 15 days BTV PRO
and you want to get the Pro version which is more specific to Stop Motion. Compatible with any video source .... from Mac-compatible USB Webcams, or any firewire source like DV camcorders and also Analog Camcorders if Mac has Analog Mac-compatible interface installed. BTV Pro has Stop Mo features including one onionskin layer to view previous frame, but it does not say if it has frame scrolling-flipping? IMO, the strongest feature of BTV Pro, which most programs do not have, is, Frame Averaging which will very much reduce video noise and sharpen the captured image. The other features are instant movie playback & editing (deleting/adding frames), time lapse capture, folder viewer, movie export, and DV control device to control "some" DV camcorders (rewind, play, stop, etc).through software. Also you can capture frames in variety of image formats (like FrameThief). Good online documentation. There is an email form on the website for you to ask questions. This is a shareware programs and you can test it for 15 days BTV PRO______________________________________________
iStopMotion is only for Macs 
and works with DV camcorders and Mac-compatible USB Webcams or Firewire Webcams. I think it does not work with Analog Camcorders. It has ..... onionskinning, but no frame flipping back & forth. You need to ask them for details. Their websitedoes not clearly explain the features. Has audio lip syncing feature. You can also download a 7 day time limited demo to try it out before you pay for it. Here is a maybe, a too enthusiasticiStopMotion Review ? There is an optional iStopMotion HR version where you can use it totrigger a DV still camera and will display a window with all images and you select images for importing to view as movie. Using a DV Still Cam is not instant feedback whereas, using Webcams or DV camcorders you can see the live image and use the onionskinning and immediately playback the animation iStopMotion
and works with DV camcorders and Mac-compatible USB Webcams or Firewire Webcams. I think it does not work with Analog Camcorders. It has ..... onionskinning, but no frame flipping back & forth. You need to ask them for details. Their websitedoes not clearly explain the features. Has audio lip syncing feature. You can also download a 7 day time limited demo to try it out before you pay for it. Here is a maybe, a too enthusiasticiStopMotion Review ? There is an optional iStopMotion HR version where you can use it totrigger a DV still camera and will display a window with all images and you select images for importing to view as movie. Using a DV Still Cam is not instant feedback whereas, using Webcams or DV camcorders you can see the live image and use the onionskinning and immediately playback the animation iStopMotion______________________________________________
I Can Animate is an animation software
created in England. All you Mac people should behappy. This is only for you! It looks like it is also geared towards education market and has some good basic features. It works with DV Camcorders and Mac compatible Webcams. It hasonionskinning, you do limited layering, it has time lapse capturing and something not found in many other Stop Mo programs ..... chroma-keying and some limited image retouching features .....for example, if you need to remove wires or rigs or do some kind of special effects. The userinterface design appears to be easy to understand so kids or beginners can grasp it quickly. Their prices are in English pounds so you will also need to contact them to see how much it costs in US dollars I Can Animate Update: I do not see on their website if they offer a trial demo download? Their websitedoes not say. Suppose, for some reason, it does not work in your computer configuration, (it can happen) or you do not like the interface? You might contact them and inquire about that. They do have an online basic manual (pdf file), but IMO, trial demo would be better for testing.
created in England. All you Mac people should behappy. This is only for you! It looks like it is also geared towards education market and has some good basic features. It works with DV Camcorders and Mac compatible Webcams. It hasonionskinning, you do limited layering, it has time lapse capturing and something not found in many other Stop Mo programs ..... chroma-keying and some limited image retouching features .....for example, if you need to remove wires or rigs or do some kind of special effects. The userinterface design appears to be easy to understand so kids or beginners can grasp it quickly. Their prices are in English pounds so you will also need to contact them to see how much it costs in US dollars I Can Animate Update: I do not see on their website if they offer a trial demo download? Their websitedoes not say. Suppose, for some reason, it does not work in your computer configuration, (it can happen) or you do not like the interface? You might contact them and inquire about that. They do have an online basic manual (pdf file), but IMO, trial demo would be better for testing.______________________________________________
StopMotioner Beta 3 - seems to be a new program and is for Macs only. This will be a multi-featured software andquoting from their website ....."All in one: record stop-motion, add/edit audio (I assume for lip syncing), and edit video ... pan, zoom, and rotate effec
ts .... includes tons of transitions, effects, and filters and much more features!" StopMotioner website does not clearly describe what you get when you download their software. I contacted them and they explained to me ... yes, they offer a 30 day demo trial download, restricted to 15 seconds length in movie editor mode and there is no help menus with program but you can use their online forum. They have a "carbon download" which means it is forMac OS9 and Mac OSX. When you purchase Beta-3, it is a full version with no restrictions and it may have some bugs, but supposedly, you will get to update later if ever they come out with revised or final versions. For those that did not buy Beta-3, in the future, the final price of StopMotioner may be higher than what is currently listed. If StopMotioner wants to more effectively promote this product, they should more clearly describe it so I should not have to do it for them StopMotioner Beta 3
ts .... includes tons of transitions, effects, and filters and much more features!" StopMotioner website does not clearly describe what you get when you download their software. I contacted them and they explained to me ... yes, they offer a 30 day demo trial download, restricted to 15 seconds length in movie editor mode and there is no help menus with program but you can use their online forum. They have a "carbon download" which means it is forMac OS9 and Mac OSX. When you purchase Beta-3, it is a full version with no restrictions and it may have some bugs, but supposedly, you will get to update later if ever they come out with revised or final versions. For those that did not buy Beta-3, in the future, the final price of StopMotioner may be higher than what is currently listed. If StopMotioner wants to more effectively promote this product, they should more clearly describe it so I should not have to do it for them StopMotioner Beta 3______________________________________________
This animation software, Frames was created by a company called Tech4 Learning is for PC-Windows and Macs. This company focuses on 
creativity-educational tools & packages. They offer Stop Motion packages for curriculum type instruction, to teach a group of kids, or just to sort-of home school 'Stop Motion'; for beginners to start learning hands-on & tactile creativity expression. Tech4 Learning offers guidelines & much online documentation for teachers or home schoolers in setting up an animation curriculum. They say it does haveonionskinning feature. Although, their online instructions for using Frames is not clear & a little confusing to me. They do not give any details how the cameras connect or interface with Frames. If you are not sure, they give you a free trial version for 30 days to test it. Tech4 does require you to fill out a form before you download it. It seems reasonably priced. Look it over or request details FRAMES . Also, available, are Clay Animation Kits
creativity-educational tools & packages. They offer Stop Motion packages for curriculum type instruction, to teach a group of kids, or just to sort-of home school 'Stop Motion'; for beginners to start learning hands-on & tactile creativity expression. Tech4 Learning offers guidelines & much online documentation for teachers or home schoolers in setting up an animation curriculum. They say it does haveonionskinning feature. Although, their online instructions for using Frames is not clear & a little confusing to me. They do not give any details how the cameras connect or interface with Frames. If you are not sure, they give you a free trial version for 30 days to test it. Tech4 does require you to fill out a form before you download it. It seems reasonably priced. Look it over or request details FRAMES . Also, available, are Clay Animation Kits______________________________________________
TrikFilm - Here is a most bare-bones & simple Stop Motion freeware program called TrikFilm Cam. It is for PC-Windows. A very small program size that might work on 
old computer systems. It just captures still images but will "onionskin" last captured & stored frame with the "live" image .... you then need another program to construct-assemble as movie. I think this Stop Motion program might be applicable for the more experienced animators, accustomed to the still useful old surface guaging ways, and through experience have gained a keen visual memory and sense of timing (like a Ray Harryhausen, Jim Danforth, Barry Purves, etc) .... where they maybe do not rely as much on frame toggling, or the need to instantly preview the animation. In the old days, we could not see the finished animation shot until the next day. How spoiled you are all now! If you want to have fun and do straight-ahead animation without all the fancy frame toggling or instant playback, give this program a try. The other free programs to assemble-construct the animation as a movie, is also available at TrikFilm Cam
old computer systems. It just captures still images but will "onionskin" last captured & stored frame with the "live" image .... you then need another program to construct-assemble as movie. I think this Stop Motion program might be applicable for the more experienced animators, accustomed to the still useful old surface guaging ways, and through experience have gained a keen visual memory and sense of timing (like a Ray Harryhausen, Jim Danforth, Barry Purves, etc) .... where they maybe do not rely as much on frame toggling, or the need to instantly preview the animation. In the old days, we could not see the finished animation shot until the next day. How spoiled you are all now! If you want to have fun and do straight-ahead animation without all the fancy frame toggling or instant playback, give this program a try. The other free programs to assemble-construct the animation as a movie, is also available at TrikFilm Cam______________________________________________
StopMoJo - This program StopMoJo, just came out this month (March '05). It is very basic but has a few more beneficial Stop Motion-specific features than TrikFilm Cam. Here is their overview description of StopMoJo ...." StopMojo is a 
cross-platform (using Java ... for PC-Windows, Linux, and yet untested on Macs) Stop-Motion animation suite designed to aid in the creation of stop-motion animations. Currently it includes a capture program supporting capture of image files from various video capture devices, overlay of previous frames (onion skinning), and export to AVI and QUICKTIME video formats. The goal is to create a program or suite of programs to faciliate the creation of stop-motion movies. Initially, we only intend to provide software to capture individual frames (possibly exporting to various video format files) and create/edit exposure sheets (xsheets) for audio/lip sync." So it seems that StopMoJo' s goal is to eventually add some more features. It is a very basic freeware program and maybe worth your consideration. StopMoJo encourages youto give them constructive feedback StopMoJo
cross-platform (using Java ... for PC-Windows, Linux, and yet untested on Macs) Stop-Motion animation suite designed to aid in the creation of stop-motion animations. Currently it includes a capture program supporting capture of image files from various video capture devices, overlay of previous frames (onion skinning), and export to AVI and QUICKTIME video formats. The goal is to create a program or suite of programs to faciliate the creation of stop-motion movies. Initially, we only intend to provide software to capture individual frames (possibly exporting to various video format files) and create/edit exposure sheets (xsheets) for audio/lip sync." So it seems that StopMoJo' s goal is to eventually add some more features. It is a very basic freeware program and maybe worth your consideration. StopMoJo encourages youto give them constructive feedback StopMoJo______________________________________________
MORE Stop Motion Software
SAM ANIMATION (Mac & PC) Simple easy interface with solid basic features for Stop Motion training & learning for personal or school (free).  | Frame by Frame (Mac) A small program created by someone and offering it as freeware. For Mac users who want to practice Stop Motion. | Helium Frog (PC) A free program that is in very Beta status and appears by someone who writes programs as a hobby and has interest in Stop Motion. |
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There are a few more Stop Motion Programs for the more obscure operating systems available for installing on the PC platform. If you are reeeeeally into computers and know how to partition your hard drive, you can possibly add different operating system. Do not ask me about these Stop Motion programs. Read their features. They do have useful and practical tools & aids for Stop Motion, but unfortunately, not accessible to most of the public who mostly have Windowsand the minority remainder using Macs:
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Lip-Dialogue Syncing: Only a very few of the above Stop Motion programs have dialogue lip syncing, however, you can use separate programs to perform this function. So just because a Stop Motion program does not have lip syncing, IMO, itdoes not mean it is of lesser quality. You can use these additional programs here.Magpie - ....If you are animating puppets that have dialogue or need to be animated to music or sound beats, here is an additional tool that will help in planning your animation projects. This is not a frame capture program but a tool that helps in the analysis of a recorded voice for lip sync animation called MagPie. It provides a set of tools that let you identify how a character's mouth should look at each frame of the animation. This limited version is free for testing and does not have all the features of the full version. You have choice to pay for full upgrade version or just keep the limited version. This is for PC-Windows only MagPie
Other Lip Syncing Software (Free):
| WavTracker for PC : The most simple & easy. Not much instructions but seems self-explanatory | Papagayo for PC & Mac : It seems easy to use .... you need freeQuickTime player for this to work | JLipSync for PC & Mac : Works similar to Magpie. You need free Java for this this work (explained at JLipsync) |
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Video Editing: Here is a freeware editing software, ABC VideoRoll 2.5 looks like it has plenty of features for 
video editing production. It supports most popular video, sound and image formats such as QuickTime, AVI, RealMedia, AIFF, JPG, BMP, TGA, GIF. You can do some sound editing. It also features over 100 special effects and transitions, video capture, internet streaming. Installation includes interactive help file and tutorial. It is for the PC-Windows platform. It might work for you and perhaps worth trying it out. Read this detailed review. Since ABC Video Roll is provided as free, there is no support but help files are usually included within most programs ABC Video Roll 2.5
video editing production. It supports most popular video, sound and image formats such as QuickTime, AVI, RealMedia, AIFF, JPG, BMP, TGA, GIF. You can do some sound editing. It also features over 100 special effects and transitions, video capture, internet streaming. Installation includes interactive help file and tutorial. It is for the PC-Windows platform. It might work for you and perhaps worth trying it out. Read this detailed review. Since ABC Video Roll is provided as free, there is no support but help files are usually included within most programs ABC Video Roll 2.5Other Editors for Windows-PC (Free):
Movie Maker 2.1 (WindowXP) ---- Zwei-Stein 3.01 Non-Linear Editor ---- Audacity Audio Editor-Recorder
Bobyte AVI Software
VirtualDubREAPER (Audio program)
Bobyte AVI Software
VirtualDubREAPER (Audio program)Most of the Stop Motion Software saves as uncompressed AVI file format which are very large and can use up much hard drive space. If you want to free-up your hard drive, you either save AVI on another hard drive or output your work to mpeg format for burning onto DVDs, or you do further compression for the small QuickTime, Windows Media or Real Media players for online viewing of movie clips. Many programs available for digital media conversion and alsoQuickTime Pro can do some media format conversions in addition to compressing.
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LunchBox DV: Before computer based animation frame capturing software, there was (and still available) the LunchBoxunit. It primarily served as an accessory device to the film movie camera (or now, can be used in conjunction with Digital Still Cameras). LB function was as a reliable "animation assist" tool for frame by frame "prev
iew" visualization to accurately guage the animation movements. The "preview" gives you an accurate indication of the final animation choreography. This latest LB incarnation, is calledLunchBox DV. This is not software and not a computer workstation. It is a stand-alone portable unit which you can connect to any TV set or TV monitor. It will work with DV camcorders and the older Analog video cams or camcorders. The strongest point that is said by the manufacturer, is its user friendly features. It is basically, mostly designed as a hardware device with but with a computer-type Hard Drive storage and you access the functions via push buttons only. No software interface, no computer screen menus, no mouse clicking. After you make all your cable connections, you basically just turn-on theLunchBox, like a good ol' appliance ... on & off. I will be straight-up honest .... for the hobbyist & budget minded, LB-dv is a costlier investment (about $3500. USD) when compared to other computer based software frame capturing tools. Studios & schoolsthough, have used the LB in their professional productions and animation instruction curriculum. More details at Animation ToolWorks
iew" visualization to accurately guage the animation movements. The "preview" gives you an accurate indication of the final animation choreography. This latest LB incarnation, is calledLunchBox DV. This is not software and not a computer workstation. It is a stand-alone portable unit which you can connect to any TV set or TV monitor. It will work with DV camcorders and the older Analog video cams or camcorders. The strongest point that is said by the manufacturer, is its user friendly features. It is basically, mostly designed as a hardware device with but with a computer-type Hard Drive storage and you access the functions via push buttons only. No software interface, no computer screen menus, no mouse clicking. After you make all your cable connections, you basically just turn-on theLunchBox, like a good ol' appliance ... on & off. I will be straight-up honest .... for the hobbyist & budget minded, LB-dv is a costlier investment (about $3500. USD) when compared to other computer based software frame capturing tools. Studios & schoolsthough, have used the LB in their professional productions and animation instruction curriculum. More details at Animation ToolWorksDV Camcorder & Still Cam with Animation Feature: This is the only consumer
digital camcorders that I know of, that can shoot single frames without having to be connected to computer ..... Sanyo's IDshot digital disk camera. It uses no video tape and the images are stored onto Sanyo's Magneto-Optical Disk with a large 730MB storage capacity which acts as mini hard drive in the camera .... you just use it over and over. The IDshot's animation feature is not as good as a DVcamcorder camera connected to Computer & using Stop Motion Software. It is a quirky camera, however one can do variety of workarounds for animation IDshot Tutorial. Also you should know .... IDshot still image feature is just 1.5 megapixels which for a still cam is weak compared to dedicated digital still cams.Update 04/05: The IDshot is not produced anymore but it may be available for a brief while until the suppliers get rid of their stock. IDshot was a unique product and too bad Sanyo did not continue with improved versions. IMO, Sanyo'smarketing of IDshot was bad, and it was initially overpriced and some of its features & user interface were weak. Some camera vendors where you might be able to get it: Sales Store (Florida, USA) is about the only place I know where they still have new models collecting dust, but I am not sure if they carry spare optical storage discs. You can try eBay too. Online detail description about Sanyo's iDshot and IDshot & Stop Motion. Idshot certainly a rare consumer product that had built-in Stop Motion feature .... a collector's item now, maybe.
digital camcorders that I know of, that can shoot single frames without having to be connected to computer ..... Sanyo's IDshot digital disk camera. It uses no video tape and the images are stored onto Sanyo's Magneto-Optical Disk with a large 730MB storage capacity which acts as mini hard drive in the camera .... you just use it over and over. The IDshot's animation feature is not as good as a DVcamcorder camera connected to Computer & using Stop Motion Software. It is a quirky camera, however one can do variety of workarounds for animation IDshot Tutorial. Also you should know .... IDshot still image feature is just 1.5 megapixels which for a still cam is weak compared to dedicated digital still cams.Update 04/05: The IDshot is not produced anymore but it may be available for a brief while until the suppliers get rid of their stock. IDshot was a unique product and too bad Sanyo did not continue with improved versions. IMO, Sanyo'smarketing of IDshot was bad, and it was initially overpriced and some of its features & user interface were weak. Some camera vendors where you might be able to get it: Sales Store (Florida, USA) is about the only place I know where they still have new models collecting dust, but I am not sure if they carry spare optical storage discs. You can try eBay too. Online detail description about Sanyo's iDshot and IDshot & Stop Motion. Idshot certainly a rare consumer product that had built-in Stop Motion feature .... a collector's item now, maybe._____________________________________________
Digital Still Camera Remote Capture Software
Using above Stop Motion frame grabbing software in conjunction with Digital Still Cameras; you need TWO pieces of Software:
1) One of the above Stop Motion video frame grabber softwares
2) Digital Still Camera Remote Capture Software listed below
So, for every frame, you click TWICE; you click one frame for the video frame grabber, and click one frame for thedigital still camera.
What is Remote Capture? It is NOT a Stop Motion frame grabber program, but a tool that will allow the captured Still Images to be directly downloaded to your computer's hard drive (while camera is connected to to your computer) asyou are shooting the still images. You can control some of Digital Still Cams features through the computer (keyboard or mouse). Only some digital still camera models already come with Remote Capture software; however, you can also purchase aftermarket Remote Capture software, but they only work with specific Digital Still Cams. These programs are not free but some will provide trial demo downloads for you to test. Since Remote Capture programs allow you to capture still images directly to the computer hard drive, you do not have to be concerned about camera's built-in memory card getting full .... AND .....another advantage ... you do not need to touch the camera, to shoot/click frames, thus reducing chance of possible camera shake. I also attempted to write a Digital Still Camera overview page but it is unfinished as this subject can fry my brain. I am not an expert on this convoluted subject area , so anyone is welcomedto contact me regarding any errors or corrections here. If you have any technical questions about Remote Capture & Digital Still Cams, do not ask me. You should contact the companies or software authors below about specifics of their software products:
Minolta Dimage Remote Capture PC .... DiMage cameras | iStopmotion Digital Still Cam Plug-in Mac .... for iStopmotion .... various cams | PineTree Camera Controller PC .... Olympus cameras |
Breeze Systems PSRemote PC .... Canon PowerShot cams | AnimatorDV Digital Cam "Release!" Plug-in PC.... for AnimatorDV .... some Canon cams | GBTimeLapse Camera Controller PC ..... Canon PowerShot cams |
AnimAide (free version) Mac OS X 10.3 or later .... works with PowerShot cams but ask them which models | Stop MotionMaker Advance or SMM-HDMI PC ... for actual stop motion video capture animation and also interfaces with digital still cams that haveremote capture. SMMadv copies Hi Res Still Images intosharp & crisp BMP images for AVI exporting to NTSC or PAL video. |
Stop Motion Pro 5 PC .... does stop motion video capture animation with built-in remote capture for some Canon digital still cams. It works similar to Stop MotionMakerPlus .... the hi res still images are better image quality than video cam and can be exportedto NTSC or PAL for much sharper video quality. | Nikon Remote Capture (old version) PC & Mac .... This may be overkill for Stop Mo, having lots of bells & whistles, but the primary feature allows capturing of still images from the camera and store directly to computer's hard drive. It only works with some Nikon Cams. Links 2 & 3 New: Capture Control Pro |
Related Link: Stop Motion & Digital Still Cams Overview
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SHOOTING STOP MOTION WITH MOVIE FILM
I am not sure if we all have been brainwashed already with the over abundance of hyperbole by the media (& self interested parties) which seems to be proclaiming, that Digital is the panacea to all of our world problems? 
Well, I should let you know that, before digital took over the planet, there was something called Movie Film! YES, it is a long strip of thin plastic material that you thread through a Movie Projector and you actually see the images moving on a screen 
. Pretty amazing, huh? How primitive, you say? Stop Motion can be shot using a "Movie Camera" ..... professional film formats are 35mm and 16mm which can be very costly especially if you are a beginner and also there is a big learning curve ...... knowing about film exposures settings, depth of field, focusing, film type selection, ad infinitum. In the "old school" days (Already?....I am not that old-!) there were no computer frame capturing tools where one can instantlyplayback and view the animation. We had to WAIT for the movie film to return from the processing lab so that we could then see the results of our animation or if we made made mistakes. Yes indeed, perhaps a tedious way to learn but eventually, with much practice & perserverance via the old methods, the mind almost becomes like an internal frame grabber, where we can mentally visualize and remember the movements .... much concentration is required. The great masters of Stop Motion acquired this skill.
Well, I should let you know that, before digital took over the planet, there was something called Movie Film! YES, it is a long strip of thin plastic material that you thread through a Movie Projector and you actually see the images moving on a screen . Pretty amazing, huh? How primitive, you say? Stop Motion can be shot using a "Movie Camera" ..... professional film formats are 35mm and 16mm which can be very costly especially if you are a beginner and also there is a big learning curve ...... knowing about film exposures settings, depth of field, focusing, film type selection, ad infinitum. In the "old school" days (Already?....I am not that old-!) there were no computer frame capturing tools where one can instantlyplayback and view the animation. We had to WAIT for the movie film to return from the processing lab so that we could then see the results of our animation or if we made made mistakes. Yes indeed, perhaps a tedious way to learn but eventually, with much practice & perserverance via the old methods, the mind almost becomes like an internal frame grabber, where we can mentally visualize and remember the movements .... much concentration is required. The great masters of Stop Motion acquired this skill.Again, you can shoot animation on movie film. Today, the most affordable format is SUPER 8mm, which in the ancient Aztec civilizations,
this movie film format was used to shoot./.document vacations, birthdays, weddings, sacrificial rites, etc. Super 8 film was used like our Video Camcorders of today. Why shoot on film? It has a softer or what is called the film look.....a feeling of distance or then-ness and maybe slightly surreal. Consumer Videohas a now-ness / too immediate look ....... it is more of a hard feel & look to it. Super 8 Movie Film comes in Cartridges (50 feet of movie film) that is inserted into a Super 8 Movie Camera which has a Single Frame Trigger. The Super 8 camera IS NOT connected to a computer......all the single frame images are photographed onto the movie film. If you decide to shoot the animation on movie film, you can use a computer with frame capture software to assist your animation technique ..... just position your webcam or video camcorder as close to the Super 8 camera so that camcorder/webcam approximately sees the same image as Super 8 cam...... now move your puppet, click off a frame on the camcorder/webcam , then click off a frame on the movie camera ...... and do this for each time you animate/move the puppet. After you finish animating, you can immediately preview & see the results of your animation on the computer, while your movie film is at the lab being processed. If you do not have a frame grabber program and just want to animate using movie film ...... there are low tech ways to visually measure the incremental movements of the puppets which was .used by past masters of Stop Motion. It is slower, but works ..... the link is near bottom of this page.
this movie film format was used to shoot./.document vacations, birthdays, weddings, sacrificial rites, etc. Super 8 film was used like our Video Camcorders of today. Why shoot on film? It has a softer or what is called the film look.....a feeling of distance or then-ness and maybe slightly surreal. Consumer Videohas a now-ness / too immediate look ....... it is more of a hard feel & look to it. Super 8 Movie Film comes in Cartridges (50 feet of movie film) that is inserted into a Super 8 Movie Camera which has a Single Frame Trigger. The Super 8 camera IS NOT connected to a computer......all the single frame images are photographed onto the movie film. If you decide to shoot the animation on movie film, you can use a computer with frame capture software to assist your animation technique ..... just position your webcam or video camcorder as close to the Super 8 camera so that camcorder/webcam approximately sees the same image as Super 8 cam...... now move your puppet, click off a frame on the camcorder/webcam , then click off a frame on the movie camera ...... and do this for each time you animate/move the puppet. After you finish animating, you can immediately preview & see the results of your animation on the computer, while your movie film is at the lab being processed. If you do not have a frame grabber program and just want to animate using movie film ...... there are low tech ways to visually measure the incremental movements of the puppets which was .used by past masters of Stop Motion. It is slower, but works ..... the link is near bottom of this page. 
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