Constrain the aim of a camera that is in a path

[ritinhaiv]

My question: I want to see all around a big fixed object. I have this object and I created a big circle around it. I attached the camera to the circle (path). Now I have trouble to constrain the camera in order to look constantly to the center where is the object, in other words, I want the camera to aim the object while travelling along the path. Could someone help me?

[tallacus]

well if ur using maya 8 then this should help
http://www.digitaltutors.com/digital_tutors/video_details.php?v=790

if not try a nurbs circle around ur object and snap ur camera to the it and select ur camera then the nurbs cirlcle then go to animation > motion paths > set to follow path

[ritinhaiv]

Hi Tallacus,
Thank you so much! I don't have maya 8 yet so I am dreaming of that turntable feature! After all my unsuccessful tests with the regular perspective camera, I ended up creating a new camera + aim. I just positioned the aim in place without setting any key. Then, as you said I selected the camera, sanpped it to the nurb circle and animation > motion paths but i had to turn off follow path. Finally worked!!! Thank you again!

[tallacus]

happy that it did but i just use a regular camera and snap it to the nurbs curve then set it to follow the path and the camera orbits around it just fine, glad i could be of some help, GOD bless!

[TwinsenDude]

An alternative method (as I find attaching it to a curve gives strangely jagged results) is to create a camera, move it backwards away from the object so it's facing at it, and then move its pivot point (press ins to move the pivot point) to the center of the object, and then key the rotation of the camera. Since its pivot point is at the center of the object, normal y-axis rotation will rotate it in a circle around the object.

[laxman]

or do that same thing, but group the camera into an empty group and then set the pivot of the group to the centre of the object. Attaching to curves give you trouble if you want to rotate it around the circle more than once. Also, I really don't like setting key on the camera itself, bot sure why, it just doesn't feel right.

[ion7]

I have a problem with seeing the camera animation in my viewport. I create a camera to follow a motion path, everything is fine but when i press play i don't see any animation. Even by creating the camera via the Animate --> Turntable option i still see no animation in my viewport or via the camera. I'm lost, is it my maya preferences or is there something i'm not doing right, but i've double checked everything so many times. Anyone else had this problem? I need help... :( :( :(