Hi,

Are you using a tracked camera? I believe I saw that in your other post. If so, it's best to also track the focus of your studio camera. This way, the virtual elements will match the depth of field (focus level) of your talent in the camera image, allowing the camera operator to control the focus for everything in the scene consistently.

If you are using a tracked camera with virtual camera paths (such as via the VR PATH panels), and using features like Focus Method Override or the Override Focus option in the INPUT panel, and you want the depth of field (DOF) effect to also apply to the billboard, please note that Aximmetry does not currently have built-in functionality for this.
However, there are two ways you can implement this effect:

• Apply Blur: Use a Blurrer module in Aximmetry on the input video after keying.
• Modify Billboard Material(s) in Unreal: Change the billboard’s material(s) in Unreal Engine to use a Before DOF Translucency Pass. 
  Note, this method may introduce other issues, such as a less sharp billboard image for your talent.

I’d be happy to assist you with either of these approaches. But before that, could you let me know if you are using a tracked or virtual camera compound?

Warmest regards,

Hi,

Thank you so much for the detailed explanation and the quick response! I really appreciate your guidance.

Regarding the Billboard DOF issue: I am indeed using the Virtual Camera compound for that specific project. I understand now that the billboard doesn't natively inherit the virtual DOF in this mode. I plan to try Method B (Modifying the Billboard Material in Unreal) as you suggested. It sounds like a more interesting and integrated solution, even if it might introduce some artifacts. I will give it a shot!

On a separate note, I have a question regarding a Tracked Camera setup I tested today: I was using a Panasonic UE155 PTZ camera. I noticed that when I adjusted the physical focus on the camera, the virtual background did not blur accordingly (the focus did not follow).

I suspect the issue lies in my lens file. I created it myself using the Basic Calibrator, and if I recall correctly, the Basic Calibrator does not include Focus calibration (only Zoom/FOV).

1. Could you confirm if this is likely the reason for the static focus?

2. Since the Panasonic UE155 is a very standard industry camera, is there an official or community-shared lens file (with full focus calibration) available for download? That would save a lot of setup time.

Thanks again for your excellent support!

Best regards,

Dan