SAM+Animation

=__SAM Animation__=

SAM is a great tool to use that incorporates the webcam on your computer to create a small movie consisting of screenshots.

To use it you need to download it from http://www.samanimation.com/index.php?option=com_mydownload it is a free download.

When opened SAM will prompt you to open a file or create a new one. Choose the option you require.

__Capture Frames__
Once open you will be on the Capture Frames page - this is great for making claymation video (like Wallace and Grommet, The Nightmare before Christmas etc) On this page you will have 2 screens. the right hand one is for the current image and the left is for the shots that are in your file already. to take a shot, click on the camera button on the bottom of the right screen. when you move now you will see that there is a shadow from the 1st photo. This is normal, it is to help you to know how far to move the object or yourself to take the next shot.

Once you have all the shots you need or just want to check, push the play button on the right hand side. If you don't like an image scroll to it using the left and right (next and previous) buttons and push the rubbish bin button/delete.


 * Don't forget to go to file, save to save your work.**

__Timelapse__
Click on the stopwatch button to get to the timelaspe screen. This is to take a quick moving video of something ie a plant growing, a day in the life of a class. It is similar setup to the Capture Frames page with 2 sides to the screen. Under the current image screen their are a few more options. The interval/ duration bar is just that. The top or blue arrow can be pulled across to lengthen or shorten the time between shots. The bottom or red arrow can be pulled across to lengthen or shorten how long you want the shots to be taken over. Once you have decided on the time between shot and the length of time to takes shot over press the timer button and it will start taking shots and you will see them on the left hand side like before. Once finished Save your work. File, Save.

__Sound Recorder__
Click on the microphone button to get to the Sound Recorder screen. This is put audio over your projects as they don't have sound. By pressing the red record button, you can start the recording of your voice. You will notice that the voice line will go beneath the video slides to show you how long the sound is compared to the video.