Orb of Oculus

[TyrantElf]

With the new orb, wasn't one of the main things they said was it would make organizing videos easier, how can it though, when you can't talk while in orb mode, and everytime you leave orb mode to talk, it resets the location.

 

Discuss

 

[spoiler=gif of orb]

 

[Misterknowitall]

Finding hidden locations is much more fun tbh.

[Riemis]

For making vids on your own it stinks, but if you want to make a good movie you won't do it on your own...

[Ned]

The laggy and jerky navigation combined with the awkward North/South/East/West controls makes it very difficult for machinima, however it works wonders for finding the true world map.

 

Both a success and failure in my eyes.

[TyrantElf]

i noticed how well it worked for your true world map thread, in fact, i just looked at it a few minutes ago. Still, I hope they make it smoother and less laggy/jerky, and that they add a way to give instructions in the future.

[Den]

Once you learn to use it correct, its the most epic tool for making videos anyone could dream of (for Runescape anyway) :P

 

It isnt a portable movie editing software, but who was expecting that anyway?

[TyrantElf]

I was not expecting that, i was expecting a way to move the camera, and to talk to other people while using the orb. Also, i think the chat not showing while in orb mode, or an option for it would be a very good idea.

 

Note to self: suggest these of RSOF

[Giordano]

I always expected it to be JUST a camera and other players would be the actors. Though the jerk bugs me a lot, I think it's good for transitions/environment shots.

 

Another idea that comes to mind is using green screening for the character, background collecting with the orb, and put them together in an editing software. Very similar to WoW's Model Viewer techique. The biggest problem, if not only problem I think, is RuneScape's pixel-y graphics makes green screening look not too well.

[Den]

I was not expecting that, i was expecting a way to move the camera, and to talk to other people while using the orb. Also, i think the chat not showing while in orb mode, or an option for it would be a very good idea.

 

Note to self: suggest these of RSOF

 

They are planning on releasing more updates to the orb. More info on the "This Weeks Update FaQ" thread in Recent Updates on the RSOF.

These updates will take a while though, so wont be coming out soon.

[RSBDavid]

It is an amazing tool. I am personally using it for creating my machinima entry.

[Laura]

Great concept, poor implementation.

[Lady_Shahdie]

Hmmm I think the best way to put this is if it is a success as a finished product or as a functioning prototype.

 

As a finished product it certainly is no where near the status of "success." The jerkiness of both the Aim/Focus modes eliminate this item from being practical for live action shots. The lack of a chatbox means the user has to resort to outside chat programs to direct their actors rather than simply typing in RS chat. Lastly, it doesn't do too well with hills and ditches as it seems to tilt the camera to the ground.

 

However, if we look at this as a functioning prototype, its more than we could have ever dreamed of <3:! Ripping away the game's default interface opens up a greater viewing area for those using the fixed window. Its also quite lovely not having to run around a subject to position it in a certain way to achieve a closeup. I still think this item is in the beta stages and that Jagex will attempt to push its potential to the next level.

[Reztral]

I'm sure that Jagex will release some sort of update to the Orb in the near future that will smooth up the navigation and allow one to type while using it.

[RSBDavid]

I was hoping for something that removed the interface and left it where you can film and still move your character. I think different preset camera types like close up, auto pan, and things like that would make it way better.

[Majinvegito3]

It has a few issues that I don't really like with it. I'm not the best at making videos by far, but things still seem easier to me the conventional way, without using the Orb at all.

 

You should be able to use it without having to wield it. Also I believe you should at least be able to walk around and all.

 

On the bright side, for scene shots, with no characters, or for shots with other people, who may/may not known they're being filmed, it works out nicely for that and gives you control over the game camera that you didn't used to have before.

 

There's still plenty of room for improvement in this item, that's for sure.

[Skull]

Fix it up and it wouldn't be bad. Make it WASD controlled for movement (W is toward the direction the camera is pointing, S is away, A is left, D is right) and have the arrow keys turn the camera in place like the in-game controls. Then give it a height control as well as maybe even a zoom function. As it is now it's not smooth enough to actually improve Machinima. The concept is solid but the implementation falls flat.

 

Granted this is only from 5 minutes of messing around with it.

[Toad]

Good for screenshots and exploring, bad for a video maker, its okay for establishing shots but to pan and zoom it's not so good, even the MA adjustable camera moves more smoothly

[Makoto_the_Phoenix]

In its current incarnation: It's a mixed blessing. It's great for those of us that enjoy panoramic shots of RS scenery, but it's not as great for using it for its intended purpose (movements are too jerky to bother recording, orienting the orb anywhere other than true North can make navigation tricky).

 

What it gives machinima makers a chance to do is to get intense close-up shots, and allows for wider collaboration between players. What it gives everyone else is a really, really, really handy ocular device which can be used to scout potential enemies from quite a distance away.

 

I didn't expect the tool to come out flawless from the gate; no programmed tool ever is, really. This first start of it is pretty good, and hopefully the team works to improve it quick - if they hope that the Orb will have any impact on machinima makers, that is.

 

(It also seems that the movements of the camera directly correspond with the way the ground is drawn (including the -1 layer for water), and how we walk on it. This is why it's so shaky, and it could prove to be tricky to fix. Then again, I have no idea how they would plan to do it, anyway. :P)

[chuckangie]

Looks like the Oculus Orb wasn't designed for you to shoot yourself in your own movie. But you can use it to shoot other people playing as actors in your movie.

[Shelby_Polo]

I like using the orb to get better angled screenshots; it's the perfect tool for that.

[Danqazmlp]

I think a 'tri-pod' like stand for it would be a good addition, allowing you to set it up at a certain angle/area and it will start recording. You then go back to your own screen and act out your scene/action. Once done, you can go back to the orb and it will have recorded all the action that had taken place in its view during the time. It would need a time limit of around 5 minutes or something like that.

[TyrantElf]

ok, i'd have to say right now it's in between, and once the fixes come out, I hope it gets better!

[PuppyKing]

Well, its better than what we had last week.

[Ned]

I think a 'tri-pod' like stand for it would be a good addition, allowing you to set it up at a certain angle/area and it will start recording. You then go back to your own screen and act out your scene/action. Once done, you can go back to the orb and it will have recorded all the action that had taken place in its view during the time. It would need a time limit of around 5 minutes or something like that.

 

That's a fantastic idea! To be honest this is what I thought it would originally be.

[Shelby_Polo]

I think a 'tri-pod' like stand for it would be a good addition, allowing you to set it up at a certain angle/area and it will start recording. You then go back to your own screen and act out your scene/action. Once done, you can go back to the orb and it will have recorded all the action that had taken place in its view during the time. It would need a time limit of around 5 minutes or something like that.

 

That's a fantastic idea! To be honest this is what I thought it would originally be.

Very interesting idea, it's like a Dwarf Cannon (which you can leave alone) with the a camera, the Orb, on it.

Would it still have the ability to reach extreme angles, like moving higher than building?