How to show RS Camera image Background in the viewport?

[Ricardo 4D]

Hi,
It might be a dumb question, but how do I show the RS Camera image background in the viewport?
It is way more practical and lightweight to lay things out over the viewport instead of IPR.

Thanks

[Dr. Sassi]

Hi Ricardo,

Is the Camera>> Attribute Manager> Background> Background Overwrite not working for you?

All the best

[Ricardo 4D]

Hi Sassi,
When we are modeling based on a reference, it is very useful to have this "back plate" in the viewport. It's faster and simpler to adjust the camera angle and position of the elements. You don't need to worry about lighting or materials at this stage.

[Ricardo 4D]

It's curious not to have this option. With a dome light, it is possible to view it in the viewport; why not with the camera?

[Dr. Sassi]

Hi Ricardo,

Since I write in a forum, let me share a few more points for anyone reading along.

I typically use this option for modeling based on images: (Shift + V) --> "Back"
https://help.maxon.net/c4d/2024/en-us/Default.htm#html/DBASEDRAW-BASEDRAW_GROUP_BACKGROUND.html#BASEDRAW_DATA_PICTURE

It is easy to adjust if the Image includes any measurements or units. Of course, that works only in Orthogonal views.

Other artists like to place the reference image on a plane and use images in the luminance channels (standard).

Depending on what is needed, sometimes, taking an image and placing paths (Illustrator) over it or Splines (Cinema 4D) can help a lot when details can snap to the "path-blue-print."

You might have parallax issues with a perspective camera.

(A Domelight can be used, but one move with the camera might be hard to get back. Also, there are parallax issues.)

Cheers

[Ricardo 4D]

Hi @Dr-Sassi
Thank you for your tips. I want to clarify what I'm seeking. Once you've selected your camera in the viewport, you should be able to see the backplate image.
While I did find something online that functions similarly, it would be much more convenient to have that option integrated into the RS camera background. This kind of approach proves highly useful during the modeling stage, especially when you need to match a reference.

[Dr. Sassi]

Hi Ricardo,

Please have a look here:

https://stcineversityprod02.blob.core.windows.net/$web/Cineversity_Forum_Support/2024_PROJECTS_DRS/20240129_CV4-2024_drs_24_RScm_01.zip

I have set up three ways to use an image in a scene as background.
There are other options, but let me know if anything in this folder is helpful.

All the best

[Ricardo 4D]

Hi Sassi,
Come on! haha, I knew something was missing. The key here is, in order to show de background image in the viewport you have to set it to "Use it as render view". Of course, you are limited to one quadrant at a time. Kinda of a gotcha, God damn.
Thank you again.

Ricardo

[Dr. Sassi]

Thank you very much, Ricardo!

This is why I love communication supported by files!

That was not on my mind, so you found it! Great observation. Thank you so much for your feedback.

My best wishes