Frequently asked questions
1- General questions
1.1 - What kind of cameras are supported?
Your camera needs to be able to output clean HDMI out (without overlays). Check out your camera manual if you are not sure. Most cameras released after 2021 can output clean HDMI.
1.2 - How can I save my videos?
For short videos (ideally under 30 seconds), you can use internal saving and instant replay. This is the ideal situation for photobooths or short animations. To save your videos, go in the live-view and hit the record button (or use the “b” key) to start and stop the recording. You can also set a pre-defined recording time from the dashboard/actions
For longer videos (live performances, etc), it is more efficient to save your mp4 files externally. There are two options for this:
1- Use an external HDMI recorder (for example, an Atomos Ninja V: https://amzn.to/34trt4j)
2- Record from a second computer using a additional HDMI converter using OBS or similar. The set up would look like this: computer #1 with virtual.ink -> HDMI to USB -> computer #2 with OBS.
1.3 - How can I save individual picture frames?
By default, the last frame of a short clip is going to be the thumbnail and an available image for sharing. You can also snap a few additional frames during the process by using the “e” key (or the “save” button at the bottom of the live-view). If you are currently recording, then the jpg files are going to be available in the same session (folder) as your current video. If you are not recording, then you’re going to get a new folder each time you save a new picture.
1.4 - Where can I find my saved images and videos?
From the software, click on the “folder” icon on the top-right corner
1.5 - What type of wireless remote control can I use?
For outdoors work or performances or photobooths, I highly recommend a gamepad with a dedicated dongle and a usb extension. I also love the Kokuyo Ela-fp1 finger trigger which works greatly and allows me to keeps my both hands free: https://amzn.to/2DhSgq6.
1.6 - Do I need internet to run Virtual.Ink?
You need an internet connection in these two cases only: 1) to validate your license when you run the app. 2) to share the videos from the sharing screen. If for some reason you go offline during an event, you’ll still be able to use the sharing station, but you’ll have to get back online at some point to clear the queue.
2- DUAL MODE
2.1 - What is the difference between using one or two cameras (dual mode)?
One camera is typically used to work in dark environment where you do regular light-painting. Here are a couple of examples: example1, example2, example3. In these cases, you can use either light-painting or a slow-speed strobe to light-up your subject. However, with two cameras, you can shoot in pretty bright light and still see the light-painting. This is achieved by having one camera capturing the ambient light, while the second one is getting the light-painting only. Here are 4 examples: example1, exemple2, example3, example4.
2.2 - Do I need to have two cameras of the same model?
No, but ideally, you will have the same focal length on both cameras so you can easily align the images.
2.3 - Do I need two hdmi capture cards to use the dual feature?
Yes, each camera should be connected to its own converter, and then you can connect both converters to a single computer
2.4 - How do I align my two feeds?
By using two lights. Have a subject in the center of your frame, and try to align the two lights. You can fine-tune the alignment straight from the software using the arrow keys.
