Camera Z-Depth Pro

Technical Requirements

Description

Camera Z-Depth Pro creates and manages Z-depth render passes using camera distance calculations.

The tool provides a visual workflow for defining depth ranges, previewing results in the viewport and generating renderer-specific depth elements for production rendering.

Licence Requirements

This tool requires an active SiNi user account and a valid licence.

Supported Licences

• All Access Subscription
• IgNite Subscription
• Forensic (Free) Licence

The script will not function unless you are logged into the SiNi Desipher Licence Manager within 3ds Max.
If a valid licence cannot be found, functionality will be disabled until a licence is activated.

Activating Your Licence

1. Create a SiNi account at SiNiSoftware.com.
2. Download the latest SiNi installer.
3. Install SiNi into your version of 3ds Max.
4. This installs the SiNi Desipher Licence Manager.
5. Launch 3ds Max.
6. Open the Desipher Licence Manager.
7. Sign in using your SiNi account credentials.
8. Once your licence has been validated, the script will become available for use.

Installation

ZIP Package Contents

• MacroScript .MZP file
• Documentation

Installing the MacroScript Version

1. Extract the ZIP file.
2. There are two options to install MacroScript .MZP files.
   – Drag and Drop the MacroScript .MZP file into a 3ds Max viewport.
   – Run the Script from the Command Panel; Utilities/MAXScript/Run Script.
3. Open Customise → Customise User Interface.
4. Select the Sinilab_Scripts category.
5. Drag the tool onto a toolbar, quad menu or menu.

Rollout Reference

Controls camera-based depth calculations and Z-depth render pass generation.

Camera Group

Active
Displays the active camera used to evaluate scene depth.

Pick
Selects the camera used for depth calculations.

Target
Displays the distance between the camera and its target when available.

Focus
Displays the camera focus distance used for depth calculations.

DOF %
Defines the Near and Far depth range around the focus distance as a percentage.

Auto
Automatically generates Near and Far depth values from the current focus distance.

Depth Setup Group

Near Obj
Displays the object used as the nearest depth reference.

Pick
Selects the object used to define the Near depth position.

Near
Displays the calculated distance from the camera to the Near reference.

Adjust
Adjusts the Near depth position within the current scene range.

Far Obj
Displays the object used as the farthest depth reference.

Pick
Selects the object used to define the Far depth position.

Far
Displays the calculated distance from the camera to the Far reference.

Adjust
Adjusts the Far depth position within the current scene range.

Preview Group

Preview Depth
Visualises the depth range using a colour spectrum across visible scene objects.

Restore Colours
Restores the original scene wireframe colours.

Create / Update
Creates or updates the Z-depth render element or AOV for the active renderer.

Delete Depth
Removes existing Z-depth render elements or AOVs from the scene.

Typical Workflows

Create a Z-Depth Pass from Scene Objects

1. Open Camera Z-Depth Pro.
2. Select the active camera.
3. Pick a Near reference object.
4. Pick a Far reference object.
5. Adjust the depth range if required.
6. Click Preview Depth to verify the result.
7. Click Create / Update.
8. Render the scene.

Troubleshooting

Q: Preview Depth does not appear to change object colours.
A: Ensure the scene contains visible geometry in front of the active camera.

Q: Near and Far values are incorrect.
A: Verify the correct camera is selected and that the reference objects are visible to the camera.

Q: Auto does not generate a depth range.
A: Ensure the camera exposes a valid focus distance value.

Q: No Z-depth render element is created.
A: Confirm the active renderer supports Z-depth elements and that a valid licence is active.