PIP -- crop and zoom

[grobie]

I'm trying to use a still image as a picture-in-picture overlay and zoom in on a part of that image. The problem is, when I start zooming, the entire image gets bigger. How can I zoom in to the PIP overlay while constraining its size so it doesn't expand and cover more screen real estate?

Thanks.

[Paul LS]

1) Right click the still image on the timeline and turn off "Scale to Frame"
2) Use the Scale and Position controls under Properties for the still to set the size and position for the PIP effect
3) Apply the Crop effect
4) In the Crop effect parameters window in Properties check the Zoom check box.
5) Set keyframes for the Crop diemensions to control the zoom

6) Hey presto... the PIP will zoom without the frame size of the PIP changing

[Steve Grisetti]

Perfect, Paul!

All I might add are instructions for opening the Properties panel.

There are a number of ways to open the Properties for clip on your timeline. The two easiest are to either a) right-click on the clip on the timeline and select Show Properties, and b) right after you've applied an effect, click on the Edit Effects button the Effects panel.

[Jayell]

6) Hey presto... the PIP will zoom without the frame size of the PIP changing

This is VERY cool! I'm working in Premiere Pro CS5 .. and playing with it using a video within a video. I've always wanted to do this, but could never figure it out. I'm still stumbling a little bit, but it seems to be working. Thanks Paul!

[Bob]

Another thing to add regarding the zoom checkbox in crop. The sliders don't maintain the clip's frame aspect ratio. That is, the image will be stretched as you increase each slider amount independently and the image will be distorted unless you set each slider to the same amount.

Also, don't forget that if you want to crop the pip in addition to zooming it, you can add another crop effect to the clip and adjust that with the zoom checkbox unchecked.

[Paul LS]

Thanks Bob, I forgot to add that... an important point.

[Jayell]

the image will be distorted unless you set each slider to the same amount

.. or at least keep the sum of the left and right percentages equal to the sum of the top and bottom (assuming you want to zoom to somewhere other than the center of the photo or video).

[momoffduty]

So that is what that zoom check box is for in the crop effect. Great tip Paul.