Zu3D Complete Stop Motion Animation Software Kit For Kids Includes Camera Handbook And Two Software Licenses Works On Windows Apple Mac OS X And iPad iOS

Awesome software, excellent webcam! The company even has outstanding customer support: the webcam that came in the box recorded sound, but had no video signal. I contacted ZuLogic and they shipped a new webcam out right away.My son and I had no problem producing a short little movie from his story. Real work time for us was probably a couple of weeks, though we spread it out over a few months of weekends.I like that the Zu3D software will import video from my camera (or stills) and drop it right into the timeline. The working files are bitmaps (.bmp) and .wav audio files. I used Zu3D to record an audio clip, then dug the .wav file out and used Audacity to add a few more effects, before returning the audio file to my movie. The software also recognized the other webcam on my computer and gave us the option to use that instead. However, the Starcam in the box has a much better lens for shooting close-ups of toys and clay. If you're not running this on a laptop, plan to buy some USB extension cables. The webcam cord is generous, but didn't reach from my tower to the "studio".The program gives you a single row of "video", a single row of titles, and a large number of audio tracks. So, you can't cross-fade video...unless you use different software to edit those bitmaps. The title generator is basic and fun, it will cross-fade in and out. ZuLogic even includes a small library of sound effects. It's a good collection (unless you're working sci-fi or fantasy) and will allow imports to the library. You can even edit sound effects or audio for length.The little tutorial book in the set was good for my son to review. The book explains the stop-motion process well.I looked over three major stop-motion sets and this one came out on top of my research. It's as good as the reviews say.

I bought this for my 10 year old grandson for Christmas. He’s just discovered stop-motion and it’s his newfound passion.This was on his list. My son is a software design engineer manager at Amazon. He’d cleared my grandson’s wish list; however, he just assumed that this kit would have a CD rom in it.As is often the case…his “assumption” now has him buying a CD rom.I’m extremely thankful that I discovered this BEFORE Christmas; otherwise It would be like gifting a 10 year old a battery operated toy with NO batteries…on Christmas morning😵‍💫For his birthday, the poor kid got 2 “electric” presents that were duds. One is that “as advertised on TV” lit-up “floating” cage-like ball. Problem: It didn’t have the bomarang return right out of the box😵‍💫. As with many TV “products”, the ads made it appear to by “out of the box ready to use” toy. Turns out it’s like pitching, you have to know HOW to throw it.The second present was a laser remote Cornwall climbing car. PROBLEM: Like many cars, it pulled to the left. It wouldn’t go straight so it wouldn’t climb the wall!I useable toys does not teach delayed gratification…it creates frustration and disappointment😞LESSON: CHECK the toy out throughly BEFOREgifting….Batteries/CDrom needed? Car “tires” aligned? PhD in pitching needed before use?As a gift giver, don’t add a source of frustration for the receiver😵‍💫

The first camera didn’t work but after a few emails back and forth we got a new one - I am enjoying the program now! Thank you!

The media could not be loaded. Very easy to use, I bought this for myself to create stop animation comics of my sculptures.Pros:The software interface is very friendly and simple to use.All controls are straight forward and intuitive.Drag and drop from frame to frame is flawlessly executed.I created a short animation in less than five minutes on my desk. (see uploaded video)The camera with the kit is adequate to simple captures and has built in lighting with a dimmer control.The kit includes; a green screen cloth that works very well with the software, some backdrops suitable for kids, an easy manual,multiple colours of clay for claymation, a quick start guide, and the software CD.Cons:The LED lighting on the included camera washes out anything white or glossy even at the lowest setting, so use some old school incandescent.Once any of the limited effects are applied You are stuck with them unless undo is applied beforeclosing the software or applying another effect, so you cannot remove an effect, at least I cannot find a way so far.There is a link in the Readme file on the disk to download media content if you install the older version for Windows XP,however the the link is brings you to a 404 page not found and their main website has no link to download said content.Conclusion:I highly recommend this package for anyone wanting to dabble in simple stop animation, and for anyone with childrenwho interested in making their own animations. Kudos to the Zu3D company for putting together a truly good package for learning stop animation.

I bought Zu3D for my almost ten-year-old son, and have been quite impressed by it. It is an intuitive and well-designed piece of software. Although there is a great deal to learn to create stop-animation movies, my son grasped enough right off the bat with Zu3D to make a very plausible short film using Lego figures. The online video tutorials are clear and helpful, and he has been enjoying exploring the many features as he grows more comfortable with the basics. The flexible webcam included in the kit works beautifully, and the built-in LED lights and microphone are a great feature. Finally, customer service was extremely thorough and prompt in helping us figure out a glitch on our end early on. Really, my only complaint is that we may never see our son again.