Pre-0.5.7 Free Camera

[Aivris]

I looked through the patch notes but didn't see anything about this feature being removed or changed.

 

The current free camera system can be activated by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Backspace, regardless of whether the player has been sunk or not. So basically, it can be used at any point in the battle, but it's not as user-friendly as the 0.5.7 spectator camera.

 

It comes in very handy for taking screenshots without having to quit the game and open up a replay. The camera can be set back to the default mode by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Backspace again.

 

 

 

 

And aside from being used to take screenshots, it could also be used for scoping out an area. For example, you could activate the free camera to check behind an island and get a better visual of an enemy ship (reference my position on the minimap in relation to the positioning of the camera):

 

 

Is this a feature that is often used by players? And with a new spectator camera being implemented in 0.5.7, what happens to the current free camera system?

[AWACS_Long_Caster]

I never knew that was the shortcut. (I'd better start testing)

 

[Pizza_plz]

I use it pretty frequently to take screenshots, and every so often to take quick peeks around islands or to zoom in and get a better look at whether or not a given ship is looking at me. Despite its clumsiness, it is pretty useful, especially to look around or over cover.

[Sturg303]

Genius find

 

Already knew that though

[LittleWhiteMouse]

That shortcut still works in 0.5.7 if you prefer using it over the new free camera mode.  The zoom feature it has is still useful and absent in the new free camera.

[Aivris]

I use it pretty frequently to take screenshots, and every so often to take quick peeks around islands or to zoom in and get a better look at whether or not a given ship is looking at me. Despite its clumsiness, it is pretty useful, especially to look around or over cover.

That shortcut still works in 0.5.7 if you prefer using it over the new free camera mode.  The zoom feature it has is still useful and absent in the new free camera.

Is there a way to move the camera vertically? I've been trying to take screenshots from the flight decks of carriers but the camera is always too high.

[ConquerorSEA_2014]

I usualy only use this feature as spectactor mode.The control is too sluggish and wonky to be use frequently in combat.

[LittleWhiteMouse]

Is there a way to move the camera vertically? I've been trying to take screenshots from the flight decks of carriers but the camera is always too high.

 

With the CTRL SHIFT BACKSPACE camera?  Yes, two ways.

 

NUMPAD 7 - increase the height.

NUMPAD 9 - reduce the height.

NUMPAD 1 - track towards the camera reticule.  This can change the camera's elevation.

NUMPAD 3 - track away from the camera reticule.  This can change the camera's elevation.

[Guest]

Very interesting to see this feature existed, but I'm more than glad to see it replaced by the next's patch Free Camera, due to its ease of use. 

[Sturg303]

I honestly do not see the point of adding the screenshot feature when there is already a way to take screenshots

[Aivris]

 

With the CTRL SHIFT BACKSPACE camera?  Yes, two ways.

 

NUMPAD 7 - increase the height.

NUMPAD 9 - reduce the height.

NUMPAD 1 - track towards the camera reticule.  This can change the camera's elevation.

NUMPAD 3 - track away from the camera reticule.  This can change the camera's elevation.

I see! Thank you very much. I found out that I previously didn't have my Num Lock key on, which was why the '7' and '9' keys weren't moving the camera vertically.

 

I honestly do not see the point of adding the screenshot feature when there is already a way to take screenshots

It's not primarily for screenshotting, but more for a better experience when spectating.