ImageMatics StillMotion Creator

That is because StillMotion Creator can transform static photos into miniature movies, complete with sound, zoom, pan, fade to black, and other features. When finished, those movies can be exported as either an .avi file or a Flash^TM .swf file or both, allowing them to easily be used in various settings.

In this example, a property is shown from a distance before the camera zooms in on the main building, pans to the boat dock, and then zooms back out to again show the overall view. It can also be set to continuously loop. It takes a few seconds to complete the trip, and it adds a new dimension to the web page. Below demonstrates how the feature is implemented in HTML:

Note: Select refresh to repeat show.

StillMotion Creator is not a difficult program to use, nor is it a large program. It is, however, very good at doing what it promises. Its interface is very clean and easy to use, and the learning curve is little more than a slight bend in the road.

The creation process is fairly simple. Load the photo you wish to use. Using the yellow "box" — which is the camera window and what is actually seen in the movie — select the area with which you want to begin. Click on the keyframe control button (on the right at the bottom of the preview window) for the starting point of the movie.

Then, using the camera window, move the box as desired to change the view. Sliding the corner of the camera window in or out changes the zoom aspect of the scene. When placed where desired, click again on the keyframe control button. Users wishing to hold a particular view for a longer period of time can click the keyframe control button, move the timeline where desired and click the same button again to put a hold into the movie.

Simply moving the timeline and repositioning the keyframe control button creates a pan, where the camera moves to other areas of the photo.

Each frame takes about 10-12 KB. The example shown above is 38 KB, which is not much larger than the static photo would have been. A full minute-long movie can take only 600 KB.

The program comes in three forms:

• StillMotion Creator: Creates Flash movies from still images using pan and zoom effects. It sells for $99.95.
• StillMotion Creator Plus: Creates Flash movies and internet video (less than 400 lines resolution) using pan and zoom effects. It costs $149.95.
• StillMotion Creator Pro: Creates Flash movies, internet video and professional broadcast video, including HDTV, from still images using pan and zoom effects. The price tag: $249.95.

The various editions enable users to choose that which most suits their needs and bank accounts. Further, if the need exists, the program is not really all that expensive.

What is it called again? ImageMatics StillMotion Creator v1.0.

Where can I get it? http://www.imagematics.com .

How big is the download?$99.95, $149.95, or $249.95 depending on which version is chosen.

Do I recommend it? It may be too expensive to just play with it, but if you have a need for this type of program it is probably a bargain and well worth it.