What you'll learn

In this After Effects tutorial, we'll learn how to use the great new features in After Effects CS5.5 to speed up our projects and unleash a new level of control. We'll begin this tutorial by looking at the new vibrance and black and white effects, which allow us new creative controls. Then we'll look at the new Camera Lens Blur and 3D Camera Depth of Field blur features, which are vastly improved and allow for natural bokeh and depth blurs. Then we'll learn how to quickly do repetitive placement tasks using the align panel. Then we'll learn how to use the new 3d light falloff features to create more realistic lighting. Then we'll take some time examining the new Warp Stabilizer effect which stabilizes footage quickly and cleanly in a matter of clicks. Finally, we'll examine the new Stereoscopic 3D camera rig and how we can use it with our 3d projects for a quick stereo experience. By the end of this After Effects tutorial, you'll have the ability to better use all of the new features added in CS5.5. Software required: After Effects CS5.5.