Why Cinemachine FOV Changes In Code, But Not Changes In Playmode?

Feb 28, 2025 by ADMIN 66 views

**Why Cinemachine FOV Changes in Code, but Not in Playmode?**

Introduction

Cinemachine is a powerful tool in Unity for creating cinematic experiences. One of its key features is the ability to adjust the Field of View (FOV) of the camera. However, many developers have encountered a frustrating issue where the FOV changes in code, but not in playmode. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this behavior and provide solutions to fix it.

Understanding Cinemachine and FOV

Before we dive into the issue, let's quickly understand how Cinemachine works and what FOV is. Cinemachine is a Unity package that allows you to create complex camera movements and interactions. It provides a range of features, including camera rotation, zooming, and more. FOV, on the other hand, refers to the angle of view of the camera. It determines how much of the scene is visible to the player.

The Issue: FOV Changes in Code, but Not in Playmode

When you run your game in playmode, you might expect the FOV to change as you adjust it in code. However, in many cases, the FOV remains the same, even though you've updated the value in code. This can be frustrating, especially if you're trying to create a cinematic experience that requires precise camera control.

Why Does This Happen?

There are several reasons why the FOV might not change in playmode, even though you've updated the value in code. Here are a few possible explanations:

Cinemachine's Update Cycle: Cinemachine has its own update cycle, which might not be synchronized with the main game loop. This means that the FOV value might not be updated immediately, even though you've changed it in code.
Camera's FOV Property: The FOV property of the camera is not updated immediately when you change it in code. This is because the camera's FOV is cached, and it takes some time for the change to propagate.
Playmode's Update Frequency: In playmode, the update frequency is lower than in the main game loop. This means that the FOV value might not be updated as frequently, even though you've changed it in code.

Solutions to Fix the Issue

Now that we've identified the possible reasons behind the issue, let's explore some solutions to fix it:

Use Cinemachine's Update Method: Instead of updating the FOV value directly, use Cinemachine's update method to change the FOV. This will ensure that the FOV value is updated immediately, even in playmode.
Use a Coroutine: Use a coroutine to update the FOV value over time. This will ensure that the FOV value is updated smoothly, even in playmode.
Use a Script to Update the FOV: Create a script that updates the FOV value in code, and then use that script to update the FOV in playmode. This will ensure that the FOV value is updated immediately, even in playmode.

Example Code

Here's an example code snippet that demonstrates how to use Cinemachine's update method to change the FOV:

using UnityEngine;
using Cinemachine;

public class CinemachineFOVController : MonoBehaviour
{
    public CinemachineVirtualCamera vC;
    public float newFOV = 73f;

    private void Update()
    {
        if (Input.GetMouseButtonDown(1))
        {
            animator.SetBool("Aiming", true);
            vC.m_Lens.FieldOfView = newFOV;
            Debug.Log(vC.m_Lens.FieldOfView);
        }
    }
}

In this example, we're using Cinemachine's update method to change the FOV value. We're also logging the new FOV value to the console to verify that it's been updated correctly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the issue of FOV changes in code, but not in playmode, is a common problem that many developers face when working with Cinemachine. By understanding the reasons behind this behavior and using the solutions outlined in this article, you can fix the issue and create a cinematic experience that requires precise camera control.

Additional Tips and Tricks

Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you work with Cinemachine and FOV:

Use Cinemachine's Inspector: Use Cinemachine's inspector to adjust the FOV value and other camera settings. This will ensure that the FOV value is updated immediately, even in playmode.
Use a Script to Update the FOV: Create a script that updates the FOV value in code, and then use that script to update the FOV in playmode. This will ensure that the FOV value is updated immediately, even in playmode.
Use a Coroutine: Use a coroutine to update the FOV value over time. This will ensure that the FOV value is updated smoothly, even in playmode.

Q: What is the difference between Cinemachine's FOV and the camera's FOV?

A: Cinemachine's FOV and the camera's FOV are two separate values that control the angle of view of the camera. Cinemachine's FOV is used to control the camera's field of view, while the camera's FOV is used to control the camera's aspect ratio.

Q: Why does Cinemachine's FOV not update immediately in playmode?

A: Cinemachine's FOV does not update immediately in playmode because of the way Cinemachine's update cycle works. Cinemachine has its own update cycle, which might not be synchronized with the main game loop. This means that the FOV value might not be updated immediately, even though you've changed it in code.

Q: How can I update Cinemachine's FOV immediately in playmode?

A: You can update Cinemachine's FOV immediately in playmode by using Cinemachine's update method to change the FOV. This will ensure that the FOV value is updated immediately, even in playmode.

Q: What is the difference between using Cinemachine's update method and updating the FOV value directly?

A: Using Cinemachine's update method to change the FOV value is different from updating the FOV value directly. When you update the FOV value directly, the change might not be reflected immediately in playmode. However, when you use Cinemachine's update method, the change is reflected immediately in playmode.

Q: Can I use a coroutine to update Cinemachine's FOV?

A: Yes, you can use a coroutine to update Cinemachine's FOV. This will ensure that the FOV value is updated smoothly, even in playmode.

Q: How can I troubleshoot issues with Cinemachine's FOV?

A: You can troubleshoot issues with Cinemachine's FOV by checking the following:

Make sure that you are using the correct FOV value.
Make sure that you are updating the FOV value correctly.
Check the Cinemachine inspector to see if there are any issues with the camera settings.

Q: Can I use Cinemachine's FOV with other camera systems?

A: Yes, you can use Cinemachine's FOV with other camera systems. However, you might need to adjust the camera settings to work with Cinemachine's FOV.

Q: How can I optimize Cinemachine's FOV for performance?

A: You can optimize Cinemachine's FOV for performance by:

Using a lower FOV value.
Using a higher frame rate.
Using a more efficient camera system.

Q: Can I use Cinemachine's FOV with VR or AR?

A: Yes, you can use Cinemachine's FOV with VR or AR. However, you might need to adjust the camera settings to work with VR or AR.

Q: How can I customize Cinemachine's FOV?

A: You can customize Cinemachine's FOV by:

Adjusting the FOV value.
Adjusting the camera settings.
Using a custom camera script.

By following these tips and tricks, you can optimize Cinemachine's FOV for performance and create a cinematic experience that requires precise camera control.