Element: Elliptical Caustic

This element looks like a four-sided polygon within an ellipse. Its controls are similar to those of the Star Caustic element though their shape is different.

What it is based on

Elliptical Caustic simulates a unique distorted reflection observed primarily in Nikon still camera lenses.

Position

Sets the location of the Elliptical Caustic element. The position is always along a line that passes through both the center of the image and the light source. Alternately, you can click inside the Preview Window and reposition the element with the cursor crosshair.

A value of 1 sets the element at a light source. A value of 0 sets the element in the center of the composition frame. A value of -1 sets the element on the opposite side of the frame from the light source.

Brightness

Sets the brightness of the element. High values make the element brighter. Low values make the diamond less bright and more transparent.

Scale

Sets the size of the element. High values make the element larger.

At left, Brightness set high, Scale set high, Anamorphic turned on.
At right, Brightness set low, Scale set low, Anamorphic turned off.

Anamorphic checkbox

Use this to create a wide elliptical element or a circular elliptical element. Turned off by default. When the checkbox is checkmarked, the Elliptical Caustic is elliptical.S This simulates a common aspect of using anamorphic lenses in cinematography in which light reflections in the lens appear elliptical. When the checkbox is off, the element is round, since light reflections appear round in spherical cinematography.

Color

Sets the color of the Elliptical Caustic. Default color is a purple circular shape with a pink square inside.