I have started to include AE as my main compositor in recent time. And being able to composite directly in 3D (using 3D plane layers, projection mapping ect) is becoming more and more important. After effects have 3D layers which I'm using more and more these days. However I can't seem to find a way to get z depth information from the 3D scene in AE. Is there a way I can extract that information without using any plugins? I have setup up a composite using 3D layers and need to add fog/mist effects on it and more. This I thought would be an easy thing since AE has its 3D engine. But it's driving me mad, now having spent hours, trying to find a way to get z depth information. Only thing I can find is people pointing at plugins or having these really cumbersome workarounds.
Wouldn't surprise me (if it's possible) that it's super easy and have been in front of my nose all the time, but I just can't seem to find it.
Thanks!
/Mike