Whats the best cameras for me to get?

mrbones · **Posted:** Wed Apr 08, 2009 1:48 pm

I have An AMD 3000 and a 6800 GT graphics card. Running XP

Which cameras are the best to get for your program for me?

Thanks again and Cheers

Joe

Michael Nikonov · **Joined:** Tue Mar 31, 2009 9:13 pm **Posts:** 805

We recommend latest models of Logitech or Philips webcams. For example Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 or Philips SPC1300NC.

We do not recommend Microsoft webcams. They lack exposure control and this affects your ability to manage motion blur. In real-world situations, we had Microsoft webcams producing ridiculous amount of motion blur so that actor's hands were not visible at times.

Also I would not recommend Creative webcams. While they have exposure control, it does not seem to work well. Looks to be related to low quality of optics and/or sensor they use.

mrbones · **Posted:** Thu Apr 09, 2009 9:36 am

THanks for the info, this will help!

Michael Nikonov wrote:

We recommend latest models of Logitech or Philips webcams. For example Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 or Philips SPC1300NC.

We do not recommend Microsoft webcams. They lack exposure control and this affects your ability to manage motion blur. In real-world situations, we had Microsoft webcams producing ridiculous amount of motion blur so that actor's hands were not visible at times.

Also I would not recommend Creative webcams. While they have exposure control, it does not seem to work well. Looks to be related to low quality of optics and/or sensor they use.

DavidWinter · **Joined:** Wed Apr 08, 2009 6:41 pm **Posts:** 22

Michael Nikonov wrote:

We recommend latest models of Logitech or Philips webcams. For example Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 or Philips SPC1300NC.

We do not recommend Microsoft webcams. They lack exposure control and this affects your ability to manage motion blur. In real-world situations, we had Microsoft webcams producing ridiculous amount of motion blur so that actor's hands were not visible at times.

Also I would not recommend Creative webcams. While they have exposure control, it does not seem to work well. Looks to be related to low quality of optics and/or sensor they use.

The top of the line Logitech camera is $125 so not too bad...

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetai ... &langid=EN

How much more accurate is 4 cameras to 2 or 3 of them?

Michael Nikonov · **Joined:** Tue Mar 31, 2009 9:13 pm **Posts:** 805

DavidWinter wrote:

How much more accurate is 4 cameras to 2 or 3 of them?

Each additional camera results in significant quality improvement.

Here is a rough guide:

1 camera -> upper-body tracking only, actor cannot turn/spin around
2 cameras -> cameras in quoter-circle, full-body tracking, still cannot turn/spin around much
3 cameras -> you can install them in (almost) half-circle, actor can turn/spin around, much improved tracking reliability
4 cameras -> you can install cameras in full circle, and track spinning motions

emihich · **Joined:** Thu Apr 09, 2009 12:42 pm **Posts:** 15

Hi ,I just registered.
Congratulations , this is already a mocap revolution.
All 3d modeler independent artists are thanking the same,I guess.
I've already purchased the Flip minus cameras , they are much better than webcams, tripod friendly, and high quality images,
There is a less than US$200 HD version , but I have 4 DV Standard USB ones for mocap purposes and for this particular software, and their size : Cigarretes pack size, only thinner.
I found it at Amazon.com.
very excited and waiting for avaibility,

Luiz E. Mihich

sorry.Forget about it IPI recorder does not seem compatible withFlips (Good suggestion).I acquired the (not so cheap) Logitech ones.They seem very good.

JeffH · **Joined:** Mon Dec 21, 2009 8:59 am **Posts:** 1

Has anyone tried the new Microsoft LifeCam Cinema 720p?

http://dvice.com/archives/2009/08/microsoft-lifec.php
http://www.crunchgear.com/2009/08/17/mi ... -1280x720/

It can record at 720p resolution at 30fps.

I'm looking to buy 4. But I'd like to get other peoples input first.

Michael Nikonov · **Joined:** Tue Mar 31, 2009 9:13 pm **Posts:** 805

We have not tested Microsoft's LifeCam Cinema 720p in our lab as of yet, so I cannot tell you for sure if it is good or not, but I suspect it may have problems with framerate.

Previous best Microsoft's webcam - VX-7000 - had a problem with framerate. It did not have manual exposure setting, and Microsoft's auto-exposure caused the camera to randomly drop frames and operate at around 15 frames per second. I suspect that LifeCam Cinema does not have configurable exposure and cannot operate at 30 FPS, just like VX-7000.

For motion capture, a minimum of 30 frames per second is recommended.

So the best option remains Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000. (You may want to consider a notebook version of QuickCam Pro 9000. It is called Logitech QuickCam Pro for Notebooks. It is the same camera but in smaller case. Due to different clamp, it is easier to fix to standard tripods.)

pmetcalfe · **Joined:** Tue Jul 27, 2010 9:15 am **Posts:** 6

I just tried using my Microsoft LifeCam Cinema 720p and iPi Recorder doesn't like it. I'm off to find a Logitech.

Michael Nikonov · **Joined:** Tue Mar 31, 2009 9:13 pm **Posts:** 805

pmetcalfe wrote:

I just tried using my Microsoft LifeCam Cinema 720p and iPi Recorder doesn't like it. I'm off to find a Logitech.

Please note that at present we recommend Sony PlayStation 3 Eye camera:

http://www.amazon.com/PlayStation-Eye-3 ... 355&sr=8-1

It is better then Logitech cameras and also is more affordable.

Whats the best cameras for me to get?

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