PS3 Camera vs TrackIR camera
Discover the best camera for head tracking! Compare the PS3 Camera with a modified lens to the TrackIR camera. Learn about frame rates, quality, and more.
Hi Everyone,
This is our first post on Reddit as Delan Engineering, and we hope you find it helpful!
Recently, we received an email from one of our customers who purchased the Delanclip Fusion. They had a question regarding cameras:
“…using my Logitech webcam. Is this even possible? I don’t want to spend that kind of money on a TrackIR cam. Or would the PlayStation 3 camera (fairly cheap) with higher frame rates be a better bet than the webcam?”
Here’s my response:
PS3 Camera with Modified Lens vs. TrackIR Camera
The PS3 Camera with a modified lens is as good as the TrackIR camera – really!
Frame Rates and Head Tracking
Many people discuss frame rates, but I’ve spent a lot of time using both the PS3 Camera for head tracking and the TrackIR camera. Honestly, I see no difference! When it comes to gameplay, you will never notice any difference between a modified PS3 Camera and a TrackIR camera.
The noticeable differences appear when using standard cameras, like the one you mentioned before. These differences aren’t due to the camera resolution or video quality but are mainly because of frame rates.
Comparing Frame Rates
Logitech (basic) cameras can do a maximum of 30 fps, which still provides decent head tracking if you tweak the LED point extraction properly and adjust the curves. However, you will notice a difference in latency – there’s a massive step from 30 fps to 75 fps with the PS3 Camera. Moreover, the PS3 Camera can achieve 120 fps at lower resolutions, but at this level, the jump from 75 to 120 fps does not make a noticeable difference, as the human eye and reaction time are already slower than 75 fps.
Conclusion: Best Camera for Head Tracking
In conclusion, any camera will work for head tracking if it can see IR LED light (some cameras have strong IR filters, which will be a fail). However, the modified PS3 Camera is the way to go, considering its price, quality, responsiveness, and possibilities.
Additionally, the PS3 Camera has a quite good microphone, which is great for Skype.
Regards,
Tom @ Delan Engineering
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