3D tracking test

Arizona Virtual Studios just uploaded a 3D tracking shot at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5vFg-4gcSg

We went to South Mountain, AZ – armed with our Panasonic HPX300 to get the background plate.  The motion tracking was done in Boujou.
The truck was produced in Lightwave 3D.  We used global illumination with a matching HDRI image.

Since the road was curved in all three dimensions, we had to match this exactly in order to get an accurate shadows.  Interestingly enough, this was more tedious than the 3D animation and 3D tracking.  

http://www.azvirtualstudios.com/

Motion Tracking

Arizona Virtual Studios is now offering motion tracking!

We are using Boujou and Syntheyes to get the 3D tracking data. Both programs work excellent. There are several important pre-production thoughts to consider. Here is my initial list:

1. If you are using a camera with long lens (lots of DOF), make sure your markers are not too blurred. Possible solution: Use couple of C-stands with bright colored tennis balls on it (3 minimum).
2. If your tracking plate has lots of contrast and color elements, you most likely don’t need markers.
3. A handheld shot from a standing position creates sometimes issues for 3D tracking. Solution: Walk a few steps towards your final mark while recording. This create true 3D tracking data.
4. Mask out cars and other moving objects that you don’t want to use for 3D motion tracking.
5. You only need a few markers (or original background contrast points) most of the time. Don’t overdo it with 3D tracking points!

I’m always open for advice and your thoughts about 3D motion tracking!

John Koop
www.azvirtualstudios.com