CamTrackAR exports camera tracks to Blender for free
FXhome has released CamTrackAR, a new iOS app that records 3D tracking data alongside video footage captured on an iPhone or iPad, and exports it to Blender, HitFilm or After Effects.
Blender and HitFilm users can export data for free; the paid version of the app also exports to After Effects, and makes it possible to add more than one anchor point to a 3D scene to improve the quality of the track.
Record 3D camera tracks in real time, even on older iPhones
CamTrackAR generates a 3D track for an iOS device, making it possible to import the data into a compositing package alongside the video footage and generate a virtual camera move automatically.
It’s based on ARKit, Apple’s augmented reality framework, but unlike free iOS mocap apps like Epic Games’ Live Link Face or Moves by Maxon, it doesn’t require a TrueDepth camera.
That means that it should work with relatively old phones: ARKit apps work with the iPhone 6s and above.
Suitable for prosumer work and as quick on-set previs
Compared to processing existing video footage in dedicated 3D tracking software like SynthEyes, workflow in CamTrackAR is much simpler, and control options much more limited.
Users simply align a floor grid with the ground plane in the camera view, then add anchor points to improve the stability of the track. The free version of the app is limited to one anchor; the paid version has no limit.
The motion of the camera is then recorded in real time, along with the video footage.
As well as being targeted at artists routinely shooting footage on iPhones, like YouTubers, FXhome describes CamTrackAR as “an easy solution for professionals needing quick pre-visualization”.
System requirements and availability
CamTrackAR is available for iOS 13.2+. You can see a list of compatible iPhone and iPad models here.
The free version of the app limits users to a single anchor point in a scene, and exports only to Blender and to HitFilm, FXhome’s own video editing, compositing and effects software.
The paid version costs $29.99 or $4.99/month, and also exports to After Effects.
Read more about CamTrackAR on FXhome’s website
Download free iOS camera tracking app CamTrackAR from the App Store