Webcam Motion Capture

Introduction to Webcam Motion Capture

Webcam Motion Capture is an innovative AI-powered software that enables users to control 3D avatars using only a standard webcam or smartphone camera. Launched in November 2021, it has gained popularity among over 29,600 users across 120 countries. This tool allows creators to become virtual YouTubers or produce animated content without the need for expensive motion capture equipment.

Key Features

• High-Quality Hand and Finger Tracking: Achieve natural and robust hand and finger tracking using only a webcam.
• Comprehensive Motion Capture: Includes head tracking, facial expression tracking, eye gaze tracking, eye blink detection, lip sync, and upper body tracking.
• VMC Protocol Support: Send tracking data to external applications supporting the VMC Protocol, enabling integration with various software and game engines.
• FBX File Export: Save motion capture data as FBX files for use in 3D animation software like Blender, Maya, and 3ds Max.
• Compatibility with Face Tracking Apps: Supports integration with mobile face tracking apps for enhanced facial expression capture.

How to Use Webcam Motion Capture

1. Download and Install: Visit the official website and download the appropriate version for your operating system (Windows or macOS). Unzip the downloaded file and run the application.
2. Set Up Your Webcam: Ensure your webcam is properly connected and recognized by your computer. Position it at roughly head level, facing you directly, with your face and upper body fully visible.
3. Launch the Application: Open the Webcam Motion Capture application. Two windows will appear: Webcam Motion Capture and Webcam Motion Receiver.
4. Configure Camera Settings: In the Webcam Motion Capture window, select your webcam from the ‘Camera’ dropdown menu. Set the resolution to 640×360 (or 1280×720 for full-body tracking) for optimal performance.
5. Import Your 3D Avatar: In the Webcam Motion Receiver window, click ‘Load VRM’ to import your custom VRM avatar file. You can create one using VRoid Studio if you don’t have one.
6. Adjust Tracking Settings: Click the ‘Facial Expressions Settings’ button in the Webcam Motion Receiver window. Select ‘PerfectSync’ for tracking mode if using a compatible face tracking app on mobile.
7. Start Motion Capture: Ensure both Webcam Motion Capture and Webcam Motion Receiver windows are open. Your movements should now be reflected in the 3D avatar in real-time.
8. Set Up for Streaming (Optional): To use with OBS Studio for streaming, set the Webcam Motion Receiver background to transparent, add it as a game capture source in OBS, and configure your desired background.
9. Optimize Performance (if needed): If experiencing lag, open Preferences in Webcam Motion Capture and set ‘Capture Speed’ to ‘High Speed’ or ‘Low Speed’. In Webcam Motion Receiver, set ‘Graphics Quality & GPU Usage’ to ‘Low’ in App Settings.
10. Use Advanced Features (Optional): Explore additional features like using video files as input, connecting to external apps via VMC Protocol, or exporting motion data to FBX files for animation projects.

Pricing

• Subscription: $1.99/month, which includes all future software updates. You can cancel anytime.
• One-Time Payment: Available for those who prefer a one-time payment option.
• Referral Program: Offers opportunities to earn a free subscription through referrals.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use Webcam Motion Capture for live streaming on YouTube? Yes, you can live stream on YouTube using OBS Studio. See the official user guide for details.
• Can I use Webcam Motion Capture to create my own video using 3D avatars? Yes, you can do it using OBS Studio. See the official user guide for details.
• My computer is not fast enough. Can I still use Webcam Motion Capture? Yes. Because Webcam Motion Capture can control your 3D avatar not only from your webcam but also from your video! First, shoot a video using your smartphone. Then, use the video on Webcam Motion Capture as an input. In this way, you can control your 3D avatar according to your move even on relatively slow computers.
• How can I create my own 3D avatar? Use VRoid Studio. It is free easy-to-use software to create 3D avatars, which does not require any special skills! Export your avatar as a VRM file. Then import it to Webcam Motion Receiver.
• Can I set a video as a background? Yes. You can make the Webcam Motion Receiver’s background transparent and set your preferred video as the background in OBS Studio.
• Can I use a smartphone as a webcam? Yes. We have confirmed that EpocCam on iPhone/iPad and DroidCam on Android are compatible with Webcam Motion Capture. Both the apps are free.
• What is the recommended setup? The tracking usually gets more stable in a bright and non-cluttered room. The app assumes that you are facing straight to the camera, so the height of your camera should be roughly at the same level as your head. Your face and chest should be fully visible, so don’t be too close to the camera. Also, the tracking gets stable if your elbow is visible when you raise your hand. The quality of hand tracking often improves if your elbows, forearms, and hands are uncovered. So, if your forearms are covered by long sleeves, it is recommended that you roll up your sleeves above your elbows.
• How can I hide my webcam for live streaming? Check ‘Hide Webcam’ at the bottom of the Webcam Motion Capture window.