Real-time camera tracking system for virtual production and broadcast – enables pixel-accurate AR graphics and CGI integration through optical inside-out tracking.
What is Ncam?
Ncam (Ncam Reality) is a real-time camera tracking system for Virtual Production, Broadcast, and AR applications. The system uses optical tracking to precisely capture camera position and rotation – for pixel-accurate CGI integration in real-time.
Technical Definition
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Company | Ncam Technologies |
| Method | Optical Inside-Out Tracking |
| Latency | < 10ms |
| Output | Position + Rotation + Lens Data |
Ncam Products
Ncam Reality
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Ncam Camera Bar | Sensor on film camera |
| Ncam Server | Calculation |
| Ncam Reality Software | Visualization |
| Markers | Optional (markerless possible) |
Variants
| Product | Application |
|---|---|
| Ncam Reality | Full-Feature VP |
| Ncam Mk2 | Current Generation |
| Ncam Lite | More compact version |
How Ncam Works
Inside-Out Tracking
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Sensor | Camera "sees" the environment |
| Features | Detects points in space |
| Calculation | Position relative to the environment |
| Output | 6DOF camera data |
Tracking Methods
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Markerless | Natural features |
| Marker-assisted | Additional reference |
| Hybrid | Combination |
What Ncam Tracks
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Position X/Y/Z | In 3D space |
| Rotation Pan/Tilt/Roll | Camera orientation |
| Focal Length | Zoom position |
| Focus Distance | Focus distance |
| Aperture | Aperture (optional) |
Application Areas
Virtual Production
| Application | Ncam Benefit |
|---|---|
| LED Volume | Perspective correction |
| Green Screen | Real-time compositing |
| XR | Mixed reality |
Broadcast
| Application | Example |
|---|---|
| Sports | AR graphics on the field |
| News | Virtual sets |
| Events | Live visualization |
Film
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Previs | See CGI live |
| VFX Shooting | Tracking for post |
| Final Pixel | In-camera VFX |
Ncam vs. Other Systems
| System | Ncam Advantage |
|---|---|
| Mo-Sys | Ncam often more flexible (markerless) |
| OptiTrack | Ncam requires less setup |
| Vicon | Ncam more cost-effective |
| Stype | Similar capability |
Integration
Render Engines
| Engine | Support |
|---|---|
| Unreal Engine | Native Plugin |
| Unity | Plugin available |
| Notch | Supported |
| Disguise | Integrated |
Broadcast Systems
| System | Integration |
|---|---|
| Vizrt | Direct connection |
| Ross Video | Supported |
| Brainstorm | Compatible |
Workflow
Setup
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Mount Sensor | Install on camera |
| Calibration | Measure the space |
| Connect Engine | LiveLink or similar |
| Test | Verify tracking |
During Production
| Phase | Activity |
|---|---|
| Real-Time | CGI live in the frame |
| Director's View | Final composite |
| Recording | Save tracking data |
Advantages of Ncam
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Markerless | Less setup |
| Real-Time | Immediate feedback |
| Flexibility | Free camera movement |
| Precision | Sub-millimeter possible |
Typical Setups
Broadcast Studio
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Ncam on Pedestal | Tracking active |
| Virtual Set | In render engine |
| Output | Live on air |
Film VP Stage
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Ncam on Steadicam | Free movement |
| LED Wall | Background |
| Unreal Engine | Real-time rendering |
The Legacy
History
- 2012: Ncam founded
- 2015: Broadcast adoption
- 2019: VP boom
- Today: Industry standard
Influence
Ncam has made markerless tracking practical, thereby making Virtual Production accessible to more studios.
Today
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Market Position | Leading VP tracking |
| Adoption | Film, TV, Broadcast, Events |
| Cost | Mid-range |
| Trend | AI-enhanced tracking |
Modern Development
Ncam continuously expands its capabilities – better markerless tracking, more engine integration, and AI-powered features for even more precise results.
More in the lexikon