Automatic Talent/Motion Tracking???? at DVinfo.net

Charles Walker · February 16th, 2009, 03:15 PM

I am new to videography, and would appreciate any help with the following:

I will soon be recording single-camera videos of myself, presenting instructional material in a small studio. I want to set up the video camera such that I do not have to remain stationary, but can move about within an area of a few feet, while being kept reasonably well-centered in frame. As I will be working alone, I am needing an automated solution. Any ideas???

Thanks in advance,
Charles

Paul Izbicki · February 16th, 2009, 04:40 PM

Yes, there is such a device, a consumer product that mounts on tripod and pans the camera to follow talent. I don't know the brand name, but at one time B & H carried it. The device worked by tracking a transmitter the presenter carried/wore. It cost around $150 several years ago. Made by a video accessory manufacturer. If you can't find it in their online catalog, call and ask.

Charles Walker · February 16th, 2009, 10:11 PM

Thanks, Paul. I will call B&H tomorrow. If anyone can shed additional light on this issue, it would be deeply appreciated.

Charles

Henry Posner · February 17th, 2009, 10:46 AM

Maybe you're thinking of something like CameraMan with AutoTRACK by Parkervision?

Charles Walker · February 17th, 2009, 12:33 PM

Thanks Henry for your response. It appears, though, that what Paul had in mind might have been the TecNec ITP-1 In The Picture. I found it on the B&H website for $249. It seems to be exactly what I had in mind, except that it has a manual tilt adjustment (i.e. tilt does not track). For my purposes, I can do without automatic tilting.

Now I'm looking for an independent review to see how effectively it works. Anyone have any experience with the TecNec ITP-1 In The Picture?

Thanks

Charles

Henry Posner · February 17th, 2009, 03:17 PM

TecNec ITP-1 In The Picture - Robotic Camera Panhead

February 16th, 2009, 03:15 PM	#1
Charles Walker New Boot Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bremerton Washington Posts: 8	Automatic Talent/Motion Tracking???? I am new to videography, and would appreciate any help with the following: I will soon be recording single-camera videos of myself, presenting instructional material in a small studio. I want to set up the video camera such that I do not have to remain stationary, but can move about within an area of a few feet, while being kept reasonably well-centered in frame. As I will be working alone, I am needing an automated solution. Any ideas??? Thanks in advance, Charles Last edited by Charles Walker; February 17th, 2009 at 02:38 PM.

February 16th, 2009, 04:40 PM	#2
Paul Izbicki Panoramic Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Knoxville, TN Posts: 85	Auto camera panning Yes, there is such a device, a consumer product that mounts on tripod and pans the camera to follow talent. I don't know the brand name, but at one time B & H carried it. The device worked by tracking a transmitter the presenter carried/wore. It cost around $150 several years ago. Made by a video accessory manufacturer. If you can't find it in their online catalog, call and ask. __________________ Paul Izbicki i2inewMedia

February 16th, 2009, 10:11 PM	#3
Charles Walker New Boot Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bremerton Washington Posts: 8	Automatic Talent/Motion Tracking???? Thanks, Paul. I will call B&H tomorrow. If anyone can shed additional light on this issue, it would be deeply appreciated. Charles

February 17th, 2009, 10:46 AM	#4
Henry Posner sponsor: B&H Photo-Video Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: New York, NY Posts: 137	Maybe you're thinking of something like CameraMan with AutoTRACK by Parkervision? __________________ Henry Posner B&H Photo-Video

February 17th, 2009, 12:33 PM	#5
Charles Walker New Boot Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bremerton Washington Posts: 8	Automatic Talent/Motion Tracking???? Thanks Henry for your response. It appears, though, that what Paul had in mind might have been the TecNec ITP-1 In The Picture. I found it on the B&H website for $249. It seems to be exactly what I had in mind, except that it has a manual tilt adjustment (i.e. tilt does not track). For my purposes, I can do without automatic tilting. Now I'm looking for an independent review to see how effectively it works. Anyone have any experience with the TecNec ITP-1 In The Picture? Thanks Charles Last edited by Charles Walker; February 17th, 2009 at 12:57 PM. Reason: expound

February 17th, 2009, 03:17 PM	#6
Henry Posner sponsor: B&H Photo-Video Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: New York, NY Posts: 137	TecNec ITP-1 In The Picture - Robotic Camera Panhead __________________ Henry Posner B&H Photo-Video