180 FPS - Two Camera Analysis for under $50

[chughes82]

So for under $50 you can have two camera video analysis at 180 fps, though only at 320 x 240. You can also get 75 fps at 640 x 480. It's not great resolution, but for the price it's worth considering. I realize it's not a new setup, but it's working at higher fps than I've seen in other posts so I wanted to update folks who are considering their video analysis options.

I found two PS3 eye cameras on ebay for $22 each (in bulk packaging) delivered. I'm using free Kinovea analysis software (www.kinovea.org), with the free CL Eye Platform Driver from Code Laboratories drivers (www.codelaboratories.com).

Though the Kinovea software does not automatically recognize two of the same type of cameras, there is a workaround that is posted elsewhere, particularly on the Kinovea forum. Essentially you just plug one USB camera in and select it in a capture window. Then plug in the second camera, select it for a second capture window, and you are good to go.

Searching the internet for the software options, getting the driver working, and figuring out the best USB combination all took a couple of hours of trial and error, but using video of a cell phone displaying a stopwatch confirmed fps and functional dual camera recording.

The cameras aren't sophisticated (we'll see what happens with PS4) but they are cheap. The software isn't as sophisticated as others, but again it's free. For this cheapskate, it's tough to beat.

[Kball]

Can you post an example of the video quality you are getting with the referenced set-up?

[wbealsd]

The price is definitely right!

[sliceanddice]

How are you capturing your swing?
I was thinking it would be nice to have a sensor or button on the floor that scripts recording for x amount of seconds after activated.

[fhann]

I have obtained 2 cameras. I can activate 1 camera using Code Lab's single free licence software/driver but I am not able to find a free licence for 2 cameras on the Code Lab site. Does anyone have some more insight?

[CPA]

Code labs still does not do 2 cam for windows direct show as far as I know.

[chughes82]

Sorry for the long delay in responding to questions. I don't go to the site often enough, apparently. I tried to post video, but don't have the present ability to post on the net first, then add the url. I will try this weekend if I get a moment.

I start the cameras with the software at the computer. As I recall, I am using the CL Eye free driver, but there's a workaround that may be unique to Kinvea software to get it to recognize two cameras. My process is below. it works for me on a Lenovo laptop. Your mileage may vary.

Process for Dual Camera on Kinovea
1. Shut down all programs
2. Unplug both cameras
3. Start Kinovea
4. Select Display One Capture Screen
5. Click popup Cyberlink One Screen bubble
6. Click Exit to turn off Cyberlink One Screen program
7. Allow Cyberlink Webcam Splitter to fully buffer to 100%
8. Plug one camera into middle USB port on left side of Lenovo laptop
9. Click Select Source icon
10. Select PS3 Eye Camera and click Apply
11. Allow to buffer fully
12. Select Two Capture Screens
13. Click popup Cyberlink One Screen bubble
14. Click Exit to turn off Cyberlink One Screen program
15. Allow Cyberlink Webcam Splitter to fully buffer to 100%
16. Plug second camera into USB port closest to computer user (farthest from screen)
17. Select PS3 Eye Camera and click apply
18. Ensure both cameras are set on same resolution and fps
19. Allow both cameras to buffer fully
20. Rename next videos so the two videos have different names
21. Ensure both cameras are displaying live pics on monitor
22. Start recording by clicking red record button on both display screens
23. Allow both cameras to stabilize at fps
24. Stop recording by clicking both red record buttons

[chughes82]

http://youtu.be/XGQKVJ_uxF4

If it works, here's a possible link to the video. It plays back at high speed unless you use the analysis software to slow it down. Also, the size of the display affects clarity.

(And stop snickering about my swing and my bare feet!)

Edit: I changed the Youtube post so it should be visible now.