What are the best tools and techniques for object tracking?

1 Manual tracking

Manual tracking is the most basic and time-consuming method of object tracking, but it can also be the most accurate and reliable in some cases. It involves creating and animating track points on the footage, and then using them to create a camera solve or a 3D null object. Manual tracking gives you full control over the position, rotation, and scale of the track points, and allows you to adjust them frame by frame. However, it also requires a lot of patience and attention to detail, and can be impractical for complex or long shots.

2 Automated tracking

Automated tracking is the most common and convenient method of object tracking, but it can also be the most prone to errors and inconsistencies. It involves using a software or a plugin that analyzes the footage and generates track points automatically, and then uses them to create a camera solve or a 3D null object. Automated tracking can save you a lot of time and effort, and can handle fast or shaky camera movements better than manual tracking. However, it can also fail or lose track of the points if the footage is blurry, dark, or occluded, and may require some manual tweaking or refinement.

3 Planar tracking

Planar tracking is a special type of object tracking that focuses on tracking the motion of flat or nearly flat surfaces in the footage, such as walls, floors, or screens. It involves using a software or a plugin that creates a planar surface on the footage, and then tracks its position, rotation, scale, and skew. Planar tracking can be useful for adding elements that need to stick to a specific surface, such as graffiti, posters, or screen replacements. It can also handle perspective changes and lens distortion better than point-based tracking. However, it can also struggle with curved or uneven surfaces, or surfaces that are partially hidden or distorted.

4 3D tracking

3D tracking is the most advanced and versatile type of object tracking, but it can also be the most challenging and demanding. It involves using a software or a plugin that reconstructs the 3D geometry and the camera parameters of the scene from the footage, and then allows you to place and animate 3D elements in the same space. 3D tracking can create the most realistic and immersive results, and can handle complex or dynamic scenes better than other methods. However, it can also require a lot of computing power and memory, and may need some manual input or calibration to achieve accurate and stable results.

5 Tracking tips

No matter which method of object tracking you choose, there are some general tips that can help you improve your workflow and your outcome. For example, use footage with good contrast, sharpness, and lighting, as well as reference images or measurements to match the scale and orientation of the scene. Additionally, use markers or features that are easy to track and do not move or change in the scene. You can also use multiple track points or planar surfaces to cover different areas of the scene and masks or roto tools to isolate or remove unwanted elements from the footage. Furthermore, utilize error analysis or preview tools to check the quality and consistency of your track and expressions or scripts to link or offset your track points or planar surfaces. Finally, consider using stabilization or smoothing tools to reduce unwanted jitter or noise in your track. Object tracking is an art form that requires dedication and effort, but it can be incredibly rewarding. With the right tools and techniques, you can create stunning visual effects that bring your story to life.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?