Connect and configure cameras
For placement, lighting and background, see optimize your capture space and record with multiple cameras.
Which cameras work
Most USB webcams work. These are commonly used:
| Camera | Resolution | FPS | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logitech C920 | 1080p / 720p | 30 / 60 | Widely used, reliable |
| Logitech C922 | 1080p / 720p | 30 / 60 | Like the C920, better in low light |
| Logitech Brio | 4K / 1080p | 30 / 60 | Higher resolution, wider view |
| Elgato Cam Link | 1080p | 60 | Connects a DSLR or mirrorless camera over HDMI |
FreeMoCap doesn't look for virtual cameras (like OBS Virtual Camera) by default. To use one, turn on Include virtual cameras when detecting devices under File > Settings > Cameras.
USB bandwidth
Each camera uses a lot of USB bandwidth. When there isn't enough, you get dropped frames or cameras disconnecting, with no clear error.
- Plug cameras straight into the computer, not into a hub.
- Spread cameras across different USB controllers if you can.
- Use USB 3 ports where possible.
- Lower the resolution to fit more cameras.
Camera settings
Expand a camera's row in the camera panel to change:
| Setting | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Rotate | Match how the camera is mounted |
| Resolution | 720p is a good balance of quality and bandwidth |
| Exposure | Manual, kept fixed. See setting exposure |
Keep exposure fixed. If it changes during a recording, tracking and calibration can drift. Cameras on Linux always use automatic exposure.
FreeMoCap has no settings for frame rate, focus, or white balance. Cameras run at their own default frame rate. If your camera can lock focus and white balance, do it with the camera's own software before recording.
Synchronization
FreeMoCap keeps the cameras in step in software. Every camera captures the same number of frames, and each frame gets a timestamp. For the best sync, use cameras with a steady frame rate and keep recordings under about 30 minutes.