Industry-standard software for camera tracking and matchmoving — enables precise CGI integration into live-action footage by reconstructing camera motion.
What is 3DEqualizer?
3DEqualizer is the leading matchmove and camera tracking software for film VFX. Developed by Science-D-Visions, it reconstructs camera movement from footage, enabling precise integration of CGI elements into live-action material.
Core Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Camera Tracking | 3D camera movement from 2D footage |
| Object Tracking | Track moving objects |
| Body Tracking | Capture body movement |
| Lens Distortion | Correct lens distortion |
| Survey Data | Integrate on-set survey data |
Why 3DEqualizer?
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Precision | Sub-pixel accuracy |
| Stability | Proven algorithms |
| Integration | Export to all major apps |
| Support | Excellent technical support |
| Updates | Continuous development |
Workflow
Typical Workflow
| Phase | Activity |
|---|---|
| Import | Load footage, lens data |
| Feature Tracking | Track points in the image |
| Solve | Calculate 3D camera |
| Refine | Correct errors |
| Export | To Maya, Nuke, etc. |
Tracking Types
| Type | Application |
|---|---|
| Camera Solve | Static scene, moving camera |
| Object Solve | Track moving object |
| Hybrid | Combination |
| Nodal Pan | Camera rotates around a point |
Lens Workflow
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Distortion Grid | Shoot on set |
| Analysis | Calculate distortion |
| Undistort | Undistort footage |
| Export | For Nuke, etc. |
Export Formats
| Target | Format |
|---|---|
| Maya | .ma.mb |
| Nuke | .nk |
| Houdini | .hip |
| Cinema 4D | .c4d |
| After Effects | .jsx |
| Alembic | .abc |
Comparison with Alternatives
| Aspect | 3DEqualizer | PFTrack | SynthEyes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Precision | Excellent | Very Good | Good |
| Workflow | Structured | Flexible | Fast |
| Price | High | Medium | Affordable |
| Industry | Standard | Widespread | Indie |
Tips for Better Tracking
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Markers on Set | Place tracking points |
| Survey Data | Perform measurements |
| Lens Grids | For each lens |
| Clean Footage | Low motion blur |
Licensing Model
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Node-locked | Tied to a computer |
| Floating | For studios |
| Subscription | Monthly |
Learning Resources
| Resource | Type |
|---|---|
| Official Tutorials | Video |
| Manual | Documentation |
| fxphd | Online courses |
| Community | Forums |
Today
3DEqualizer is the industry standard for film VFX tracking. From Marvel blockbusters to independent productions, when CGI needs to be seamlessly integrated into live-action, 3DE is often the first choice.
More in the lexikon
Related terms
VFX · Technique
Matchmove / Match Moving / Camera Tracking / 3D Tracking
The VFX process of analyzing and recreating the camera movement from live-action footage…
VFX · Software
PFTrack / Pixel Farm Track / PF Track
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SynthEyes / SynthEyes Pro / Andersson Technologies
VFX · Technique
Nuke