Gone are the days when someone had to move the camera to keep up with fast-paced players manually. With the ever-evolving AI technology, auto-tracking cameras are changing the game. Nowadays, you capture all the best moments hands-free without losing track of the play. These gadgets are masters of video-recording precision, whether you’re a coach or a player reviewing performance on the pitch.
Despite the perks, selecting one for your captures may pose a hurdle. This article curates the most popular auto-tracking camera models to make your work easier. Let’s now explore how these cameras are transforming sports.
XbotGo Chameleon Auto-Tracking Sports Camera System
Main Specs:
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FollowMe 2.0 AI technology
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4K 60 fps video quality
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360° Panoramic Tracking
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7800 mAh Battery
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Free livestream and 20GB cloud storage
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Bluetooth connectivity
The XbotGo Chameleon is a super-powerful AI-powered camera designed to capture and record high-quality sports events in an automated way. With Followme 2.0 technology, this camera does all the shooting, and the Xbot app elevates this feature by allowing you to connect your phone to the camera via Bluetooth and enjoy live streams on the XbotGo App.
Additionally, this wireless connection to the app, whether an iOS or Android device, lets you control the camera tracking remotely while adjusting the camera settings. You can also start or stop the recording from a distance, which is fantastic about this sports auto-tracking camera.
Not forgetting, your videos are automatically backed up to the cloud free of charge, and the 20 GB cloud storage is a much-needed offer to save and access the footage. That’s the most extraordinary aspect of this brand, being that it minds your pockets.
Veo Cam 3 Auto-powered Camera
Main specs:
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Followcam technology
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4K HDR Video Quality
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1.25kg weight
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4.5h battery life
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Wi-Fi/5G internet connectivity
The Veo Cam gadget is an invaluable tool for analysing player performance. It's 4k HDR video quality ensures sharp video recording and seeing every detail while carrying out the post-game analysis. The automation feature eliminates the need for coaches to operate it, allowing them to fully focus on the players' skill development in clubs or sports academies.
Another beautiful thing is that the battery charge lasts for 4.5 hours, covering full matches. The camera can switch to low-power standby mode when it’s on but not recording, preserving the battery life. While the AI tracking system is highly effective, the Veo Cam camera can miss some fast-motion scenes.
Pixellot Air AI Sports Camera
Main Specs:
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12MP 4k Video Quality
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Dual camera array
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Full-pitch panoramic view
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3.5kg weight
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3G/4G internet connectivity
Well, thanks to its two 12MP 4K lenses, the Pixellot Air camera provides panoramic coverage and real-time AI tracking, which ensures that even the fastest-paced plays stay in focus. The camera pans and tilts 360° to film the entire pitch. It follows the ball aptly like an experienced cameraman to film as many details as possible.
The system is built to adapt quickly when the motion intensity amplifies. Topping up its ability to pick key highlights in the game, like goals, assists, and fouls based on ball interactions, is top-tier proficiency. Some of the video analytics features require monthly subscriptions, which is limiting for budget-conscious people.
SOLOSHOT3+ Auto-tracking Camera
Main Specs:
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4k Video Quality
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65x Optical Zoom
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2-3.5 battery life
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128GB MicroSD storage
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Mobile app live streaming
Individual sports like golf, tennis, swimming, and cycling really benefit the most from the SOLOSHOT3+ auto-tracking camera model. It includes a waterproof wearable tag to track the movements of the athletes to stretches of 2000 feet. You capture your performance effortlessly as a track athlete, swimmer, or cyclist as the camera automatically follows your movements.
Video clarity is also vital for solo athletes. The SoloShot 3+ boasts a 4K resolution combined with a 65x optical zoom, giving a high-definition, detailed recording of your activities. The only major downside is the narrow field of view, which makes it capture less of the scene, and that's why it suits individual sports best.
FoMaKo HDMI PTZ Camera
Main specs:
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Full HD 1080P at 60FPS
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20x Optical Zoom
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High SNR CMOS Sensor
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H.264 and H.265 video encoding
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Power over Ethernet (PoE)
The FoMaKo Sports Camera combines a 20x Optical Zoom lens with Full HD 1080P image quality, achieving sharp and vibrant videos. In concert with the 2D and 3D digital noise reduction, the camera gives lifelike visuals even when the lighting is poor. This product functions particularly for indoor Sports like table tennis, badminton, ice hockey, and bowling.
Fortunately, it also offers versatility in video streaming with multiple video outputs. The camera has HDMI, USB 3.0, LAN, and SDI outputs, which augment the user experience. It also supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) functionality, where you apply a single Ethernet cable to transmit power and data, preventing cable clutter. The biggest drawback is that you should have external microphones, as it has no built-in microphones.
PTZOptics Move 4K PTZ Camera
Main Specs:
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4K resolution up to 60fps
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12x, 20x, and 30x optical zoom
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1/1.8" Sony CMOS sensor
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Pan range ±170°, Tilt range +90° to -30°
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Power via 12V DC or PoE+
This is a high-end Pan-Tilt-Zoom camera that delivers magnificent color precision and clarity. The Move 4K records videos with a 4K resolution up to 60fps, efficiently capturing smooth motions. Powered by a Sony CMOS sensor, it captures great images even in low-light environments.
Moreover, the multiple zoom options, ranging from 12x 20x to 30x, enable crisp close-up videos. Paired with auto-tracking ability, it's a perfect fit for large sports events. The images never appear pixelated because of high-quality captures, even when switching from one zoom effect to another. However, the camera only pans, tilts, and zooms and cannot provide a 360° view, requiring occasional manual adjustment.
Osbot AI-Powered PTZR 4K Webcam
Main Specs:
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4K Ultra HD Resolution at 60fps
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5x Optical Zoom
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HDR & Auto-Exposure
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Gesture Control Features
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1/2.8" CMOS Sensor
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USB-C Connectivity
For the price of the Osbot PTZR, it's a huge win for buyers on a tight budget, considering its exceptional features. The 4K recording at 60fps and the 5x Optical Zoom set it apart from most sports cameras in relation to image sharpness and capturing positions.
Then, the gesture control is out of this world. This camera reads hand signals when zooming in or adjusting angles without pressing the camera buttons. Keep in mind that the HDR and Song CMOS sensor create a sharp color contrast regardless of the lighting conditions for both outdoor and indoor sports arenas. While it's a low-budget Webcam, it doesn't provide a panoramic view, and the gestures may sometimes require multiple attempts.
XbotGo Chameleon AI Sports Cameraman
Capture every moment with AI-powered tracking. Perfect for parents, coaches, athletes, and creators who want seamless footage without manual filming.
How to Choose the Right Auto-Tracking Sports Camera
In this guide, we break down the most essential things to consider while purchasing to help you find the best option.
Video Quality and Tracking Speed
When selecting an auto-tracking sports camera, the video quality and tracking speed are the most important things to prioritise.
First, video quality is key because it decides how sharp and clear your footage will be. A camera with a 4 K or HD (High-definition) resolution produces crisp recordings, ensuring every move is visible. If the video quality is low, most of the scenes in the recordings look fuzzy due to a lack of sharp focus.
Tracking speed and video quality go hand in hand. Verify your chosen camera has fast tracking to keep pace with rapid movements, especially in soccer and ball games. If a camera has slow tracking, the video quality is obsolete, no matter how superb it is. In other words, the footage becomes hazy even though a 4 K camera captured it.
Power Requirements
All auto-tracking cameras require a power supply to function. It's advantageous if the camera has multiple powering options and doesn't just rely on the battery. Some camera models charge via a solar panel or connect to an electrical socket as a backup power source.
If it’s battery-dependent, use the rechargeable type to reduce needless periodic replacements. They have a long battery life for uninterrupted sports recording. Ensure your camera receives power for a long time so you don’t ever worry about it shutting down mid-action.
Portability
Portability plays a big role in scenarios where users need transportation flexibility in different environments. A portable camera minimises hassles if you’re a coach or player operating in more than one location. And for a camera to be portable, it should be lightweight and compact to make it perfect for capturing while on the go.
The convenience level rises when it also has foldable mounts, detachable sections, and carrying bags or cases. Fortunately, most auto-tracking cameras include that feature.
Ease of Set-up
Choose an auto-tracking camera with a simple installation. It will get you started quickly once on site. Nobody wants to spend hours figuring out the settings when you could be making great shots already.
It should have a user-friendly mounting system, such as a tripod and magnetic mounts. In addition to the camera placement, consider a camera with clear menus for faster navigation while setting it up. Some cameras have a touchscreen interface, allowing you to set the camera with a tap.
FAQs about Auto-Tracking Cameras for Sports
What type of camera is best for sports?
The ideal kind of camera for sports activities should have high-speed shooting, quick autofocus, and superb image quality. Because of this, it's perfect for recording every detail in real time and keeping up with the fast-paced action in the field.
What sports benefit most from auto-tracking cameras?
Auto-tracking cameras are a game changer for sports that involve large sports grounds, team play, and quick and constant movements. These are sports like soccer, basketball, rugby, netball, handball, volleyball, and hockey.
Do auto-tracking cameras need an internet connection?
Not necessarily. Many auto-tracking cameras function in an offline mode since they rely on an in-built AI tracking system. However, there are those with more advanced features like cloud storage and livestreaming, dependent on WI-FI. So, be keen to identify these aspects to get the most out of your final pick of an auto-tracking camera.
Are AI cameras generally worth it?
AI cameras are definitely worth the investment if you like it more effortless. This cutting-edge technology addresses human inadequacy by guaranteeing the highest level of accuracy in photography and video capture. Besides that, expect to enjoy the automation, and other smart features like motion detection, facial recognition, and adjusting itself in the direction of an object or person.
Final Thoughts
To sum up everything, selecting the best auto-tracking camera is not just about going for the most unique features. Equally, the best choice is not necessarily a camera with high video quality or the most expensive one you can find from vendors. It boils down to getting a camera that adequately meets your video recording needs in sports venues.
For smart and insightful sports footage, XbotGo is ready to get you started. The right camera transforms the recordings into a perfect avenue to learn and master new playing tactics.
