All About Motion Tracking Webcams [5 Best-Sellers Included]

A motion tracking webcam can make a huge positive difference in your work and personal life through its magnificent capabilities. This technology improves your video calling experience, and you may become more flexible in showing your presentation skills. Thanks to the tracking feature that permits you to move freely without going out of the frame to ensure the people on the other side find you engaging. 

However, motion tracking webcams are open to more than just a specific use. They may benefit you in several ways. But, many people may still confuse this innovation with camera tracking.

So, let’s discuss what a motion tracking webcam is and how it works in this article. Moreover, you will also explore several reasons for using these webcams, and most importantly, you will learn about the essential differences between a camera and motion tracking. Lastly, you will see the 5 best webcams you can rely on. 

What is a Motion Tracking Webcam and How Does It Work?

A motion tracking webcam may look like an ordinary webcam, but it consists of sensors and programs to detect and follow a subject’s movements in its Field of View (FOV). Webcam motion tracking uses advanced computer vision technology that can determine changes in positions and set the camera orientation correspondingly. 

Due to such characteristics, a motion tracking webcam can commonly be found in gaming, conferencing, streaming, and other content creation projects. This camera ensures that you become the focus of attention even if you move during the session. Moreover, it minimizes the effort of manually modifying the webcam position. 

For example, if you are teaching your class through a video call. You are standing in front of the whiteboard to explain an important topic. A motion webcam can track your hand and head movements and keep you in the frame while you walk from left to right to expound on the topic you are teaching. This can ensure you have the attention of your students.

Similarly, a motion tracking webcam can be used for online meetings and presentations, as it not only maintains the attentiveness of colleagues but can also add professionalism to your overall conference. 

Differences between Camera Tracking and Motion Tracking

Camera tracking and motion tracking are two different concepts. Unfortunately, both of these terms are used interchangeably, which is incorrect. So, let’s highlight 5 major differences between camera and motion tracking technologies. 

a. Scope of Tracking

Camera tracking means monitoring the position and movement of your camera to create a lifelike 3D scene. This may also further involve the integration of computer graphics to improve the visual effects. Contrarily, motion tracking is about tracing individuals’ or objects’ movements that are seen in the frame. This ensures the speaker or performer stays in complete focus.

b. Application

As mentioned earlier, camera tracking is widely applied in post-production environments. It combines graphical elements into live-action videos by matching them correctly with the camera movements. But motion tracking is for real-time interaction. It improves your video communication experience through auto-adjusting capabilities. 

c. Ease of Use

Camera tracking is a complex process that may require various expensive resources to recreate a 3D environment. You may need VFX tools, robust hardware, and specialized people to handle it. 

But, since motion tracking is based on technical algorithms that don’t demand user expertise, it is a less complex system because the motion tracking device does the job automatically. You don’t have to manually command the webcam to focus on a particular object or subject, as it automatically detects and tracks.

d. Output

The main outcome of using camera tracking is to produce a type of data that can be used later for generating a 3D environment or adding computer-created elements to the video. It provides essential information to align the camera movement with the virtual elements.  Motion tracking is about real-time tracking of live activities and adjusts its focus on the activity happening during the entire video communication. 

e. Uses in the Real World

Camera tracking is used for movies and visual effects. Motion tracking is commonly used in webcam technologies and applied in different fields, such as gaming, content creation, video meetings, and live streaming.

What is the Purpose of a Motion Tracking Webcam?

Motion tracking webcams have gained immense popularity due to their broad range of benefits that magnify user experiences. But to cut it short, here are a few vital purposes to help you understand the need for a webcam with motion detection in your life.

1. To Become the Center of Attention

One of the main purposes of a motion tracking webcam is its capability to perform dynamic adjustments and auto-framing. These webcams are instilled with complex algorithms that help identify and track subject’s movements to ensure they are always under the spotlight. This characteristic is beneficial for a variety of environments, from conferences to vlogging.

2. Eliminating the Concept of Manual Adjustment

Unlike the old traditional webcams, motion tracking cams don’t require the user to adjust settings in order to match the environment. For instance, if you use a typical webcam, you may need to keep it in the right direction to make sure you are in the frame. But with motion tracking, the webcam adjusts the Field of View and other aspects automatically. This not only diminishes disturbances during virtual interactions but also helps deliver an organic communication experience. 

3. Increased Audience Engagement During Live Streams

Motion tracking webcams have been a boon for all sorts of content creators, especially those who love to do live streams. As a creator, you don’t have to think about being in the frame, as these webcams can automatically capture your movement, whether sitting on a chair or standing on the floor. That is why motion tracking webcams have a massive acceptance in content creation communities, specifically those working in fitness, travel, or entertainment niches. 

4. Providing Ease for Differently-Abled

Since motion tracking webcams can follow movements, they provide a game-changing experience for different-abled users. These cameras empower people with limited mobility to control them and interact with the internet world without further challenges. Moreover, this technology in webcams improves accessibility through determining gestures, making it a blessing for those who may usually struggle with traditional methods.

Besides, motion tracking webcams offer independence, giving special persons a sense of self-reliance. This adaptability and convenience make them play their role effectively and efficiently in the digital world.

5. Promoting Interactive Online Education

Motion tracking webcams have made online education simpler and more convenient. For attentiveness, teachers use it to make demonstrations more interactive through gestures. Plus, the real-time tracking ensures that the teacher’s movements are correctly reflected on the computer screen. This provides a more engaging and immersive learning atmosphere.

On the other hand, students enjoy a more visual learning experience that enhances their level of understanding and comprehension of a subject. Moreover, through motion tracking, teachers can demonstrate various teaching styles and allow spontaneous two-way communication, just like a traditional classroom.

6. Focused Communication During Business Meetings

Motion tracking webcams greatly influence focused communication during business conferences and meetings as they automatically adjust the camera to detect and follow the movements of the speaker. This characteristic makes sure that participants stay engaged visually. Through these webcams, a person presenting in the meeting can move freely and pay attention to delivering essential key points rather than worrying about being out of the camera frame. 

This not only contributes to an engaging meeting but also ensures that the content discussed is understood. Additionally, this technology reduces distractions due to manual adjustment and permits participants to concentrate on the agenda. 

5 Popular Motion Tracking Webcams

Here are the 5 best motion tracking webcams. Let’s find out what each one of them has to offer.

1. Insta360 Link

Sitting on top of the gimbal, the Insta360 Link offers almost 360-degree horizontal and a few degrees of vertical rotation. It is a lightweight camera that easily fits your laptop screen. These movements ensure you are always on the screen since the Link has marvelous motion tracking that keeps you positioned in the center of every frame. 

The detection works through face tracking technology, allowing you to move around freely during your business presentation or online dance classes. This webcam also automatically zooms in and out so your viewers can neither find you too far nor too close on the screen. Moreover, it understands the language of your hand gestures and frames you accordingly. 

The Insta360 Link provides two video modes. The DeskView Mode makes this webcam recognize all rectangular surfaces and focus there. Contrarily, the Overhead Mode focuses on the objects on your desk. For instance, if you are drawing or playing the piano, this webcam can recognize that and automatically take it into the frame. To give you more control over the functionality, this webcam lets you download the Link Controller app on your Mac or Windows to adjust settings and play with color modifications. 

While most webcams offer an image sensor between 1/3 and 1/4 inches, the Insta360 Link provides a 1/2-inch sensor. This is one of the many reasons the video quality appears more clearly and impressive than most brands. Due to this wide sensor, Link captures more light, making it an ideal webcam for a low-light environment.

Features and Specifications of Insta360 Link

• 4x Zoom
• Autofocus
• AI Tracking
• 3-Axis gimbal
• USB Type-C port
• Sturdy built-in clip 
• Video quality up to 4K at 30 fps
• Dual noise-canceling microphones

Pros of Insta360 Link

• Decent audio quality
• Crisp and excellent footage
• So far it has the best motion tracking movements

Cons of Insta360 Link

• The design lacks lens cover
• Some users have found issues with both modes

Price of Insta360 Link

• $299.99 (As seen on Amazon)

2. OBSBOT Tiny 2

The OBSBOT Tiny 2 is backed by AI and has an integrated subject recognition technology for auto-tracking and control using hand gestures. But that’s not it. The webcam lets you access various functionalities, such as selecting or canceling tracking or zooming, through your voice command. 

It is a PTZ 4K webcam with remote software controlling traits for pan, tilt, and zoom. This webcam instills a deep neural learning algorithm to ensure correct and smooth zone and hand tracking. Besides, it offers an auto-adjust option for the zoom during tracking. 

The OBSBOT Tiny 2 combines its own camera calibration technology and 1/1.5-inch CMOS that provide natural colors, increased dynamic range, and well-defined details. This webcam can capture 1080p60 and UHD 4K30 videos with more incredible transmission speed. Additionally, the OBSBOT Tiny 2 webcam includes All-Pixed Auto Focus that enables 4 times quick focusing in low-light environments.

The OBSBOT Tiny 2 also comes with a fun yet interesting beauty mode option. This function lets you brighten your eyes and smoothen your skin in just 60 seconds. Although not an alternative to practical makeup, it can still make you look presentable in eleventh-hour streams.

The OBSBOT Tiiny 2 can be used for recording as well as streaming on several popular platforms, including Zoom, Skype, YouTube, Facebook, and more.

Features and Specifications of OBSBOT Tiny 2

• 4x Zoom
• 150-degree pan (plus -minus)
• 140-degree tilts (plus-minus)
• Tally LED 
• Dual-Native ISO
• PixGain video capturing
• 50 MP sensor resolution
• USB Type-C connectivity
• Built-in omnidirectional microphones

Pros of OBSBOT Tiny 2

• Excellent motion tracking
• The image quality is impressive
• Software compatibility makes controlling easy

Cons of OBSBOT Tiny 2

• The mic quality is not up to the mark

Price of OBSBOT Tiny 2

• $329.00 (As seen on Amazon)

3. PowerConf C300 Webcam

The PowerConf C300 Webcam by AnkerWork can elevate your webcam experience to a whole new level. This webcam always keeps you at the front of every interaction due to its AI chip tracking your movements by recognizing your face. So whether you are presenting, showing a product, or streaming, the C300 always places you in the limelight as it automatically tracks you through its tilt and pan functionality. Another excellent thing about its tracking system is the depth-sensing technology that keeps you highlighted and visible even if you are sitting in a group. In other words, your colleagues can see your face more clearly and focused than other people in your group. 

The PowerConf C300 Webcam also overcomes challenging situations like low lighting through its Artificial Intelligence. The AI-powered color settings and white balancing ensure flawless lighting, skin tones, surrounding colors, and contrasts, no matter what your room’s existing lighting setup is. Likewise, the dynamic exposure adjustment combined with HDR technology presents contours, shadows, and highlights in high contrast to make sure you look clear, bright and professional.

The PowerConf C300 Webcam is easy to set up, as it does not require any drivers or software to make it operational. All you need to do is attach the camera to your PC or laptop, clip it, and begin streaming in less than 3 seconds.

Features and Specifications of PowerConf C300 Webcam

• Zoom certified 
• Sliding privacy cover
• 60 frames per second
• 1080p video resolution
• USB Type-C connection
• Adjustable mounting to 4x angles
• Dual microphones with Active Noise Cancellation
• Additional AnkerWork app for customized settings
• Adjustable FOV (78-degree, 90-degree, and 115-degree)

Pros of PowerConf C300 Webcam

• It shows bright colors 
• The image quality is quite clear 
• This webcam has an ultra-wide angle

Cons of PowerConf C300 Webcam

• Some users complain that C300’s motion tracking feature is more suitable for small group of people rather than individuals

Price of PowerConf C300 Webcam

• $99.99 (As seen on Amazon)

4. Logitech Brio 505

While there are many more hidden gems about the Logitech Brio 505, subject tracking is the best trait you can find in this affordable device. The credit goes to the RightSight technology that puts you in excellent focus under good and not-so-good lighting conditions. Moreover, this technology gives you complete freedom of movement as this webcam follows all your movements. 

The Logitech Brio 505 offers great flexibility to you in selecting between two video formats. You can either choose a 1080p resolution at 30 fps or a 720p video resolution at 60 fps. This option permits you to opt for settings based on your specific requirements and situations. The Brio 505 has three digital diagonal FOVs, including 65-degree, 78-degree, and 90-degree, to ensure you fit the frame accurately and without any issues.

With a 4-megapixel design, the Logitech Brio 505 offers autofocus functionality and 4x digital zoom to ensure you receive a high-quality image without manually adjusting the webcam. There is also an integrated microphone that can capture audio from as far as 4 feet. Besides, the mic provides clear vocals and also reduces background noises.

Brio 505 is also adored due to its convenient plug-and-play design that removes the need to download any additional program or software to make it function. It is incorporated with a privacy shutter that optimally blocks the camera view to make sure none of your surroundings are exposed. From the compatibility point of view, this webcam supports a broad range of applications and operating systems, including Windows 8 and above, macOS 10.10 or above, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, and you name it.

Features and Specifications of Logitech Brio 505

• Autofocus
• Up to 90-degree FOV
• USB Type-C connection
• Universal mount clip (detachable)
• CMOS image sensor
• Auto low-light correction

Pros of Logitech Brio 505

• Its microphone quality is better 
• The webcam performs fair under low light
• It has a good white balance and auto-exposure

Cons of Logitech Brio 505

• This webcam lacks optical zoom

Price of Logitech Brio 505

• $139.77 (As seen on Amazon)

5. Logitech StreamCam

Seems like Logitech had gamers in mind when it designed the StreamCam. With a 2-axis clip, you can rotate this webcam to portrait or landscape mode to make your content more screen-friendly. It comes with an adjustable mount that can be angled downwards up to 90 degrees, allowing your audience to view your mouse or keyboard movements. Nevertheless, this webcam can be used for a variety of purposes, including video interviews, conferences, and more. Although you may not need any extra gear for this webcam, it still comes with an extra screwable mount for your tripod to easily fit complex areas. 

However, there are two news for you. The Logitech StreamCam is not a typical motion tracking webcam. So why are you reading about it in this list? Of course, no brand on this list is without deep research, which is why the good news is that you can use it for motion tracking through Logitech’s software. Yes, the Capture 2.0 software by Logitech automates several settings, including face-tracking. It is a toggle on/off function within the software that keeps you focused and tracked no matter how frequently you move around the cam. 

The Logitech StreamCam captures video in 1080p at 60 frames per second, and it does not lose video quality in dim light. 

Features and Specifications of Logitech StreamCam

• Autofocus
• Image stabilization
• USB Type-C connection
• Premium HD glass lens
• 78-degree Field of View
• White LED indicator lights
• 60fps to 5 fps supported frame rates
• 1920x1080 to 320x240 supported video resolutions
• Dual omnidirectional built-in microphones (front-facing)

Pros of Logitech StreamCam

• It has a superb image quality
• Offers exception face tracking 
• Usable with all popular streaming platforms
• The intelligent exposure function adjusts ISO speed and aperture in real-time

Cons of Logitech StreamCam

• You cannot use it with older Windows and macOS versions (Windows 10 or macOS 10.14 is necessary)

Price of Logitech StreamCam

• $139.00 (As seen on Amazon)

Conclusion

A motion tracking webcam breaks the barriers of manual configurations and gives you a gate pass to enter the world of the latest technology of facial and gesture tracking. Through these cameras, you not only video call your friend, family member, or coworker but also remain in their attention throughout the session. Whether you’re a live streamer or a remote worker who attends daily meetings, a webcam that detects motion can make your personality more recognizable. However, before opting for any motion tracking webcam, ensure you understand the dissimilarity between camera tracking and motion tracking, as both serve different purposes. 

If you're exploring motion tracking webcams to enhance your streaming or video conferencing experience, you might also want to level up further with a dedicated streaming camera. Designed to deliver professional visual quality and superior reliability, these cameras can take your content creation to the next level.

FAQs

Q1. What is a motion tracking security camera?

Most PTZ cameras use motion tracking technology to detect and capture the movement of a person or object. This is why they are widely used as security cameras and include motors that enable the pan, tilt, and zoom functions with or without a controller.

Q2. How can I use my webcam as a motion detector?

Your webcam should have a motion tracking function to detect movement.

Q3. Do webcams have sensors?

A typical webcam may consist of a lens, processor, and a image sensor.