DI4D launches new Head-Mounted Camera optimized for 4D facial performance capture

World-leading facial performance capture company, DI4D, has unveiled a new version of its wireless head-mounted camera system, which is now available for purchase. The DI4D HMC is the culmination of DI4D’s many years of experience in developing and using head-mounted camera systems.

It is a high-end solution for facial motion capture designed to deliver the highest quality data under high-pressure production conditions, and all while maintaining a high degree of actor comfort. The DI4D HMC is the only commercially available HMC that’s optimized for 4D facial performance capture using DI4D’s post-processing service. It is also compatible with third-party facial animation solutions.

The DI4D HMC is fitted with a stereo pair of high-quality 4MP cameras and a fine focus adjustment mechanism to ensure that captured images are always as sharp as possible. The onboard diffuse LED lighting panel ensures that illumination is as even as possible across the actor’s face.

Synchronising the lighting to the cameras reduces the apparent brightness to the actor, while still allowing capture with an aperture of F/2.5 for better depth of focus, short exposure to minimize motion blur and low gain to reduce image noise. Continuous wireless synchronisation ensures that multiple HMCs remain accurately synchronised to master timecode at up to 60fps.

The light-weight, flexible open headband-based design ensures a comfortable fit for actors while the carbon fibre boom provides excellent rigidity and camera stability. The innovative quick-release wire tension system ensures that helmets can be removed and fitted quickly and repeatedly. The rechargeable battery provides up to 3 hours of continuous wireless operation and is hot-swappable to ensure minimal interruptions while shooting.

DI4D’s intuitive DI4Dlive software makes it easy to control multiple DI4D HMCs remotely in a production environment. It offers a range of innovative features to simplify and speed up the process of setting up HMCs accurately and consistently for multiple performers and over multiple sessions. It also simplifies the process of monitoring, recording, reviewing and managing multiple takes across multiple DI4D HMCs. Additionally, DI4Dlive provides features to facilitate 4D performance capture, such as camera calibration and 3D reconstruction using stereo photogrammetry.

DI4D HMC - Selected Features Summary

- Light-weight, wireless helmet-mounted, camera system
- Synchronised stereo pair of high-quality video cameras
- Capture high-quality 1536x2048 pixels JPEG per frame per camera at up to 60 FPS
- Quick and repeatable helmet fitting and setup
- Up to 3 hours battery life – hot swap batteries without shutting down recorder
- Synchronized with the “house” timecode – shoot in sync with other optical mocap systems
- Intuitive and robust remote control software
- Compatible with third-party post-processing solutions
- Optimised for 4D facial performance capture

Colin Urquhart, DI4D's CEO said, “Our DI4D HMC is intended to fulfil the need for a high-end HMC solution optimized for 4D facial capture. The lightweight, ergonomic design allows the actors to forget about the technology and to focus on achieving the best possible acting performances. The DI4D HMC is compatible with most third-party facial animation solutions, but when it is used together with our 4D post-processing services, it delivers the most faithful and realistic facial animation possible.“