3d Motion Tracking tips

[Philipbowser]

Hey there,

I wish this was a post where I was unveiling excellent secret tips ABOUT motion tracking. However, I'm doing the exact opposite (the title may be a bit misleading) - I'm asking for good tips. I'm sorry I let you down.

I'm shooting my first 3d motion capture test tomorrow with some friends, and as much as it is a "test" I would still like it to turn out relatively nice. Nice enough to use for something.
I'll be using the free/personal version of Icarus to do the 3d tracking, using Blender for 3d work, then using After Effects to composite it all (I have Motion but something tells me after effects would handle this better. Am I right?)

The effect is pretty simple. I'm looking to create a hole/crater in the ground - handheld. I have a friend who's a 3D artist so I'm not worried about the creation of the hole, I'm just worried I won't get enough information out of the track.

Are there any good tips out there that I'm missing. Things to watch out for on location? Hindrances in Icarus that I could correct on location?
Maybe at the end of all of this, I WILL be able to post some great exciting secret motion tracking tips.

I'd really appreciate some friendly filmmaker advice.

Thanks,
Philip Bowser.

[brinks]

Watch part one, two and three
http://www.videocopilot.net/tutorials/3d_crater_p1/

[oneinfiniteloop]

Here are some general tips off the top of my head:

No tripod. The camera needs to physically change position to have a true 3d track. Tripod shots are solvable, but beyond your capabilities if you're just starting out.

Shoot with as much parrallax as possible. You need to define your space.

Turn off any in camera sharpening and turn the shutter speed as high as possible. Motion blur will reduce the number of trackable features.

If you use markers, take some measurements. Keep in mind you're going to be recreating your scene, so the more info you have the better.

Take lots of reference pictures.

You need to have more than one plane in your shot, i.e., X,Y,Z. Without at least two of those you will have a hard time solving your shot.

Prepared to have some serious patience. You think it's easier than it is.