What is a camera based launch monitor?
A camera-based golf simulator launch monitor is a device that uses cameras and computer algorithms to track the movement and flight of a golf ball and provide data about the shot. These monitors are typically used in conjunction with golf simulator software to provide a realistic golf simulation experience.
The cameras in a camera-based launch monitor are usually high-speed, high-resolution cameras that are placed at different angles around the hitting area. The cameras capture images of the ball as it is struck and follows its trajectory through the air. The images are then sent to a computer, where they are analyzed by algorithms that calculate a variety of shot data. The Uneekor EYE XO (shown below) will actually display a slow motion video of the club face impacting the golf ball, which is a fantastic feature to improve your swing mechanics and see what you can improve upon.
The shot data provided by a camera-based launch monitor can be used to help golfers improve their game in a number of ways. For example, the monitor can provide feedback about clubhead speed, ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, and carry distance, which can help golfers fine-tune their swing and understand how different factors affect their shot. This data can also be used to help golfers choose the right clubs for different shots, as well as to help golf professionals diagnose and fix swing issues.
Camera-based launch monitors are getting better each year, and are more inexpensive than the high end radar based launch monitors while rivaling in accuracy due to recent technological advances, because they use multiple cameras to capture images of the ball from different angles. This allows the algorithms to create a more complete picture of the ball’s movement and flight.
However, camera-based launch monitors do require a power source and a computer to operate, which can make them less portable than other types of launch monitors. They also may require a larger setup area, as the cameras need to be positioned around the hitting area in order to capture the ball’s movement from multiple angles.
Overall, camera-based launch monitors are a popular choice among golfers and golf professionals looking to improve their game and get accurate, detailed feedback about their shots.
What camera based launch monitor would we buy?
The best budget camera based launch monitor at the moment is the Bushnell Launch Pro, at $3,499. It is owned and manufactured by the same parent company that makes the Foresight GC3 and the QC Quad. It has some amazing tech, performs great and has a good price point.
The best value camera based launch monitor at the moment is the Uneekor EYE XO, at $10,000. Its performance rivals the radar based Trackman 4, and its almost half the price. It isn’t portable, so that can be a negative for some. But if you are building a permanent golf simulator, you can’t beat the value of the EYE XO at the moment. The main pro is the ability to use a wide variety of software right out of the box, without having to “unlock” the sensor.
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