I did some more camera experimenting today and here are the results. Your milage may vary but I figured it doesn't hurt to share my results. Be sure to check out
my original post regarding tracking from several days ago.
Original PlayStation Camera vs. New model
Having now tested both the original launch day and new model camera, I don't see much difference in performance. It does appear that the older camera's optics are slightly different when looking at the calibration screens (the shapes on the hmd are less distinct on the old camera) but I don't think the difference lends itself to better or worse tracking at least compared to the other variables below. However, one strange issue I ran into is that the original launch day camera kills my PS4's wifi whenever plugged in. My friend has the same configuration and his wifi works, however. Just thought I would mention it. I've been using the new camera since launch day and will continue to do so.
Verdict: There doesn't appear to be any significant difference between the two models that directly affects performance in any way I can confirm.
Camera Position: Above or Below
After running both cameras through their paces, I can again confirm that at least for me, your camera's VERTICAL PLACEMENT appears to be single the biggest factor regarding tracking fidelity. Too high, and you get wobbling and swaying. For me, below the TV results in near rock solid tracking.
From my testing, it appears that the PSVR prefers that the camera be nearly equal to or slightly below the headset. If the camera is placed too high that it is looking down (as it was when placed on top of my 65" TV) it causes wobbling and swaying on both model cameras. Placing the camera below the TV (roughly 2 1/2 to 3 feet above the ground) provided the most stability when coupled with the proper distance (see next). In fact,
for standing games I found tracking works better even when the camera was below and might even be improved when raised another foot.
Also, placing the camera on top of the TV might introduce sway due to the TV simply moving. Having the camera on a solid, flat surface like your entertainment center below the TV is probably more stable anyway.
Verdict: Camera height MOST impacts tracking fidelity. 2-3 feet from the floor, when coupled with a distance of 5-6 feet works best regardless of camera model. Placing it on top of the TV may also introduce swaying.
Distance from Camera
While this doesn't appear to affect camera performance as much as height, this does obviously impact it. PlayStation's recommendations appear to be right that around 5-6 feet works best when the camera is set at the height mentioned above. Moving further than 6 feet drops the accuracy and introduces wobble and swaying. Moving closer than 5 feet actually
can increase fidelity slightly but you run into the issue of being too close and loosing arm tracking. Also, games appear to prefer the 5-6 range during calibrations.
Verdict: Around 5 to 6 feet from camera appears to be optimal.
Sitting versus Standing
Not all PSVR experiences work while sitting but most do and I recommend it. I've consistently found that tracking works better while seated if only because it keeps you in a consistent range of the camera. In other words, you don't wander further away and reduce fidelity. Also, sitting puts you more directly facing the camera if it's sitting roughly 2-3 feet above the floor.
Verdict: Play sitting down if possible. You'll likely be more stable. If you must stand, stand in the same spot and just point the camera up slightly.
Do games track differently?
I don't believe so. After doing my preferred setup, I found even notoriously figity titles like Job Simulator (which can be played sitting, btw) remain almost completely stable. The hands on that game are a bit "wiggier" than other titles. Regardless, dialing in your setup appears to be able to make any game's tracking acceptable.
Verdict: I don't believe so. Tracking quality appears to be almost entirely dependent on camera/user position.
Drifting to the Left
Sigh....I can not prevent this. Like others, I think this might be a software issue with the headset. It has nothing to do with the camera/positional tracking as it happens even when positional tracking/camera is off (theatre mode). It's so pronounced that if I hold still, I can almost see the image moving slowly to the left. C'mon Sony, patch this because it's pretty bad. I've tried sitting center of the left "eye" of the camera. Moving closer. Nothing prevents this behavior. Either the gyro in most people's headsets are bad, or the HMD's driver needs fixing.
Final Recommendations
Here's my recommended setup:
- Place the camera below the TV on your stable entertainment center roughly 2 to 3 feet from the floor.
- Sit in a non-swivel chair roughly 5 feet from the center of the camera
- If you must stand, stand in this same spot and simply point the camera up slightly more.
Again, your milage may vary. Removing reflective surfaces around you may also help but for what it's worth I performed these tests with a corner light and a glass table behind me and I was still able to get a good level of tracking stability.
Preventing Motion Sickness
I'm somewhat convinced that my ability to overcome my initial motion sickness with PSVR is probably a combination of improving my tracking and just general experience. Before you blast through the demo disc, try to dial in your tracking with a stable game like the Tumble VR demo. Once you feel you have a rather stable setup with almost no "world wobble", move on to the other demos/games. I think you'll have a much better first experience and will be able to ease any delicate stomach into VR. At this point, I can play almost anything and come away quite comfortable. I even played the Rigs demo and Job Simulator demo tonight and had no issues.