QUALISYS AB

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Tel. +46 31 336 94 00 · Fax +46 31 336 94 20
[email protected] · www.qualisys.com
Introduction
This manual walks you through the various settings
available for your Qualisys cameras. Optimizing the camera
settings for your recording environment is an essential part
of the setup process. We will show you how to adjust each
setting so that you can record crisp, clear motion capture
data.
For non-standard setups, such as outdoor or underwater motion capture, you can
find additional guidelines on QAcademy or in your QTM user manual.

Contents
Camera settings overview 2
Capture Rate 4
Aperture 6
Focus 8
Exposure & Flash Time and Marker Threshold 10

1
 Camera settings overview
When adjusting your camera settings to optimize them for your recording
environment, it is recommended to make changes in the following order:

1. Capture Rate

First, set the capture rate for the camera system based on the type of movement
and the field of view you plan to capture. (See "Capture Rate" on page 4.)

2. Aperture

Next, adjust the aperture for the light conditions in your lab. This is set individually
for each camera. (See "Aperture" on page 6.)

3. Focus

Once the aperture is set on a camera, adjust its focus for a crisp image while viewing
the markers in either video mode or intensity mode. (See "Focus" on page 8.)

4. Exposure & Flash Time and Marker Threshold

Finally, if you are still having trouble achieving the right balance of light, you can
fine-tune the exposure time and marker threshold. (See "Exposure & Flash Time and
Marker Threshold" on page 10.)

Make sure to place some markers throughout the recording volume for reference as
you adjust the settings.

Camera settings overview 2

 If you are using your cameras in a new location, you may want to revert to the
default settings before making any changes:

1. Open Project Options by clicking the gear icon or typing the

keyboard shortcut Ctrl+W.

2. Navigate to “Input Devices” à “Camera System” à “Cameras.”

3. With all of the cameras selected, click “Reset Settings” and then “Yes,” and click “OK”
to save.

Camera settings overview 3

Capture Rate
The first parameter to set is capture rate, which is the frequency at which the
system records markers.
In QTM, click the new session icon or type keyboard shortcut Ctrl+N to view the
cameras in live preview mode.

The capture rate is set in the camera settings sidebar.

Each Qualisys camera has a maximum full frame capture rate, meaning the highest
frequency at which it can record its full viewing area. However, you can set a higher
capture rate with a smaller field of view, which could be helpful when recording
quick or highly detailed movements.

Capture Rate 4
The capture rate is also dependent on each camera’s sensor mode. For example,
you can select a lower resolution that records in less detail but allows for a higher
full-frame capture rate.

Keep in mind that the capture rate applies to all of the cameras, so if you are using
different camera models, the capture rate will be limited by the cameras with the
lowest maximum frequency.

Capture Rate 5
Aperture
The next step is to set the aperture for each camera. This controls the amount of
light let into the frame, and it affects the depth of field in which the cameras are in
focus.
In QTM, while viewing the cameras in 2D (keyboard shortcut 2), double-click on an
individual camera feed to enlarge it as you adjust that camera’s aperture.

For cameras with motorized lenses, the aperture is changed in the camera settings
sidebar.

Aperture 6
For cameras with manual lenses, open the flash mechanism on the front of the
camera and turn the aperture ring.

In a typical Qualisys system, the aperture values range between f2 and f8, but you
should adjust the value to find the best balance for the light conditions in your lab.
Lower numbers let in more light, but too much light can result in QTM picking up
unwanted reflections or distortions.

Aperture 7
Focus
Once the aperture is set on a camera, you should adjust its focus to ensure it is
picking up a crisp image.
While setting the focus, it may be helpful to switch the camera to video mode in
order to see the recording volume more clearly, or to intensity mode, which can be
especially useful when the video image is dark.

As with aperture, the focus is set in QTM for cameras with motorized lenses and
inside the flash mechanism for cameras with manual lenses.

Focus 8
The goal of focusing is to view a clear image of the markers with sharply defined
edges.

If you have a large recording volume, it may not be possible to get all of the markers
in focus at once, so prioritize those nearest to the camera.
Switch back to marker mode and double-check the aperture before proceeding to
the next camera.

If your cameras have manual lenses, remember to close the flash mechanisms and
lock them back into place once you’re done. 

Focus 9
Exposure & Flash Time and Marker Threshold
To finish achieving the right balance of light, adjust Exposure & Flash Time and
Marker Threshold.
Exposure & Flash Time is the number of microseconds that a camera’s shutter stays
open—typically between 100 and 300 microseconds. Shorter exposure times let in
less light, while longer times let in more.

Marker threshold sets the intensity of light that QTM interprets as a marker. This is
usually set between 20 and 50%. Lower values make it easier to view markers but
also more likely to pick up unwanted reflections.

The two settings often impact each other and should be changed together for each
camera.

Exposure & Flash Time and Marker Threshold 10

Switching QTM to intensity mode can provide visual cues as you go. You should aim
for a dark background with the markers clearly displayed in red.
If the markers are not visible enough, try increasing exposure time to let in more
light and decreasing the marker threshold to interpret more light sources as
markers.

Conversely, if too many reflections are coming through, try decreasing the exposure
time and increasing the marker threshold.

Exposure & Flash Time and Marker Threshold 11

Once you are satisfied with your camera settings, remove the reference markers and
confirm that no reflections are being picked up in QTM.

If you still have unwanted reflections that you couldn’t resolve through the camera
settings, you may be able to remove them through exposure delay or marker masks.
Instructions on these can be found on QAcademy and in your QTM user manual.

Exposure & Flash Time and Marker Threshold 12

For more training resources, visit QAcademy at www.qualisys.com.

This manual was produced by Qualisys AB and Bassett Biomechanics.

v2.0 · © 2022 Qualisys AB