A stereo head-mounted camera (HMC) or a TrueDepth camera on an iPhone or iPad captures depth data. MetaHuman Animator processes this depth data offline to generate facial animation on your MetaHuman. The requirements for capturing with a stereo HMC are similar to those for a standard head mount, with additional considerations for framing, focus, and lighting across both cameras.
For the full offline animation workflow, including ingesting footage, generating calibration data, and processing depth data, see Animation from Depth Data.
All face and head-mount recommendations listed in the Video Capture Guidelines, still apply, with a few additional notes on depth capture.
Performer Framing
For both the lower and upper cameras, align the image center with the upper part of the philtrum (the base of the nostrils).
 |  |
Optimal Framing — Lower Camera | Optimal Framing — Upper Camera |
Below are several examples of poor image framing.
 |  |  |  |  |
Too Low | Too Low | Too High | Too High | Off Axis |
Depth Preview in Live Link Face on iOS
The depth preview in the Live Link Face iPhone application is a useful tool for evaluating performer distance from the camera.
Depth preview is particularly useful with fixed devices to ensure the optimal distance from the subject without clipping near detail. Gray shading indicates the correct distance from the camera.
Depth preview is only available on devices with a TrueDepth camera system.
 | |
Correct gray depth map preview: The performer is at an optimal distance from the camera. | Black artifacts: The performer is too close or too far from the camera. |
