What is the purpose of a camera for video analysis in soccer?
Video analysis cameras in soccer have revolutionized the way the sport is understood, taught and played. These cameras serve many purposes:
- Filming a match: Obviously, it is possible to film a match; some cameras can even do this autonomously, with tracking capabilities
- Reviewing a match: Whether after the game or live with certain cameras, it is possible to watch the recorded match at your convenience
- Video analysis tool: For video analysts, cameras have become an essential tool that complement the analysis software they use daily
- Analyze player performance: High-resolution cameras allow for detailed observation of every movement, pass and shot with great accuracy
- Evaluate tactics et les strategies: By reviewing matches, soccer coaches can identify the strengths and weaknesses of both their team and their opponents
- Train players: Videos can be used to show players how to improve their individual and team play by focusing on specific aspects of their performance
- Prepare matches: Video analysis allows teams to study their opponents and develop tailored game plans for upcoming matches
Video analysis cameras like the Pixellot camera help boost the competitiveness of soccer teams. With player and ball tracking, they provide detailed visual analysis that goes beyond what the human eye can perceive, offering a strategic advantage from training sessions to competitive matches.
The best cameras for soccer video analysis
1. Veo Cam 3
The Veo Cam 3 from Veo is an even more advanced smart camera, offering a 180-degree panoramic view similar to the Veo 2, but with improved image quality and performance thanks to 4K resolution and built-in optical zoom. It eliminates the need to combine multiple cameras while simplifying performance analysis for teams, coaches, and video analysts through even more precise automated tracking of players and the ball.
Features of Veo Cam 3:
- 4K resolution for sharper, more detailed images
- Enhanced AI Tracker (optimized tracking of player and ball movements)
- Filming in all weather conditions (rain, snow, etc.)
- Compatible with Veo Live to stream matches live anywhere in the world
- Includes access to Veo Academy for free analysis and coaching courses
- Approximately 6 hours of battery life with expandable storage up to 256GB
- Multiple control modes, featuring a more advanced automatic zoom system
- A touchscreen allowing drawing and analysis directly on the screen
- Multisport (Soccer, Rugby, Basketball, Lacrosse)
- Improved upload time compared to Veo 2
- Still requires a strong internet connection for optimal performance
- Price: The Veo Cam 3 is typically sold for a one-time cost between $1,199 and $1,499, with an additional required subscription for video analysis and cloud features; accessories and equipment such as tripods are not included in the base price.
2. Spiideo SmartCam
Spiideo offers seven ranges of video analysis cameras, both fixed and mobile. Among these, the Spiideo SmartCam is the most suitable for soccer video analysis. This camera captures high-definition footage with precise automatic player tracking.
Features:
- AI Tracker (Tracks player and ball movements)
- Integrated with Spiideo Perform, Spiideo’s video analysis software and Spiideo Play, their automated video production system
- Cloud-based usage
- Easy-to-install camera
- Approximately 4 hours of battery life
- Multisport (Soccer, Hockey, Basketball, Handball, Rugby, Hockey, Lacrosse …)
- Requires a stable internet connection
- Other available options (A-Line, D-Line, S-Line …) depending on your needs
- Price: The Spiideo SmartCam is typically offered as part of an annual subscription package, with pricing starting around $3,800 per year for one team, including the camera. Club packages can cost $6,100 per year, with additional fees for live streaming features.
3. Trace Camera
Trace offers a camera whose main advantage is the use of AI, which automatically cuts and organizes all footage into playlists after each match.
Their technology captures every moment of matches and training sessions in high definition, providing precise data to enhance team and player performance.
Features:
- Excellent automatic editing and tagging capabilities
- Multiple camera control modes
- Good video quality(1080p)
- Approximately 4 hours of battery life
- Delivery limited to the USA & Canada only
- May require and Ethernet cable
- Simplified video sharing
- Player-specific edits available within 12 to 16 hours after the match
- Price: Available through an annual subscription starting at $95 per year for individuals, with team packages available; equipment is leased separately and not included in the subscription price.
4. Pixellot Air Camera
Pixellot is a leader in providing automated video analysis solutions for sports.
Their auto-tracking cameras are designed to capture and broadcast sporting events in high definition, whether it’s soccer with the Pixellot Air or baseball with their doublePlay technology, which features two cameras for both front and rear views.
Features:
- AI Tracker (Tracks player and ball movements)
- Good image quality and frame rate
- High-quality auto-zoom
- Requires an Ethernet cable
- 6 hours de storage
- Multiple camera control modes
- Multisport (Soccer, Basket-Ball, Hockey, Volley, Baseball …)
- Technology provider for top-level teams (Real Madrid, Bayern Munich …)
- Price: The camera costs $949+ monthly subscription (from $69 to $167 depending on the subscription features) – Accessories and equipment not included
5. Pix4Team
Move’n See has developed several robot-camera models, including Pixio and Pixem for filming individual sports, as well as Pix4Team and Wide Angle for tracking team sports. The company is currently the official equipment provider for national volleyball matches in both Men’s and Women’s Ligue A & B.
Features:
- AI Tracker (Tracks player and ball movements)
- Requires an external camera (tracking robot only)
- No subscriptions needed
- No sensors on players or beacons around the field
- Mounting plate for attaching a camera or smartphone to the robot
- Recording battery life: 2.5 to 3.5 hours
- French company
- Price: The Pix4Team 2 camera costs $2,779 as a one-time purchase (camera and basic accessories included), with no mandatory subscription or monthly fees required; additional accessories such as tripods are sold separately
6. Hudl Flex
Hudl, one of the leading video analysis software providers with over 8 million users across 40 sports, offers auto-tracking cameras for both indoor and outdoor use. In addition, Hudl also offers the Hudl Focus Flex, their portable camera designed specifically for soccer.
Fetures:
- AI Tracker (Tracks player and ball movements)
- HD Video
- Built-in 4G, with the option to connect to a Wi-Fi network
- Capability to livestream matches on Hudl TV (with monetization option)
- Livestreaming is only available in the USA
- 500 GB of storage, allowing you to save over 100 matches
- Multiple camera control modes
- Price: Ranges from $2000 to $6900 (depending on the options offered by Hudl)
7. Fairvision
Fairvision is a French company offering an innovative technology that enables the filming and broadcasting of sports events while also measuring both team and individual player statistics, using a system powered by solar panels.
Features:
- AI Tracker (Tracks player and ball movements)
- French company
- Easy to install
- Cameras powered by solar panels
- Offers a live mode
- No sensors required on players
- Multisport (Soccer, Handball, Tennis …)
- Ability to record clips from 5 to 60 seconds for sharing
- Price: Quote required – Camera systems available for rental