Introduction

It's 2020, and you're stuck practicing your dancing at home.  Maybe once or more a week you have a zoom dance lesson, or attend an on-line lesson?

You've dedicated a room or a portion of a room as your dance work-out area.  If you're fortunate, it has a hardwood floor or at least a floor you can dance on.  But you need a camera device, so that an instructor can watch your moves.  You have a Tablet, smartphone,  or laptop camera available.

But if you're lucky, your dance room area is larger than the field of vision of your camera.  Now, wouldn't it be great to have an auto-tracking device for your camera that would keep you in the camera's field of view while you dance around the room?  Well, there is such a device, and its called an auto-tracking gimbal.

Video Requirements for Dancing

Before we get into the details of different auto-tracking video tools, lets discuss what are the video support requirements most requested by dancers.

Here is a wish list, that I've come up with.  As a dancer, you should rank these and other requirements.  Only then, can you determine if there is a  video support tool on the market that may fit your needs.

1. Auto-tracking Object Recognition Support:
   a.  When dancing solo or with a partner
   b.  When facing or back is to the camera.
   c.  When moving slow,...or fast
   d.   When close to camera or far away.
   e.  When standing tall with hands raised or crouching,... almost on the floor.
   f.  Operates inside or outside.
2. Auto-tracking Following Distance
   a.   Follows in a small dance room or home  (20' or less from camera)
   b.  Follows while dancing a slot dance (American Rhythm, etc.)
   c.  Follows while dancing around a Studio/Ballroom dance floor (60' x 30')
3.  Stabilization Support
4.  App  and/or Operating System compliance:
   a. Windows 10
   b. Android OS
   c. Apple IOS
   d. Mac PC's
   e. Generic video and/or audio APPS
   f. Only works with vendor's App
5. Zoom Controls
6.  Audio Controls
   a. Music recording
   b. Speaker recording
7.  Video Recording controls and Options
   a.  Start/Stop
   b. Landscape and/or Portrait Modes
8.  Auto Tracker Power and Portability
   a. Battery operated for portability
   b. Minimum Operation time, 2 hours or more between charging.
   c.  Charging time:  2 hours or less.
   d.  Video operation  while connected to AC power outlet.
   e. Will simultaneously charge smartphone or tablet.
9. Cost Range
   a.   Is the auto-tracker  in the consumer range < $250
   b.  Is it in the mid range:  $400-$800
   c.  Is it for commercial or professional use:   $1000 or higher
10. Support & Documentation
    a.  Product Documentation in English
    b.  Video  Operation Tutorials available on-line
    c.  Support  and Repair response  (USA or International)
    d.  Warranty and Return Policy
    e.  Manufacturer: (USA or International)

Product Features

The above Dancer request list  for an auto-tracking device can not be met by any single product  existing in the marketplace today.  But the list highlights different auto tracking features that the dancer should review when evaluating whether a specific auto-tracker tool fits your needs or not.

Final Thought

As new products come onto the market, SeriousDancer will try to evaluate and provide reviews, Especially if you, as a dancer has an interest in comparing  a new product release with a product we have reviewed previously.

For specific Product Reviews, use the SdU Resource Library Search tool:
1. Select the  Video Tools Category
2. Using "More Filters"  select  "Auto-Tracking Tools"  tag.
3.  Hit "Search Now".
4.  A listing of Auto-Tracking device reviews will be shown.  Select to review details.