PlayStation Camera
Motion sensor and camera for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.
Last updated
The PlayStation Camera is a motion-sensing and video accessory for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, created by Sony Computer Entertainment. It follows the PlayStation Eye, which debuted for the PlayStation 3 in 2007, and also serves as the motion tracker for the PlayStation VR headset.
History
Development of the camera, initially called the "PlayStation 4 Eye," was confirmed on February 21, 2013, the day after the PlayStation 4 was announced, and it appeared in the console's teaser trailer. It launched alongside the PlayStation 4 on November 15, 2013. By March 2014, Sony reported that over 900,000 units had been sold with the console, causing stock shortages, and that roughly 15% of PlayStation 4 owners had one.
A redesigned version was unveiled on September 7, 2016, alongside the PlayStation 4 Pro and Slim, and released on September 15, 2016. This revision swapped the original rectangular shape for a cylindrical one and added a separate stand for adjusting the camera’s angle, rather than relying on a movable part of the camera itself.
Hardware
The hardware includes two 1280×800 pixel cameras with f/2.0 lenses, a 30 cm focusing distance, and an 85° field of view. The dual cameras can work together for depth perception, similar to the Xbox Kinect, or one can record video while the other handles motion tracking.
A four-channel microphone array reduces background noise and can accept voice commands. The unit measures 186 mm (width × height × depth) and weighs 183 g. It records in RAW and YUV formats and connects to the console via a dedicated port.
Compatible games
Many PlayStation 4 games and applications support the camera, including Alien: Isolation, Angry Birds Star Wars, Baila Latino, Burnout Paradise Remastered, Commander Cherry's Puzzled Journey, Dreams, FIFA 15–17, Just Dance 2014–2022, LittleBigPlanet 3, NBA 2K15–2K17, Octodad, Omega Quintet, Rabbids Invasion: The Interactive TV Show, SingStar and SingStar Celebration, SHAREfactory (a software tool), Sportsfriends, Super Stardust Ultra, Surgeon Simulator, Tearaway Unfolded, The Playroom, Until Dawn, and War Thunder. The PlayStation 4 system menu also supports motion controls and voice commands (the latter works with any microphone). All PlayStation VR games require the camera for head tracking, and Move controllers if used.
Lore & Background
On February 21, 2013, a day after the PlayStation 4 was announced, a camera was revealed to be in development for the PlayStation 4, nicknamed the 'PlayStation 4 Eye' after its predecessor, the PlayStation Eye. It was also featured in the trailer that teased the PlayStation 4.
The PlayStation Camera was released on November 15, 2013, alongside the PlayStation 4. In March 2014, Sony announced that over 900,000 PlayStation Cameras were sold alongside the PlayStation 4 console, leading to shortages of stock supply. It was estimated that 15% of PlayStation 4 owners also owned a PlayStation Camera.
Alongside the unveiling of the PlayStation 4 Pro and PlayStation 4 Slim on September 7, 2016, a design revision of the PlayStation Camera was unveiled for release on September 15, 2016. The new design has a cylindrical shape instead of the rectangular shape of the original revision, and now features a stand that can be used to adjust the camera's angle, instead of a movable part of the camera itself.
The camera features a four-channel microphone array, which reduces background noise and may even be used to receive voice commands. It records video in RAW and YUV formats and connects to the console via its specified port.
With the dual camera setup, the camera can operate at different modes, depending on the target application. The two cameras can be used together for the depth perception of objects in its field of vision, akin to the Xbox's Kinect peripheral. Alternatively, one of the cameras can be used for recording video, and the other for motion tracking.
Reader's Guide
Since the release of PlayStation VR virtual reality headset on October 13, 2016, the PlayStation Camera has been used as a major component of the PlayStation VR system. The camera detects LEDs embedded in the headset for the purposes of motion tracking. A USB dongle is required for the camera to be used on the PlayStation 5. This dongle was freely available from Sony directly, provided the user could supply the serial number of their VR breakout box, but as of November 26, 2024, this adapter will no longer be provided by Sony, although third-party options also exist.
The camera's compatibility extends to a wide range of PlayStation 4 games and software, including titles such as Alien: Isolation, Just Dance 2014 through 2022, FIFA 15–17, and Until Dawn. All PlayStation VR games require the camera for head tracking as well as the Move controllers, if they are used. The PlayStation 4 system menu supports motion controls and voice commands via the PlayStation Camera (the latter is supported using any microphone). The camera's dual-camera setup allows for depth perception and motion tracking, making it a versatile accessory for both standard games and virtual reality experiences.
More in Console Accessories
Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: PlayStation Camera (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced