Hailed as the “next evolution in recording video,” volumetric capture is a fast-growing technique where people, objects or spaces are recorded three-dimensionally in real-time. Differentiated from cameras that record flat, 360-degree videos, volumetric capture adds depth to create a 3D image, allowing playback from any angle. 

Here is how volumetric capture is especially unique: Rather than simply watching a recorded event, users can experience and interact with a recorded performance more than ever before. With volumetric capture, you can view a concert from the crowd or place yourself on stage with the band. You can replay a movie scene from the perspective of a different character each time. You can even scan yourself to create a  video game avatar. 

Volumetric capture technology is radically changing the way we create and encounter content. So, what’s the magic behind it? 

Many volumetric capture setups involve a dome-shaped rig with hundreds of depth-sensing cameras positioned at specific angles. These cameras operate in perfect unison, capturing the image of your subject in sync with no variations. With this data, you can then stitch together a compressed, seamless mesh that lets you manipulate any view of your recorded subject in high detail. 

Volumetric capture can be used to compose subjects within digital worlds or to create  mixed reality holographic projections. Because of this versatility, it comes to no surprise that volumetric capture technology has been recognized as opening the creative door to producing highly immersive, transportable experiences. 

More and more public figures, organizations and governments alike are using volumetric capture as part of their audience engagement strategy:

• Volumetric capture is heavily featured in the music video for Canadian pop singer RIELL’s “End It”. 

• The LA Kings also recently became the first NHL franchise to adopt volumetric capture for creating immersive fan experiences. 

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky even used volumetric capture to address the global tech community earlier this year. 

Volumetric capture artists and pioneers are discovering new opportunities, applications and uses across fields like merchandising, gaming, filmmaking, music, entertainment, architecture and many more. The possibilities are seemingly endless.

Despite making waves in so many industries, volumetric capture is not yet easily accessible to the common content creator. High production costs, large space requirements, and long processing times for huge volumes of data make it difficult for any single person to employ this type of technology. Creators must also consider using high-quality cameras and controlled lighting environments to produce the best-performing results in their volumetric capture. But the hope is that these barriers to success will dissipate as processing power, image quality and overall technological advancements improve.

While volumetric capture technology is still being shaped, developed and polished, it marks a major step towards transforming digital experiences into realistic, immersive media. And when its full potential becomes realized (whenever that may be), volumetric capture may very well produce a momentous effect on everyday life.

What that will look like exactly remains open-ended for now. What role do you think volumetric capture is going to play over the next 20 years?