At NAB 2025 (April 6–9, Las Vegas), Sony unveiled the OCELLUS ASR-CT1, its first camera tracking system designed to transform virtual production and augmented reality (AR) workflows. Showcased at Sony’s booth (N439), this marker-free system promises to simplify setups and deliver precise, real-time camera data for broadcast and cinema applications.
With its innovative design and seamless integration, OCELLUS positions Sony at the forefront of next-generation production technology.
Marker-Free Tracking with Visual SLAM
The OCELLUS system eliminates the need for traditional tracking markers, infrared beacons, or base stations, which often complicate setups and slow down production. Using Sony’s Visual SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology, it employs five image sensors to create a reference map, enabling stable tracking indoors and outdoors.
This marker-free approach reduces setup time, minimizes post-production corrections, and supports dynamic environments like LED volumes, green screens, and AR overlays.
The compact sensor unit (86mm × 60mm × 43mm, 250g) mounts easily via NATO rails and features IR LEDs for low-light tracking and a Visible Light Cut Unit for stability in changing lighting conditions.
Even if only one sensor detects feature points, OCELLUS maintains smooth tracking, offering high occlusion resistance critical for complex shoots.
Seamless Integration and Camera Agnostic Design
OCELLUS is camera-agnostic, compatible with Sony’s Cinema Line (e.g., VENICE, FX9, FX6), system cameras, and third-party models. It comprises three main components:
- Sensor Unit: Five image sensors for robust, marker-free tracking.
- Processing Box: Connects via a single SDI cable, pulling lens metadata, timecode, and sync data, with an OLED display for status checks.
- Lens Encoders: Optional for non-metadata lenses, capturing focus, iris, and zoom values for precise VFX integration.
When paired with Sony cameras, OCELLUS transmits metadata (focus, iris, zoom) via SDI output and Ethernet (1000BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 10BASE-T) to rendering platforms like Unreal Engine in real-time. For non-Sony setups, lens encoders ensure compatibility, making it a versatile tool for diverse productions.
Applications in Virtual Production and AR
OCELLUS excels in In-Camera VFX and AR, delivering real-time camera position and orientation data to match physical and digital elements seamlessly. Its applications include:
- Virtual Production: Perfect for LED wall shoots, eliminating marker reflections and ensuring perspective accuracy.
- Augmented Reality: Enables immersive AR overlays for sports, news, and weather broadcasts.
- Post-Production: Records tracking data, timecode, and file names, streamlining VFX workflows.
By integrating with Sony’s ecosystem, including Crystal LED VERONA displays and the Virtual Production Tool Set, OCELLUS enhances efficiency across pre-production, on-set previews, and post-production.
Industry Impact and Availability
Sony developed OCELLUS based on feedback from global content creators, addressing pain points like complex setups and metadata management. “The growing market for virtual production and AR demands simpler, more efficient workflows,” said Sebastian Leske, Head of Business Development, Cinema Line. “OCELLUS delivers valuable, real-time data, enhancing efficiency.”
Set for release in Q4 2025 (October or later), OCELLUS is priced at approximately $62,000 AUD in Australia, with pricing for other regions pending. Its debut at NAB 2025 drew attention for its plug-and-play design and compatibility with varied rigs, signaling a shift toward more accessible virtual production tools.
Why OCELLUS Matters
Unlike infrared motion capture or inertial systems that require controlled environments or frequent recalibration, OCELLUS offers flexibility and precision without extra hardware. Its ability to work in diverse settings—studio or on-location—makes it a game-changer for cinematographers and technical directors. By reducing setup time and post-production guesswork, OCELLUS empowers creators to focus on storytelling, not logistics.
For filmmakers navigating the evolving landscape of virtual production, OCELLUS is a bold step forward, blending Sony’s imaging expertise with cutting-edge tracking tech.
Check out the full details at Sony’s official OCELLUS page.
Leave a Comment