I'm thinking about using Freelook or Cam2Pan software. What troubles me is that there are lots of different opinions on cameras which can give you satisfactory results with these software. Since money is a big factor, can you recommend cheap cameras that work well with Frelook or Cam2Pan?

Or, even better, is there a way for me to buy older version of TrackIR, or a used one or similar for lower cost?

Thanks in advance.

Rab, I don't know where you are...country that is... but I would save for a Tracker IR. It's the best there is and the only way to fly IMHO. Whether you get the IR4 or a IR3 depends on you and what you can spend. Personally I'd go with the IR4 that has the vectoring software included. Tho the vectoring won't work with FB/PF it will with FS2004 and the new Battle of Britain Oleg is working on. It does work now with the Shockwave Battle of Britain I'm told.

Don't feel bad tho, I've been saving for a new one for the last 6 months.

I'd say save up for a TrackIR4. I'm already in starvation mode and the month have hardly started, but it was worth every penny! I even reinstalled CFS3 with the firepower addon just to try out the vectors

and I actually look forward to trying http://www.medairwar.com/

Thanks for your replies, guys. I'm afraid that the saving isn't an option for me, because I must save for more important things in life. That's why I'm considering Freelook and Cam2Pan. I mean, if I can find a $20 web camera which works fine with the software mentioned, that would be great. But I really don't want to experiment which camera works fine and which doesn't (it costs), just wishing for a failsafe solution.

It is really disappointing that the offering of used TrackIRs keeps so high prices.

Rab, new or used they're worth every penny.

Looks like I could even get a good buck from my IR2.

The thing you have to consider Rab is the extra drain on system resources using a webcam view system. Also webcams can't do 120fps so the view might end up being too much of a strain on your eyes.

It seems to work ok for some people though but at the cost of effectively downgrading your IL2 frames so it may end up being a wasted $20.

Then again I'm a bit biased too so your mileage may vary.

hi -

I use a pretty expensive camera Creative Ultra WebCam, USD $99 for cam2pan (only $10, not $20 as listed). I honestly don't get very good results. I use the camera for other purposes (corresponding w/ family across the country), so the webcam, while expensive, is worth it for that-- but for cam2pan-- I'm a bit disappointed and somewhat wished the $10 had gone towards a trackIR.

The plus about cam2pan is that you don't have to wear a hat or stickers, etc. that's nice. The minus about it is that it doesn't track very well, as far as I am able to figure it out. Perhaps i'm just incompetant-- but either way-- it is not trivial to get smooth operation. The explanations in their help / support are not clear as well.

As you probably read, supposedly the cheaper cameras work... you might consider e-mailing the developer, support@mousevision.com to get some direct recommendations.

All in all - i haven't found my flying to be much improved w/ cam2pan. But, again, perhaps I just haven't figured out how to make it work right.... I have heard that flashlight-tracking mode works best-- but that's more or less wearing a flashlight on your head...and cam2pan was supposed to be sticker/cap free...

best,
ptero77

Thanks, guys. Resources use of webcam starts to worry me, since my rig is an old one. Guess I better start looking for cheapest TrackIR I can find.