SoloShot 3 auto tracking robot camera - test 

Maybe when the soloshot 4 arrives it will fix those issues. I personally am waiting on the SoloShot10. By then it should have all the issues fixed and one or two more features.

Good to know. I’ve often wondered about the Soloshot and if/how well it works. Thanks for biting the considerable bullet buying one so the rest of us can learn from your experience.

I remember a guy doing a video on the Soloshot years ago and then never hearing about it again and no one seems to use them. It's a good concept but you should definitely be able to use your own camera, if you can spend that much on this you probably own very nice and expensive cameras.

Thanks for the video. Our testing has shown the same problems. I think you are actually being too easy on it though. In addition to what you mention there is also a big color accuracy problem. Not just that it's a little cool, we've been purple look blue, orange look yellow, tan shorts look blue. What really is the deal breaker for us though is the constant focus hunting and bad image quality. Completely unacceptable at this price point. If anyone is interested, I have a couple videos you can look at. The latest is a side by side comparison between the soloshot and a mid range Panasonic. The difference in quality is almost stunning (the Panasonic being way better, and it's like 4 years old now). side note but if you throw my Phantom 4 pro quadracopter into the mix, the image quality of that that trounces both the Soloshot and the Panasonic.

That is either the smart man, or lazy man's way of exercising their dog. LOL

Hmm, was thinking about getting one of these...but I, too, am obsessive about image quality

Well Nick, very glad to see your Review, and especially the video footage of use. I have to laugh as I watch and listen to you complain about the video quality. I guess this is one advantage of being old..... I'm getting the SS3 to film me as I play Senior Softball and look to review my play in center field, batting, and on the bases. David L states 'the camera is crap'..... No David, you guys don't even KNOW what crap is! Glad the unit itself seems to work as advertised, is not terribly complicated to set-up, dependable, and delivers video that is clear, concise and looks nice. And truly hope that someday, probably in many years, you youngsters learn to appreciate the many wonderful technologys that eluded the vast majority of those who came before you......

I have been tracking the ss3 for what seems like years. Ready to place an order but looking for reviews before I do.

Thank you! I have a pro on order so I'm hopeful that will be the setup to have. The tracking looks smooth on the soloshot 3 which is my main complaint about the 2.

I’d honestly rather the drone that follows you, much better quality. Not whiling to pay over $600 for just that lol I need more. And ughh Tui is so freaking adorable I can’t even

What camera would you recomend in the same price range (i looked a the canon d80, but it is way more expensive)

How long does the battery last on a single charge? How well does it function in low light conditions? Thanks Nick.

Some points raised in comments .... The 25x only goes to 1080p and the 65x goes to 4K .... they are true resolutions, so anyone finding poor resolution may have something set wrong. The 1080p on my 25x is definitely as good or better than 1080p I have on various other Digicams I have. Zoom : the manual control as I understand is not active yet and is to be implemented in a later FW update. At this time - zoom only works in auto mode when subject moves away. The amount of zoom is dependent on the FoV setting you make .. Wide, Narrow etc. The narrower you make the FoV - the more zoom is used, but then tracking and keeping subject centred becomes unreliable. Colour : yes the colours are altered by the camera - but I think for most users - the deepening of colour is not so bad. Light and Dark : this is where I have biggest problem with video / photo results. If the lens passes across a bright light or catches the sun - it closes in so dark - and takes too long to correct when back to normal lighting. I have cheap $5 cameras that handle that better ! Soloshots answer is to keep sun behind you all the time ! Sorry SS - but this is a 360 deg camera and should handle it better. Start-up : This takes too long and the insistence on calibrating every time or if you move the base is ridiculous. I have various other items which use GPS / Visual Positioning and NONE need calibrating every switch on. In fact even my DJI only needs it when significant errors detected. I can move 100km and still have no calibration to do. That is with Drone and Controller GPS being referenced to each other as SS3 does. Tracking : Because SS3 relies on GPS for comparitive positioning of Tag to Base - it will never follow absolutely spot on - GPS is just not accurate enough. It is also why you should not bring TAG closer than 10ft or more to the Base - basically they then have literally same position info and cannot separate. Problems found in my use of the SS3 : 1. Unreliable start up and need to keep restarting to get any reasonable framing lock on. Average time to actual use - 5 minutes. 2. Poor tracking of any flight model. Overshoot of camera on change of direction - even with extra wide and minimum trajectory setting. 3. Loss of tracking and camera pointing vertical at times in sessions for no apparent reason. 4. Battery discharged itself to zero - took more than 12hours to resurrect. 5. Extreme sensitivity to ground effects - Magnetic Influences. I have DJI products which are known to be extremely sensitive - they initialise and setup fine in same locations. But SS3 throws up too many errors. 6. The charge contacts on the TAG prevent using flat back of TAG to fix to object. It might have been better to have had contacts on the edge. I am disappointed with the SS3 .... having waited near 2 years and it not performing as promised. I will keep at it .. updating and hope that it at least accomplishes some of what it is supposed to do. I think the main items to solve - are the extreme sensitivity and need to keep calibrating. Nigel

A friend of my (skater) loves these. Its a good idea, but the best option is to snap a good mirrorless cam

Be sure to add... it doesn't work indoors.

Would you be able to expand on the quirks and features of this article of greatness?

I, also, am waiting for the reviews. I need it to record my euqestrian activities and lessons so I don't care about picture quality. But I saw a trainer using one on his video subscription and it refused to track. I looked up reviews and there was a 30% complaint rate - Wow. I could never plunk down $600 with a 30% failure rate.

I would love to see how it can keep up with the drone. I'm into rc planes & would love to own one of this since the first one came out but it seems to be a bit slow (even the second one).

I have one but you have the long distance lens which is designed for no closer then 60 feet. I have the smaller lens and it handles up to 60' of course it can track up to 2000 but you should use the other lens for the test since so close

Nick is everywhere... what's the world coming to! lol.

Gopro Session mounted to the top to solve the quality issue? Obviously lose the zoom aspect, however, it actively tracks you in a much higher quality

They got the 25 zoom one on sale for 399 right now. Not bad.

Just seeing tui jumping and running around is so cooooooooooooot

So I keep seeing videos where the persons head never moves in the position of the video it’s very strange they could run or jump around in the video but their head always stays as one axis is this software doing this

Have you compared it to the Pixio robot camera? which do you prefer?

Tui is very athletic! She can really move. The video is impressive enough, just wait for the next upgrade! :-)

The real question is can I print out an adapter to let me put a DSLR on top of the existing camera and still have it function. That sounds like it would solve the issue. Low quality for a get it and go but the capability for higher custom quality with your own camera. Think the servos are strong enough to accommodate?

They've taken too long to sort the product out. In that time drones now have GPS tracking mode, 4k high bit rates with decent sensors and glass, smooth motion and pretty stable software.

Is there any product out there that will do this indoors, keeping a particular subject zoomed in more closely than this as they move around a large room? Envision mounting to a ceiling or wall. Obviously with the subject's full awareness.

Often but not always, camera makers can update some of the color and compression issues with firmware updates. in the year since you made this video, have any of those issues been corrected?

battery time? Films in 1080 60? File format?

What type of auto tracking camera would you suggest, for superior video quality?

Great review Nick! Comprehensive, concise, and I love the cheeky gorilla! Do you reckon I could use this to track RC aircraft?

By chance is there a unit that works by following motion alone? Not needing a secondary unit to lock onto in order to follow it that is. I have a Savannah cat that races through the house and makes unbelievable jumps at the drop of a hat and would often be over by the time I grab a camera. I'd appreciate any insight.

That’s pretty cool but it seems expensive for what it does considering the quality. How much more expensive is it to just get a drone that will follow you around?

Have you tried the Pixio? I'd be interested on your take with that unit.

Thanks, you just saved me a few hundred bucks. Any suggestions on a reasonably-priced option to make simple instructional videos with minimal movement? I'd like to be able to remotely begin and end video and have it follow my movements that will probably be within the length of a massage table from about 15 ft away. It would also be good to have either a reliable boom mic or lapel mic (may be separate but would need to work with the device). Thank you!

I am looking to track 22 kids, at a camp and am thinking about placing them side by side in a line, about 8' up as they stay with in about 300' of the base. What do you think?

Wish mine worked, it was returned and I hope the next one works.

Wine in the fridge Nick. Get you.

do you think this will work good for tracking a basketball player on court

Thanks for sharing. I made a few videos documenting the trials and tribulations of the more recent Soloshot 3 firmware upgrades as well as some accessories/tripod options to elevate. Hope you'll have a look sometime.

So you're frustrated using it... why are you continuing to use it?

Hey Nick! Thanks for your video! I have a question... Do you think I can use this as a webcam? I mean, could I use the motion tracking and while being in a zoom conference? Thanks!

Good demo... sadly I noticed that the zoom as your dog got further from the camera barely moved. So it tracked angle but not distance. I would have expected it to zoom in and out as your dog got closer and further from the camera. :-( + for you - for the camera

I’ve been searching for a tracking camera or device to use with my professional camera. I thought this would be it until I saw the poor video quality. Any other options out there that you know of with quality images and tracking?

Is there anything mobile that provides tracking based on a tag worn by the person? Could be a camera or smartphone tracking... why is nobody getting this done, or has someone? Pixio seems nice but is only for moving objects in a pre-defined area of limited size. I want the camera to stay on the tag as both object and filming party move around... any tips?

Is Tui getting a little chunky? Also, can you chop off the camera and mount your own, or strap a Gopro on top of it?

Is there a good alternative that lets you use your own camera. I hate the low quality soloshot puts out.

I just received my SS3 today as well, so I'll be giving it a good go this weekend. Looking at your footage, I'm wondering if the overall image quality of your footage would have been improved with a filter on the lens?

Hi, I got my Soloshot 3 last week and tried if for the first time last night and was totally disappointed with the night vision and lack of zoom control. I have the optic 65 version. I have not been able to get the zoom to auto zoom on follow like you did or get the zoom to zoom in or out(or stay where i put it). What has your experience been with the zoom either static or track and follow? Have you put the tracker on the drone and let the soloshot follow the drone?

Oops! At 5:35 Tui is out of frame! That's a big red flag for me. I am so in need of a product like this but I skate and don't want to be out of frame because of my speed or sudden turning. I thought they had fixed that issue. Now with the build-in camera it seems to be worse than before because you cannot use your own camera, and who knows what happens if that camera needs repair someday.

the time labs on your camera is on, something wrong with that cause it's not avalible option yet.

does this offer a wide lens shot? like gopro 6 where you can change superview, wide, medium, narrow? or it is just a fixed frame? thanks

Hi Nick just wanted to get your expertise re camera. Would this be the best one you think for recording a soccer player / match Any suggestions would be much appreciated 👍

Hey Nick I was wondering up to what distance is the tracking efficient? Thanks in advance.

Do you start recording from the base or via the tracking device?

Awesome T-Shirt.

Thank you for doing this!

Nick please try out the Pixio and do a comparison! Cheers!

Love your dog and your porsche!

Tui is just a great dog/companion/assistant/speed freak/badasss!!!

Hi Nick, have you done any comparisons with the Pixio camera?

Hi Nick. I thought I could take their camera down and add your own by using some kind of a custom mount. I remember reading that on their website. Is that true?

How hard can it be in this day and age to get a brilliant product... they have had years to get their shit together...i won't be getting one till they do

Hi Nick, love the channel and the topics. Are you also into watches? I bet you'd have a pretty sick collection if you were. Anyways, do you still have the SS? If you do, I'd like to invite you to re-try the unit with the latest software, 3.2.3.1. This release has greatly stabilized my units (I have 3 Optic 65's) and its a completely different user experience now.

Do you think it would work for me riding my horse?and about what are the price I live in the USA thank you so vary much love your dog linda

I'd just get Becky to film if I were you.

Can't you use an adapter plate, and put your DSLR on the flash mount on top of the integrated camera? Or is it too heavy then? (something like this fish flash shoe thing and thread for the tripod www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1301094-REG/really_right_stuff_fa_qrcs2_cold_shoe_for_rrs.html )

After buying the SoloShot 2 a few years ago they’ll NEVER sell me another item. What a POS that SoloShot2 was. Yes the 3 might be better but not by a long shot. Thanks for your review.

What about attaching some fireworks to the SoloShot as you did with one of your drones? I would pay to see you trying to run from it😂

Will it work if you set up next to the road and drive past it in 911 or is that time frame too short for the camera to recognise the tracker?

It’s an outdoor device so it won’t work in an ice-rink? 😧

its a bird its a plane no its super Tui.

So I've been looking to getting the solo 3 for quite some time more so for the purpose of recording my daughters dance recitals.How would you say it does in a auditorium or theater setting with low light, I'm assuming it would do a little bit better on the quality since she's not covering a huge amount of space ?? any opinions please advise...

I need this!

Hi. Did you test it indoors?

Nick, do you still have available the pdk t-shirt?

Is the tag from solo shot 2 compatible with soloshot3?

Hey Nick, thank you for yet another great video man. Question, is that the 25 or 65?

is it worth the money ?

How is the 25 optical zoom compared to the 65

So... you see artifacts when the subject is moving... why are you surprised?

Does it work indoors?

Think it would be good for recording a soccer match?

What about small room? Like im practicing martial arts?

At Last!! I returned my Soloshot 2 twice to the retailer, but only got 50% refund for it.. Will now try the soloshot 3 Does a model purchsed in the USA work in Europe as well??

Will it work indoors?

When are you doing that S2000 video?

Yes, it didn't track you until you did something unusual. Are you surprised?

Thank you for the review it was great. The question I have is how easy is it to upload the video to youtube or fb? Thank you.

Can you still plug in a different camera?

Nice but how to buy this product

nice video!! :) seemed like the camera was tracking the doggle rather than the dongle.....

So I'm going to guess this wouldn't do a great job of tracking 100-140 mph RC flying models. Maybe at a distance, but probably no so great on a close fly by or something, ay?

Tui so happy!

Wondering if you have done anything inside with one of these. I was assured by Soloshot (3 years ago) that this model would be able to be used inside. I want to mount it in a church and, so far have had no success inside. Any thoughts?

I haven’t figured out how to view what I’ve recorded help!

How does it do with sport