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Getting Started

New to the Omniscient Mounted feature? You’re in the right place. This quick start takes you from setup to your first shot.

What you need​

Overview​

1

Prepare the rig

Mount the device, align it with the camera, and connect the sync audio path.

2

Calibrate once

Record the calibration sequence against a flat, detailed target before shooting.

3

Capture takes

Record shots on your camera without moving the mount.

4

Process files

Drop the iOS exports and camera footage into Omniscient Desktop, then export the result.

1. Prepare the rig​

  1. Mount the iPhone firmly to your camera rig.
  2. Point the iPhone and camera in the same direction.
  3. Connect the iPhone audio output to your camera audio input, or use wireless sync after testing compatibility.
  4. Turn off camera and lens stabilization, wind reduction, noise reduction, auto gain, and voice-focused audio modes. If using a zoom lens, choose your focal length before calibration.
  5. Put the iPhone in Do Not Disturb and prevent interruptions from calls, alarms, timers, or audio playback.

2. Choose the calibration target​

Calibration quality depends heavily on the target. Choose a detailed surface and keep it in view throughout the calibration process.

Flat

Use planar surfaces that fill most of the frame.

Detailed

Look for texture, edges, images, drawings or non repetitive patterns.

Close

Start as close as practical, ideally about 1 m away.

Perspective

View the surface at a slight angle so edges show depth.

Still

Avoid moving subjects, reflections, and room-wide views.

Good examples

Desk with visible screen content

Books, documents, and cards on a table

Framed art, canvas, or wall print

Human-sized street mural

Printed T-shirts and tote bag on a sofa

Avoid

Blank walls

Reflective surfaces

Moving objects

Full-room depth

Repetitive patterns

3. Run calibration​

Mounted tab in the Omniscient iOS app

Open Mounted

Open the Mounted tab in the Omniscient iOS app, then tap New Mounted Session.

Start New Mounted Session screen in Omniscient

Create a session

Tap Start New Session, or use a previous calibration for the same lens and focal length if the iPhone has not moved relative to the camera.

Calibration Guide in Omniscient

Follow the on-screen instructions

Frame the target, tap Start Calibration, start recording on your camera, then follow the on-screen steps.

4. Capture shots​

  1. Scan the environment when prompted.
  2. Start the session on the iPhone.
  3. Start recording on the external camera and capture as many shots as you need.
  4. End the session on the iPhone when finished shooting.
Disable stabilization

Disable all optical and sensor stabilization before recording.

Using a zoom lens

Zoom lenses are compatible. With the current workflow, calibrate separately for each focal length you want to use and keep that focal length fixed for the entire take. Do not zoom while recording. A zoom lock is not required.

5. Export and process​

Export the Omniscient folders from the iPhone and the matching camera footage to your computer.

Omniscient Desktop home screen

Install Desktop App

Follow the instructions you received when signing up to install Omniscient Desktop, then open it.

Files imported into Omniscient Desktop

Import Files

Drop in camera files and all folders exported from the Omniscient iOS app.

Mounted files processing in Omniscient Desktop

Process

Press Next and wait for processing to complete.

Processed mounted shot ready to export

Review & Export

Once processed, review the shot and export it to your 3D software.

6. Import into your VFX software​

Import the processed shot into your preferred VFX or 3D tool.

Follow the integration guides for Blender, Unreal Engine, Unity, and more.

Unsupported integrations

After Effects and Apple Motion are currently not supported with the Mounted workflow.

Troubleshooting​

I see drift between tracking data and footage

Drift is usually caused by stabilization, sync, calibration, or mount stability issues. Verify that:

  1. Optical and sensor stabilization were fully disabled during the shot.
  2. The focal length remained fixed for the entire take.
  3. The calibration target was flat, detailed, close, and still.
  4. The mount remained rigid after calibration.
  5. The camera recorded a clean sync signal without audio processing.
Matching shots fails in Desktop

Disable camera audio processing such as noise reduction, wind reduction, auto gain, and voice modes.

If you use wireless connection, avoid high-frequency noise and run the Ultrasonic Compatibility Test with the same camera and audio path.

My iPhone is getting hot

Improve airflow, avoid direct sunlight, and use an external fan if needed. Excessive heat can reduce tracking reliability.

FAQ​

Can I use an iPad instead of an iPhone?

Yes, but an iPad is harder to mount rigidly. Use it only if the mount is stable enough for the iPad to move exactly with the camera.

For Beacon sync, do I need to take my device off silent mode?

No. Beacon sync works even when the device is in silent mode.