Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about Depthkit? We've got answers.
General Questions
What is Depthkit?
Depthkit is the first volumetric filmmaking tool designed to empower creators of all experience levels to participate in the cutting edge of immersive storytelling. Depthkit is downloadable software that allows you to capture volumetric video (think holograms) for use in interactive 3D environments like Unity or WebGL.
What can I capture with Depthkit?
You can think of Depthkit like any video camera, but enhanced with the added dimension of 3D depth. This means anything with movement is a great subject for Depthkit. People and animals are our favorite, but any moving scene can look compelling when volumetrically captured!
See some examples of Depthkit footage in this database of volumetric films.
Does Depthkit capture environments as well as people?
Depthkit is designed for full motion capture. Unlike other scanning software that creates static 3D models of scenes or objects, Depthkit takes a stream of 30 independent 3D scans per second for cinematic motion in true 3D.
This means that Depthkit isn't the best tool to capture large environments. For that, we recommend software like Agisoft Photoscan, Capturing Reality, or, for creators working with a more substantive budget, LiDAR solutions.
Depthkit works in conjunction with these static capture solutions to create interactive 3D reconstructed environments — the raw ingredients of volumetric filmmaking.
What can I do with Depthkit captures?
Depthkit supports a range of workflows with the ability to export file formats optimized for game engine and 3D visual effects pipelines. In a single project, you can export volumetric footage for Unity or export a geometry sequence to take the same footage into your preferred DCC tools like After Effects or Houdini.
We also support playback on a web browser with the Depthkit.js Web Player or our Vimeo Depth Player integration.
Is Depthkit its own hardware?
No, Depthkit is a purely software solution. However, it does require specialized hardware that's easy to get — specifically a 3D depth sensing camera like the Microsoft Azure Kinect as well as a Windows PC.
See the Computer & Sensors section in this FAQ for more information on the hardware requirements for running Depthkit.
Can I integrate Depthkit into my favorite creative tools?
Depthkit offers flexibility in export formats to support integration with Unity as well as many DCC tools with the help of geometry sequence exports. Explore specific integrations in the Depthkit tutorials or check out the Depthkit Forums for techniques and tips.
For advanced creative control over your Depthkit assets in Unity, contact support@depthkit.tv to purchase the Depthkit Core Expansion Package.
What's the Depthkit learning curve?
If you're new to volumetric workflows, don't worry! Depthkit is designed to complement traditional filmmaking workflows. As a result, creators of all backgrounds and experience levels can get up and running with no previous volumetric experience, but having experience in video production, 3D design, or interactive systems programming is very helpful.
I don’t know how to code, can I still use Depthkit?
Yes, you'll be just fine — Depthkit is designed for filmmakers and non-engineers. Our latest Unity integration developments provide complete creative freedom to design XR and 3D experiences with zero coding required.
Pricing & Licenses
How much does Depthkit cost?
Depthkit plans are subscription-based, and the cost of a license varies by feature set. For plan comparisons, visit our Get Depthkit page.
What can I do with the free trial of Depthkit?
Our free trial allows you to explore volumetric capture, from how filming works to building scenes in Unity. Download the evaluation version on the Get Depthkit page and start creating!
In this free version, you'll have access to all the features of our Core plan. Clip duration is limited to 30 seconds per capture and 5 seconds per export. Choose a subscription plan for unlimited capture and export.
Is Depthkit Studio right for me?
Depthkit Studio offers full-body volumetric video, using up to 10 Azure Kinect depth sensors. It is being used on commercial productions today by invitation in our pilot program. Learn more here.
Can I apply Looks to my Depthkit assets in Unity?
The Depthkit Core Expansion Package for Unity unlocks the creative potential to design your own customized Looks for Depthkit. This includes compatibility with Unity's Shader Graph and Visual Effect Graph.
Download the Depthkit Core Expansion Package here.
Account & License Management
How do I know I have the most recent version of Depthkit?
Once downloaded and installed, Depthkit updates automatically, as long as you're connected to the Internet. When new versions are released, you'll be notified of any updates once you open the application.
I just upgraded from Depthkit Core to Depthkit Cinema. How do I access the new features?
Thank you for upgrading! Once you launch Depthkit and login, the application will recognize your new license and activate all Cinema features. If Depthkit is currently running, refresh your license with the icon or restart the application.
Does the subscription for my Depthkit license automatically renew?
Yes, the subscription for your Depthkit license will automatically renew on the monthly or yearly billing cycle you selected when you purchased it. You can check the date of your next renewal and billing cycle on your My Account page.
Can I pause my Depthkit license?
We don’t currently support the ability to pause and restart a license or subscription. You can cancel your subscription, which turns off the automatic renewal, and sign up for a new license when you’re ready to come back.
How do I cancel my Depthkit subscription?
This is a very sad question for us to answer :(
To cancel your Depthkit license, go to My Account and scroll down to “Manage Subscription” for your current plan. If you cancel your plan, we turn off automatic renewals on your subscription. Your license will expire after your current billing cycle is complete. We're sorry to see you go — the future of immersive media will miss you!
If I cancel my Depthkit subscription, do I get a refund?
Refunds are only valid within 7 days of your subscription purchase or renewal date. Reach out to support@depthkit.tv to request a refund from our support team.
If I cancel my subscription, can I still use Depthkit?
If you cancel your subscription, your plan will be downgraded to our free evaluation plan with capture and export restrictions.
How do I delete my Depthkit account?
If you want to delete your Depthkit account contact us with your name and the email you used to register for this site, and we'll delete you from our user database.
If you have an active Depthkit plan, please note that you will no longer be able to use the software once your account is deleted.
Sensors & Computers
What equipment do I need to get started?
At minimum, you will need a Windows PC or Mac running Bootcamp that meets our minimum specs, a supported depth sensor, and a subscription to Depthkit. Learn more about recommended computer specifications and supported depth sensors.
Can I run Depthkit on any machine?
Depthkit requires a Windows PC that meets our minimum specifications.,
Learn more about recommended specifications on our documentation.
What sensors can I use with Depthkit?
For Depthkit Core and Cinema, we support the Azure Kinect, Kinect for Windows V2 / Kinect for Xbox One (which requires Kinect Adapter for Windows PC) and Intel RealSense D400 series (experimental).
Depthkit Studio is compatible with the Azure Kinect only.
Read more about sensors in our documentation.
How do I know which sensor is right for me?
The Azure Kinect sensor's stability, quality and portability makes it the best sensor for almost all use cases. If you're interested in shooting with an Intel RealSense depth camera or have a legacy Kinect for Windows V2, we encourage you to read about the known issues and differences between shooting with the D415 and D435. Depthkit Studio is only compatible with the Azure Kinect.
Can I capture with Depthkit alongside my own video camera, such as a DSLR?
Depthkit Cinema provides the functionality to supplement the lush cinematic quality of your video camera with accessible depth sensing to create vivid, high resolution 2.5D volumetric captures up to 8K. Contact support@depthkit.tv to subscribe to Depthkit Cinema today.
Can I shoot with multiple sensors?
Yes! Depthkit Studio supports up to 10 Azure Kinect depth sensors connected to a single PC.
Support
Where can I find Depthkit operators to hire for a shoot?
Want to shoot with Depthkit, but don't have the time to learn the workflow? No problem — there are many trained and experienced Depthkit operators who are available for hire. To find a service provider in your area, visit the Collaborate channel in the Depthkit Forums or post in the volumetric filmmakers community group.
Looking for more?
For in-depth technical information about Depthkit, please visit our public documentation, or submit a question via the contact form below.
