You can use Meta Quest as a 3D video camera, here's how
Meta Quest can be used as a 3D video camera for real and virtual environments. The Quest Games Optimizer makes recording a breeze.
Quest Games Optimizer has been able to capture stereoscopic 3D video for years. With the recently released 12.4.0 update, the tool introduced optimized settings for stereoscopic 3D capture as well as improved video stabilization. This prompted me to give the 3D video camera feature a try.
By default, recorded Quest videos are monoscopic (only the view from one eye is captured). Quest Games Optimizer allows you to record video with both eyes (stereoscopic). The result is also a rectangular video, but with a stereoscopic depth effect when viewed with Meta Quest or any other stereoscopic playback device.
You can capture 3D video from VR games, MR games, or just passthrough, showing the physical environment from your first-person perspective.
How to record 3D videos with Quest Games Optimizer
Enabling 3D capture mode is very simple. Open the video capture settings in QGO and select either "3D Performance" or "3D Quality" under Rival Presets. The first mode records at a lower quality and is intended for performance-hungry games and apps, while the second mode prioritizes image quality. If you are only recording passthrough, you can choose 3D Quality.
3D Performance:
- Format: 2:1
- Resolution: 2.160 x 1.080
- Bitrate: 25 mbps
- FPS: 30
3D Quality:
- Format: 2:1
- Resolution: 2.880 x 1.440
- Bitrate: 40 mbps
- FPS: 60
You can then record videos as usual, but they will be captured stereoscopically. You can then watch them with Meta Quest, a dedicated video player for immersive content, or upload them to the 3D video platform and VR app Rival and watch them there.
Quest Games Optimizer has partnered with Rival and adopted their settings for stereoscopic 3D video capture with Meta Quest. For promotional reasons, Rival is currently running a contest where you can win prize money with your 3D videos.
First impressions
I shot some videos in passthrough mode and in VR games, and the "3D Quality" setting delivers 3D videos in good quality with a great depth effect.
The VR app Rival is also worth a look. Among other things, the platform offers 3D video captures of VR games. After watching them, I am convinced that VR gameplay can be conveyed much better with stereoscopic 3D videos than with classic flat videos.
You can download Rival for free from the Horizon Store, in case you're interested.
You can buy Quest Games Optimizer on Itch.io. The tool is currently discounted to $5.
What is the Quest Games Optimizer?
QGO's main feature is to automatically configure your games and apps so that they take full advantage of the hardware and look better or run smoother. Quest 3 and 3S benefit the most from this tool.
QGO comes with it a dedicated app launcher that lets you select and customize performance profiles for almost any Quest app. The tool currently offers tested profiles for hundreds of games and apps. You can also choose to customize the existing profiles or create entirely new ones. This is effortless thanks to an intuitive UI.
You can find more information about the Quest Games Optimizer and a review in the following two articles:
- What is the Quest Games Optimizer and is the tool safe?
- Quest Games Optimizer review: Meta Quest 3 unleashed
What do you think of the Quest Games Optimizer? Join the conversation on Facebook, Bluesky or X or share your opinion in the comments below.
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