Close-up of Apple's immersive video cameras (Source: Reddit)
Apple has not said how it shoots immersive video for the Apple Vision Pro, but photographs at an MLS game have revealed the camera rigs it uses.
There have been previous reports claiming to show a VR camera rig at what was said to be an Apple TV+ show. However, much clearer images of the cameras, and also notes on their deployment, have now been shown on Reddit by user Joe-notabot.
The full details of the rig aren't clear from the report. One photographed has a Dionic 26V 98 battery from the Anton Bauer company. That's a high-capacity 98Wh Lithium-Ion battery that typically retails for over $700.
Apple reportedly had eight cameras at the MLS game — between the Portland Timbers and the Seattle Sounders — with about half in fixed positions. Two were said to be adjacent to the goals, having an elevated position just inside the six yard box.
One each was posted above the player bench, on a raised center line walkway section behind fans, and close to the touchline. The remaining three were mobile, being carried around by operators.
The operators, who would not discuss their work, were seen to swap storage cards at half time.
It's likely that Apple is still experimenting with how to record live sports in this format. So far only short clips of immersive sports video have been released.
