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How to Create Dynamic Cameras in Iracing

Learn how to create dynamic cameras in iRacing. Clear, step-by-step help for iRacing drivers to build smooth, TV-style shots and fix camera issues fast. Today.

If you’re stuck on how to create dynamic cameras in iracing, here’s the short answer: use the built‑in Camera Tool (Ctrl+F12) in a replay to make a trackside cam that auto‑tracks a car with smoothing, then save the set. For moving, cinematic fly‑bys, use the free CamTool 2 add‑on. Let’s walk through both.

Quick Answer: how to create dynamic cameras in iracing

Open a replay or Spectate, press Ctrl+F12 to open the Camera Tool, add a camera, set it to follow the selected car with smoothing/auto‑pan, adjust FOV, and Save. For true moving shots (keyframed paths), install CamTool 2.

What’s Really Going On

iRacing includes a powerful camera editor for TV cams (trackside, chase, cockpit, blimp). “Dynamic” means the camera pans/tilts smoothly to follow a car, optionally with auto zoom and motion smoothing so it looks like a broadcast. The stock tool is great for fixed-location cams that track action. If you want a camera that physically moves along a path (drone-style or cinematic sweeps), you’ll need CamTool 2, a popular community tool that adds keyframed camera motion.

Step-by-Step Fix

A) Built‑in dynamic trackside cameras (fast and native)

  1. Go to Replay or Spectate. Pick the car you want the camera to follow.
  2. Press Ctrl+F12 to open the Camera Tool. Choose a camera group (e.g., TV1) or make a new one.
  3. Add a new camera. Use the on‑screen position/rotation controls to place it where you want (outside a corner works well).
  4. Set the camera to follow the selected car. Enable tracking/pan so it automatically aims at the car.
  5. Increase smoothing to avoid twitchy movement. Adjust FOV (field of view) to ~40–60 for a TV look.
  6. Test by playing the replay. Tweak pan speed and smoothing until motion feels natural. Click Save to store this track’s camera set.

B) Advanced, moving cameras with CamTool 2 (cinematic)

  1. Install CamTool 2 (free community plugin). It runs over iRacing replays and uses telemetry.
  2. Open a replay, launch CamTool 2, and attach the tool to your selected car.
  3. Add keyframes along the timeline. Set camera positions, aim, and FOV at each key point.
  4. Adjust easing/smoothing between keyframes for fluid motion. Preview the shot and refine.
  5. Save/export your camera path. Reuse or share it for the same track/car combo.

Note: The built‑in tool saves per track. CamTool projects are separate and tied to your replay timeline.

Extra Tips / Checklist

  • Build a few “anchor” cams (entry, apex, exit) around key corners; let Auto camera selection pick the best one during replays.
  • Keep smoothing moderate. Too high feels sluggish; too low looks jerky.
  • Avoid extreme FOV changes mid‑corner; it reads as a “zoom jump.”
  • Save often and name your camera groups clearly (e.g., “TV1 – Battle Cams”).
  • For broadcasts, test with two cars side‑by‑side to ensure pans keep both in frame.

FAQs

Q: Where are my saved cameras stored? A: In your Documents/iRacing folder under cameras. You can Save/Load sets in the Camera Tool and back them up or share them.

Q: Can I use dynamic cameras live, not just in replays? A: Yes, in Spectate or while broadcasting. Editing is easiest in replays, but you can load saved sets for live use.

Q: My camera won’t follow the car—what did I miss? A: Make sure you’ve selected a car in the replay, enabled tracking/follow in the Camera Tool, and that you’re editing the right camera group.

Q: Is CamTool 2 allowed? A: It’s widely used for replays and content creation. It reads telemetry and doesn’t affect the car or race. Always grab it from a trusted source.

Short Wrap-Up

To quickly get dynamic, TV‑style shots, use iRacing’s Camera Tool: track a car, add smoothing, set a clean FOV, and save. For moving, cinematic paths, layer in CamTool 2 and keyframe your shots before your next session.