For those who don’t know the tool: The Pixel Farm develops PFTrack, a node-based 3D camera tracking and photogrammetry system used in VFX, virtual production, and survey-driven pipelines. It exports to DCC tools including Autodesk Maya and integrates LiDAR and image based reconstruction.

The Pixel Farm has released PFTrack 26.02, a point update to its camera tracking and photogrammetry software. The release focuses on export reliability, Survey Solver behaviour and data validation rather than new solver technology. According to the published change list, the update introduces improvements to Maya export scripts, OBJ texture handling, LiDAR import logging and node connectivity within the Survey Solver. It also resolves a keyboard shortcut conflict in the Orient Camera node.

Maya export scripts corrected

The updated Maya export scripts now automatically parent background image planes to cameras on export. This addresses a long standing friction point in matchmove handoff. Previously, depending on scene configuration and export path, artists could end up manually re-parenting image planes inside Maya to maintain alignment between the solved camera and its background plate. The revised script automates this relationship at export time.

For tracking teams delivering camera solves into Maya-centric pipelines, this reduces post-export clean-up and the risk of misalignment during layout or scene assembly. The vendor statement does not detail changes to other DCC export scripts.

Survey Solver and OBJ texture loading

PFTrack 26.02 updates the way OBJ mesh textures with numbered filenames are loaded into the Survey Solver node. OBJ sequences or assets that rely on incrementally numbered texture files will now load correctly when imported into Survey Solver. The official notes do not specify naming conventions, but refer to numbered filenames in general terms.

For facilities using photogrammetry meshes or survey derived assets with multiple texture tiles, correct automatic loading reduces manual reassignment inside the node graph. It also limits the possibility of mismatched textures during camera solve refinement. The change appears limited to texture loading behaviour inside Survey Solver and does not reference modifications to the OBJ importer elsewhere in the application.

LiDAR import logging added

The update adds explicit error logging when importing corrupted or incomplete LiDAR survey data files. PFTrack supports LiDAR survey data within its camera-solving and scene-reconstruction workflows. In previous versions, incomplete or damaged files could fail during import without detailed diagnostic output.

With 26.02, the system now logs errors when such data is detected. The vendor documentation does not describe the logging format, verbosity level or where logs are written. It does state that error logging is triggered when corrupted or incomplete LiDAR files are imported.

Photogrammetry node connectivity fixed

A further fix addresses connector logic in Studio and Enterprise editions. Photogrammetry nodes can now be connected to secondary inputs of the Survey Solver where appropriate. The official wording specifies that this applies to Studio and Enterprise only.

This suggests that earlier builds restricted valid node graph connections in certain configurations, potentially limiting more complex photogrammetry driven solves. The updated connector logic restores the ability to route photogrammetry outputs into secondary Survey Solver inputs when supported by the node’s design.

The vendor has not published technical detail about which specific input sockets were affected or how the internal validation rules have changed. Not independently verified at press time.

Facilities using advanced node graphs that combine survey data, image based reconstruction and manual constraints should review existing templates to confirm expected behaviour after updating.

Scope and positioning

This release does not introduce new solver models, GPU-acceleration changes, or major UI revisions. It is positioned as a maintenance and workflow refinement update. The focus remains on export reliability, data validation and node graph correctness. For studios that rely on PFTrack for camera tracking, survey alignment and photogrammetry reconstruction, these adjustments address specific operational irritations rather than expanding feature breadth.

PFTrack is available in three editions. PFTrack Solo is priced at £699 for a permanent licence. PFTrack Studio is offered on a rental basis, with pricing listed at £59 for a five day rental period. PFTrack Enterprise pricing is available on request from The Pixel Farm. As always, facilities should confirm current licensing terms and support options directly with their vendor before procurement.

As always, new tools and updates should be tested in controlled conditions before being introduced into active production pipelines.

The post PFTrack update tidies Maya and LiDAR workflows first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.

For those who don’t know the tool: PFTrack is The Pixel Farm’s flagship 3D camera tracking and matchmoving software, used in VFX and virtual production pipelines for precise camera solves, photogrammetry, and scene reconstruction. It works alongside PFClean and integrates with DCCs from Maya to Nuke.

Lens distortion overhaul

The 25.11.13 release introduces new anamorphic and non-linear distortion models, smarter grid detection, and automatic selection of the most suitable lens model for each shot. The Lens Management system also now allows exporting distortion data directly into supported host applications.

Tracking tools refined

Both Auto Track and User Track nodes gain expanded editing controls in the Cinema workspace, including track grouping and motion prediction. The Localised Motion Prediction algorithm enhances feature consistency on fast-moving footage. Camera and Survey Solver nodes receive improved parameter control and faster iteration feedback.

Photogrammetry and modelling upgrades

The Photo Mesh node’s performance and memory management have been re-engineered to allow significantly larger mesh builds, particularly on macOS. Image Modelling introduces user-defined primitives, enabling custom reference geometry during scene reconstruction.

Sensor databases and third-party data

With the 25.12.19 build, PFTrack adds support for external camera sensor databases, beginning with integration of Matchmove Machine’s CamDB. This allows accurate sensor metadata import to improve focal calibration.

Node and UI polish

Across all 2025 releases, many nodes—including Geometry, Solver, and Point Cloud—benefit from small but meaningful updates: faster point cloud generation, improved solver convergence, and clearer error feedback. The general UI receives smoother interaction within Cinema viewports and enhanced undo stability.

Quality-of-life improvements

The 25.10 update improved bundle adjustment speed and tracking robustness on heavy footage. Version 25.09 refined Python scripting APIs, expanding access to internal data for pipeline automation. Collectively, these tweaks make PFTrack less prone to small but annoying interruptions mid-solve.

Licensing reshaped

After user demand, The Pixel Farm has reintroduced perpetual licences alongside subscription and floating models. Solo, Studio, and Enterprise editions remain available, with perpetuals offered for PFTrack only. Pricing is listed on The Pixel Farm’s store.

Tested before trusted

The Pixel Farm recommends reviewing node behaviour in controlled test scenes before deploying 2025 builds into live productions. As always, newer algorithms can subtly alter solver results between versions.

// https://pftrack.thepixelfarm.co.uk/documentation/changelog.html

The post PFTrack 2025: Matchmoving gets its groove back first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.

The latest release of PFTrack 24.12.19 from The Pixel Farm brings significant updates to its scene-reconstruction capabilities, aiming to enhance efficiency and accuracy for VFX artists. This version focuses on overhauling the photogrammetry toolset, integrating machine-learning technologies to improve performance.

AI-Powered Photogrammetry Enhancements

The Photo Survey node now features a machine-learning-based feature matching engine, designed to be faster and more accurate than previous iterations. This enhancement is expected to streamline the process of reconstructing 3D scenes from still images or video footage, reducing manual intervention and potential errors.

Lidar-Quality Point Clouds

Updates to the Point Cloud node enable the generation of point clouds with Lidar-like quality. This improvement facilitates more precise scene reconstructions, providing a solid foundation for subsequent VFX work. Additionally, new tools have been introduced for cleaning up point clouds by manually removing unwanted points, offering artists greater control over their 3D data.

Workflow and Performance Improvements

The Match Camera functionality has received workflow and performance enhancements, contributing to a more efficient match-moving process. These updates are designed to reduce the time and effort required to align virtual cameras with live-action footage, a critical task in integrating CGI elements seamlessly.

USD Workflow Updates

PFTrack 24.12.19 also includes updates to USD (Universal Scene Description) workflows, with support for point-based geometry. This addition enhances compatibility with other digital content creation tools that utilize the USD format, promoting a more integrated pipeline for complex projects.

Pricing and Availability

PFTrack operates on a rental-only model. Personal subscriptions are available at £25/month (approximately $32/month). Enterprise subscription pricing is available upon inquiry through The Pixel Farm’s website, with reseller prices listed at around $1,125/year/seat. But contact them, because we didn’t find exact prices. Also, there are rumors of a 35 Dollars per month “Personal” License, which re available as an In-App-Purchase. Resellers are (Worldwide) toolfarm.com and in Germany our friends from DVE As

Stability Considerations

While these new features offer promising enhancements, it’s advisable to test PFTrack 24.12.19 in a controlled environment before deploying it in active production. Ensuring compatibility and stability within your specific workflow can prevent potential disruptions during critical project phases. A trial version is of course available.

For a visual overview of the new features, you can watch the official release video below:

The post PFTrack 24.12.19: Scene Reconstruction Gets a Makeover first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.