System requirements
Single camera: Intel i7 processor (1080p) or intel i5 processor (720p)
Dual cameras: Intel i7 processor with GPU (ideally, a gaming machine with an NVIDIA card).
8GB RAM
700 MB available on hard drive
Microsoft Windows 10/11
Internet connection (license login)
Dedicated USB3 port
Camera / capture card requirements
Virtual.ink can work either with an HDMI capture card (opening the door to any camera that can deliver clean hdmi out), a Canon camera through usb only, or a webcam (with limitations). The best option is the first one.
Option 1- Camera through an HDMI capture card
Option 2- Camera through USB
Canon: Windows only, 1024px resolution max (this is what Canon is providing through usb only). This is the most simple way of using this software. You simply need one compatible Canon Camera: any of their DSLR, some recent mirrorless (M50, R, RP, M6ii, M200), some recent powershots (G7xiii, G5xii). You can run only one camera through usb-direct (but you can combine this with a second camera on a HDMI capture card)
Sony: works with cameras that have the “web cam” feature (1280px wide)
GoPro: this seems to be the highest resolution available for a direct usb connection to Virtual.ink. 1920x1080px is avaiable straight from a GoPro 10 camera!
Option 3- Webcam
Logitech Brio or any webcam when you can set manual settings
Recommended accessories
Remote control
The included remote control is great to test and operate within 2 meters from the computer, but for performances or outdoors work, please consider these options:
Kokuyo Power Point Operation for Finger Presenter Obsidian Kokuyoseki Ela-fp1 -> https://amzn.to/2ppBlrD
8bitdo SN30 Wireless Bluetooth Controller Dual Classic Joystick for Android Gamepad -> https://amzn.to/2EMxiQN
Cables, tripods and brackets
Camera bracket (this is what I use with my two Canon SL2): https://amzn.to/2DMoiHK
L-Shaped HDMI cable. Our kit comes with HDMI cables, but to get two cameras closer (or to have a more solid setup), I recently came across these L-Shaped cables. They take super long to get, but they totally worth it, especially if you intend to use the bracket listed above. https://amzn.to/2GLQihP
Tripod: any sturdy tripod is going to do the trick. These days, I’m using mostly this lightweight one: Benro Slim Carbon Fiber: https://amzn.to/2TYoUkA
External recorder
If you’re planning on recording longer duration videos (over a minute), then it’s safer to keep 100% of the horse power of your computer for the light-painting and use a dedicated recording device. This can be a second computer paired with an additional hdmi-to-usb capture card, or an external recorder like the Hauppauge HD PVR Rocket Portable Stand Alone HD
HDMI cables
Most HDMI cables are straight. I’ve been experimenting lately with these angled ones, and they are much more reliable, and they take less space, allowing you to put your two cameras closer to each other. Select the right orientation!
Left angle (EOS-R) https://amzn.to/2LAZyI3
Right angle (SL2/200D) https://amzn.to/2XpKioD
Light-painting tools
Light-painting tubes. I have a bunch of different kits available on lightpainting.store.
Liteblades (as seen in most of my initial demos for this software). Purchase from Liteblades.com