You know there are two technologies behind launch monitors if you’ve done any research into brands and models - a radar vs camera launch monitor. 

They get you the same data at the end of the day. But how they do it, the environments they’re optimized for, and what they cost is very different. It’s not necessarily that one makes for a better launch monitor. Just that one of these options is a better fit for YOU. 

We’ll help you narrow it down in this camera vs radar launch monitor comparison. Indoor Golf Outlet stocks all the biggest golf launch monitor brands and models at the lowest prices online. So reach out if you just want to skip to the good part and get a personalized recommendation!

Key Takeaways

• Camera (photometric) launch monitors snap a picture of the ball at impact. They’re the go-to for indoor simulator rooms since they don’t need full flight.
• Radar (Doppler) launch monitors track the ball in its flight with radio waves. They’re better outdoors and cost less upfront.
• There are plenty of launch monitors that merge radar and camera tracking for the best of both worlds.
• Indoor Golf Outlet carries the top selection of camera-based AND radar-based unit launch monitors online.

What Data Points Do Launch Monitors Measure? 

Let’s take a step back before diving into the radar vs camera launch monitor comparison. There are some things you should know about what a launch monitor actually does in order to fully grasp and appreciate the technology behind it.

There are two categories of data captured by launch monitors - ball data and club data.

Ball Data 

The most important ball data points are ball speed and launch angle. They tell you how far your shot actually went. Then, spin rate (backspin and sidespin) and spin axis measure where your shot actually goes. Launch direction helps with this, too, as it tells you whether your ball started left, right, or dead center.

Club Data 

Club data includes club head speed and a metric known as smash factor - which speaks to how efficiently you transfer energy from club to ball (it’s not just compression - club angle and other stuff tie into the final calculation). 

Club data is important because it tells you a lot of the why behind bad shots. You can see your club path and face angle to determine why you hit a snap hook or a wicked slice. 

Meanwhile, attack angle and dynamic loft tell you whether the club was ascending or descending during impact and how much loft was actually delivered (the “why” behind tops and thin shots).

Direct Measurements vs Calculations 

Some launch monitors are sophisticated enough to capture all of this data directly. Most capture some of the data and then calculate the rest through physical models. 

That sounds like some of the data you’re working with is merely an “educated guess,” but believe us - today’s launch monitors are way smarter than you’d think. Of course, it depends on how good the technology behind the launch monitor is in a given setting. THAT’S where the debate over a radar vs camera launch monitor comes into play. 

How Camera-Based Launch Monitors Work

As the name suggests, camera-based launch monitors position high-speed cameras around the hitting zone and take pictures of the ball right at the moment of impact. Not just a single snapshot. The cameras fire at rates up to several thousand frames per second (FPS). You basically get a video of just prior to impact, the impact itself, and right after impact.

The system is able to calculate ball speed through those images based on displacement between frames. Spin rate is gathered by tracking how the ball’s dimples rotate from one frame to the next. Launch angle comes from the ball’s position across multiple exposures. It’s honestly really impressive how all of this translates to a really accurate shot on the screen.

The key thing to know here is that the core data points are DIRECTLY CAPTURED. The photometric system actually sees the ball spinning. It shows you exactly what your club face was doing before, during, and after impact. 

This is the biggest difference between a camera vs radar launch monitor. It’s also why camera-based units are the gold standard indoors. Most overhead launch monitors use this technology.

Benefits 

• Direct spin measurement: Spin isn’t estimated from flight data. It’s captured directly from the high-speed cameras so you can trust the numbers you see on the screen.
• Full data at impact: This is how these launch monitors are able to replicate shots with incredible accuracy indoors. They get everything they need at impact. You can hit into a screen 9’ away and still know with a high level of certainty what the ball would look like at apex. 
• Overhead mounting: Indoor golf simulator spaces are tight. Floor space is a premium. Putting the launch monitor overhead helps you make the most of limited square footage. 

Considerations

• Sensitive to light: Controlling the brightness in your simulator room is imperative for accurate readings, as bright sunlight can wash out camera images and compromise accuracy (that’s why radar is the way to go outdoors). 
• More expensive upfront: Most camera-based launch monitors will cost more than a radar-based unit in the same class. 
• May need specialized balls/club stickers: Not the case for ALL photometric launch monitors. But many need you to use reflective dots on the clubface or specific ball markings for maximum accuracy. 

Popular Photometric Launch Monitors

We carry the top camera-based launch monitors from the industry’s most well-regarded brands, from Bushnell to Foresight and many, many more. These are some of the best-selling models if you decide to go the photometric route:

Bushnell Launch Pro Circle B Edition ($2,499.99)

This Bushnell launch monitor is one of the best ground-based photometric-powered launch monitors you’ll have access to, especially for under $2,500! Its auto-calibrating tri-camera system with infrared tracking works just as well indoors as it does outdoors. There is an indoor-only model for just $1,499.99 if you don’t need to take the unit to the range.

Garmin Approach R50 ($4,999)

Probably the coolest launch monitor you’ll ever see in the sense that it has a built-in golf simulator. The Garmin Approach R50 uses three high-speed cameras to capture club and ball data and then displays your shot right on the device itself. You can build a simulator with literally just this unit, a hitting net, and a hitting mat. 

Foresight GC3 ($6,999)

Another really affordable ground-based model if you want a little more sophistication than the Launch Pro. This Foresight launch monitor is powered by three high-speed cameras in a triscopic arrangement to capture ball and club data and translate it with exceptional accuracy.

You get Foresight's FSX software suite and 25 courses out of the box with no recurring subscriptions. It’s a great choice for indoor or outdoor play. 

Uneekor EYE XO2 ($10,999)

A ceiling-mounted launch monitor that frees up the space around your feet so you can swing with peace of mind. This Uneekor launch monitor pairs three high-speed cameras with infrared light for comprehensive ball and club data indoors. 

Foresight Falcon ($16,999)

It’s not cheap, but the Falcon is the best in its class if you ask us. It delivers professional-grade performance at a price you won’t find similar launch monitors near. It’s powered by Quadrascopic technology that captures more data points than pretty much any other unit out there.

How Radar-Based Launch Monitors Work

Radar-based launch monitors are equipped with Doppler technology to track the ball and club. The way they work is even more impressive than camera-based units. 

Radio waves are emitted toward the hitting area. They bounce off the ball and return to the unit at a slightly different frequency. That frequency variance (AKA the Doppler effect) is used to determine how fast the ball is moving - and in which direction. 

The ball is monitored for a lot more of its true flight path, which, as you can imagine, means these units work best outdoors. They don’t get enough information if the ball only travels 8-10’ into an impact screen. They’re exceptional on the range or on the course, though, when the ball can move at least 100 yards.

However, technology is advancing rapidly in the radar-based launch monitor space. There are some pretty incredible models that work with shorter measurement windows thanks to more sophisticated projection algorithms. 

The kicker is these typically need some camera-based tracking system integrated into the device as well. There are very few true radar-only indoor golf launch monitors on the market. 

Benefits 

• Accurate outdoor flight tracking: Light is never an issue. The radar tracks the ball whether it’s a sunny day or overcast. You get the most accurate carry distance and landing data.
• More affordable: Radar-based launch monitors tend to be the most accessible on the market. Some cost less than $500!
• Portability: You can take radar-based launch monitors to the range, up to the first tee, and back to your backyard or even into your simulator room (if it’s optimized for indoor use).
• No ball markings needed: The radio waves bounce off the ball whether it’s completely white or has special markings on it. You can use any ball with most of these models. 

Considerations

• They still need cameras for indoor use: There’s no true radar-only indoor launch monitor. At least, not one we’d recommend. All the top radar-based indoor units still implement photometric tracking on top of the Doppler system.
• Indirect spin measurement: Spin data gets estimated from flight behavior rather than actively calculated based on ball dimples. Again, this isn’t a “con” for every radar-based launch monitor since so many these days have cameras as well.
• Placement matters: The radar needs a clear sight line to the ball and usually needs to be placed behind the golfer. Improper placement compromises accuracy.  

Popular Radar Launch Monitors

Radar is the way to go if you’re just looking to put numbers behind your range sessions. We carry some awesome options ranging from entry-level to more advanced with photometric tracking integration.

Garmin Approach R10 ($499.99)

The cheapest launch monitor you’ll find on the market that’s actually worth using - and it’s one of the last pure Doppler devices left. You’ll sync it to the Garmin Golf app for range session data, or connect it to simulation software to play your favorite courses. 

There are far more sophisticated models in the Garmin launch monitor lineup, but we get it - something under $500 is hard to argue with if you’re just getting started. 

FlightScope Mevo Gen2 ($1,299)

Still really affordable and a little more advanced than the R10. This FlightScope launch monitor combines 3D Doppler radar with synchronized image processing for a technology the brand calls Fusion Tracking. 

You get the best of both worlds. The radar handles flight data while the camera captures impact. This translates to better accuracy both indoors and outdoors. 

SkyTrak ST MAX ($1,995)

SkyTrak’s latest and greatest model combines Dual Doppler radar with photometric cameras for one of the best values in the hybrid category. This SkyTrak golf launch monitor is one of the more versatile options we carry here at Indoor Golf Outlet. 

Full Swing KIT ($4,999)

There’s a reason Tiger Woods trusts this launch monitor. It’s the most affordable alternative to Trackman you’ll ever find at ⅓ the price. It’s powered by dedicated processors for radar and for quick, accurate capture of 16 ball and club data points on the range or indoors. 

Radar vs Camera Launch Monitor: Which Should You Choose?

You should be leaning towards one side of the radar vs camera launch monitor comparison already based on why you’re interested in a launch monitor in the first place. Are you building a simulator? Are you trying to put data behind your range sessions? Perhaps both? 

We’ll compare and contrast the camera vs radar launch monitor side by side below to help you narrow it down further if you’re still on the fence. 

Accuracy

Be clear, both types of launch monitors can be plenty accurate. They just have to be used in the right environment. Trying to use a photometric launch monitor outdoors is selling it short. The same is true of using a pure Doppler device inside. Both devices are plenty capable of capturing accurate club data.

That being said, a camera-based launch monitor is generally going to give you more accurate spin data because it measures ball spin directly. It literally sees the ball spinning.

On the other hand, radars have to interpolate spin based on how the ball behaves during its flight. That means it has to 1) be powered by a more sophisticated algorithm and 2) see enough of the ball flight to calculate that estimation.

Remember, though, hybrid devices narrow the gap between a radar vs camera launch monitor to fill in the gaps of each. The Trackman iO, for example, combines radar and camera data for exceptional accuracy. So do more affordable models like the SkyTrak ST MAX, the FlightScope Mevo Gen2, and many, many other Trackman alternatives. 

Performance Indoors and Outdoors

This is usually the easiest way to narrow it down between a radar vs camera launch monitor. Where do you actually plan on using it? Go with a camera-based unit indoors; use a radar-based launch monitor outdoors. It’s that simple. 

Camera-based units need the perfect lighting conditions to give you accurate readings. There are too many variables outdoors, so we recommend these units indoors. On the flip side, radar-based units don’t see enough of the ball flight indoors to really calculate accurate data.  

Maybe you aren’t looking for a one-dimensional launch monitor, though. You want something that works as well at the range as it does at home. This goes back to the benefits of hybrid systems. You get solid indoor data from the camera side while the radar tracks flight to the best of its ability. A hybrid system is the way to go for a portable launch monitor.

Price

You might have to choose between a radar vs camera launch monitor based on budget. Are you shopping under $1,000? Well, that pretty much settles it. You won’t find any good camera-based launch monitors at that price, but you have a few radar-based models to choose from.

However, you’ll have a lot of solid candidates from both categories if you have a $2,000-$5,000 budget. The more you spend, the more options you have. You can find launch monitors that merge the technologies starting around $2k. 

Closing Thoughts on the Camera vs Radar Launch Monitor Comparison

There you have it, the full deep dive into radar vs camera launch monitor technologies. It’s no longer as simple as cameras for indoors and radar for outdoors. You have plenty of hybrid models at your fingertips these days. 

Here at Indoor Golf Outlet, our goal is always to help you find the best golf launch monitor for YOUR budget. Get in touch with our team and we’ll point you in the right direction based on what you’re looking to spend and exactly how you plan on using the launch monitor. 

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a radar launch monitor indoors? 

Yes, but only if it’s paired with some sort of photometric tracking system. Pure Doppler systems (like the Garmin R10) just don’t produce very accurate data indoors since they don’t see enough of the ball flight. We recommend either a camera-based launch monitor or hybrid system.

Do camera-based launch monitors actually work on the range? 

Again, it depends on the lighting. Some pure photometric tracking systems can be very accurate if the lighting is perfect. But the image will get washed out if it’s too bright, and accuracy drops. We recommend either a hybrid unit or a pure Doppler system so you can get accurate readings in any conditions outdoors.

Are hybrid launch monitors always better? 

Not necessarily. A cheap hybrid launch monitor will still produce inaccurate readings. It all comes down to how well the two technologies are fused together. Brands like FlightScope, Uneekor, SkyTrak, and Foresight have done the best job of this.

What's the best launch monitor for a home golf simulator?

We almost always steer our customers towards the photometric systems in our catalog. They capture better spin data and all the other data you need without having to see the full ball flight. If budget allows, we’d push you towards a hybrid model.