---
title: "Position the cameras"
canonical: "https://help.vicon.com/space/ShogunMarkerless121/1253507202/Position%20the%20cameras"
format: markdown
---
With your Vicon system set up, installed and licensed, the first task in setting up your capture space is to position the cameras.

Mount the Vicon Vicon Vanguard IR cameras and any optical cameras to ensure coverage and overlap of the tracking volume.

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After you've positioned the cameras, the next step is to position the IR lights (see [Position and optimize IR lights](https://vicon-help.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/ShogunMarkerless121/pages/1253507160)). 

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## Position Vicon Vanguard cameras

We recommend a volume size of 5 m x 5 m.

> ⚠️ **Caution**  
> ⚠️ To avoid overexposure when a subject is close to the camera, do not mount the Vicon Vanguard cameras close to the Vicon IR lights.

You may find that lower cameras (1–3 meters high) provide better tracking than high, downward-facing cameras.

You can refine camera aiming later, using Shogun Markerless.

> ![Roughly positioning markerless cameras for Vicon Shogun Markerless.](media://086a9df4-47f0-4134-ac76-74bf948ce36d)

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## Position optical cameras (optional)

If your system includes optical cameras, complete these steps:

1. Position your cameras around the capture volume, ensuring that two or more cameras can see every point in the volume in which you intend to capture motion.
2. Place Vicon retroreflective markers around the floor to outline your capture volume.
  :check_mark: **Tip**: You may find it helpful to create an asymmetrical pattern along the perimeter, as shown above, to help orient your view. For example, for a rectangular volume, place a different number of markers at each corner. For an elliptical volume, vary the spacing between markers as you place them around the perimeter.
3. Place five markers in a cross shape to identify the volume origin.