Golf launch monitors use two main technologies to measure golf shots: radar tracking and high-speed camera systems.
Both systems can provide extremely useful information about ball flight, distance and swing performance. However, they measure golf shots in very different ways.
Understanding the differences between radar and camera launch monitors can help golfers choose the right technology for their practice environment.
This is particularly important when deciding between portable launch monitors for home practice or more advanced systems for indoor simulators.
Track ball speed, carry distance and launch conditions so you can practise with purpose and actually understand your numbers.
Shop Launch MonitorsIf you are new to launch monitor technology, it may help to first read How Golf Launch Monitors Work.
What Is a Radar Launch Monitor?
Radar launch monitors track the golf ball using Doppler radar technology.
The device sits behind the golfer and sends radar waves toward the ball. As the ball travels through the air, the radar system measures how the signal changes.
This allows the launch monitor to calculate ball speed, launch angle, spin and ball flight.
Because radar systems track the ball over distance, they generally work best when the ball has enough flight to be measured.
This is why radar launch monitors are commonly used on driving ranges and outdoor practice facilities.
What Is a Camera Launch Monitor?
Camera-based launch monitors use high-speed cameras to capture images of the golf ball immediately after impact.
These systems analyse multiple frames of the ball leaving the clubface and use those images to measure launch conditions.
From those measurements, the system calculates the full ball flight.
Because the ball is measured at the moment of impact, camera-based systems do not require long ball flight to determine the shot.
This makes them particularly well suited to indoor environments and simulator rooms.
Why Camera Systems Work Well Indoors
Camera launch monitors are often preferred for indoor golf simulators.
Indoor simulator rooms typically only allow the ball to travel a few metres before it hits the impact screen.
Because camera systems measure the ball immediately after impact, they can still calculate accurate ball flight even with limited space.
This makes them popular choices for simulator studios, coaching environments and commercial indoor golf facilities.
If you are planning a simulator installation, read Best Launch Monitors for Simulators.
Why Radar Systems Work Well Outdoors
Radar launch monitors perform particularly well when they can track the full flight of the golf ball.
Driving ranges and outdoor practice areas allow the radar to follow the ball over a longer distance.
This gives radar systems more flight data to analyse.
Because of this, radar launch monitors are widely used on professional driving ranges and tour practice facilities.
Many portable launch monitors designed for everyday golfers also use radar technology.
If you are practising mainly outdoors, you may want to read Portable Launch Monitors Guide.
Which Launch Monitor Technology Is More Accurate?
Both radar and camera launch monitors can provide highly accurate data when used in the correct environment.
The key factor is not which technology is better overall, but which one suits the space where the device will be used.
Radar systems generally perform best when they can track the ball for longer distances.
Camera systems are often more reliable in indoor spaces where ball flight is limited.
Understanding how each technology works helps golfers choose the right system for their practice setup.
Continue the Launch Monitor Series
This article explained the difference between radar and camera launch monitors. The rest of the series explores how launch monitors work and how to choose the right system.
- Indoor Launch Monitors vs Driving Range Technology
- Portable Launch Monitors Guide
- Best Launch Monitors for Home Practice
- Best Launch Monitors for Simulators
If you have not yet read the main guide, start with the pillar article: Golf Launch Monitors Explained: Complete Guide.