Camera-Based or Doppler Radar? Which Type of Golf Launch Monitor Is Better and Why?

There are two ways that golf launch monitors track golf shots: By camera or by radar.

And of all the variables that go into choosing the right golf launch monitor, a clear understanding of the differences between camera-based and radar systems may be the most important.

Each type of golf launch monitor has its advantages. And if you don’t know what they are, you can’t make an informed decision about what’s best for your specific situation. Sure, either type will work. But the wrong type won’t yield the most accurate and consistent results.

It’s kind of like choosing the right tires for your car. As long as they fit, any set is going to get you down the road. But depending on how and where you’re driving, as well your budget, there’s going to be a certain type that is clearly best.

Also, just because one type of golf launch monitor technology is right for one user doesn’t make it right for another. It all comes down to how you’re going to use that device and what information you want from it.

So if you’re shopping for a golf launch monitor, make sure you understand the differences between camera (often called photometric) and radar devices. Knowing how each works, in which situations each excels, and in what areas either may struggle, will help you make the right choice.

Camera vs Radar Golf Launch Monitors: Understanding the Technology

Both photometric (we’ll use the terms camera and photometric interchangeably) and radar golf launch monitors do the same thing. They read golf shots and report the resulting shot data. How they do it is what’s different.

Camera-based systems use high-speed cameras to read the golf shots. No shock there.

Each photometric golf launch monitor will have one or more cameras that take pictures of the hitting area. They will record what the golf ball is doing and what the golf club is doing when the club strikes the ball. With that information, they can calculate what the ball would do for the remainder of its flight. The calculations of the best photometric golf launch monitors will be perfectly accurate while with lesser units accuracy may suffer.

Radar-based systems use Doppler radar technology, which emits thousands of invisible radio waves from the device that then hit the golf ball and/or clubhead and ping that reflective information back to the launch monitor.

It’s the same technology that a weather forecaster uses to measure things like precipitation and wind speed and direction, or that a law enforcement officer uses to measure how fast your vehicle is moving, or that the military uses to detect incoming missiles. In each case, a radar device is emitting those radio waves and receiving the information that’s “bounced” back to them to make their determinations.

It may sound like radar is the fancier of the two technologies between radar and camera, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it does a better job of reading golf shots. As we’ll discuss, both systems have their advantages and disadvantages.

Some launch monitors will tell you everything you want to know about what the ball itself is doing (ball data) and others will additionally tell you what the swing and clubface were doing to create that ball information (club data).

Both photometric and radar technologies are capable of reporting both ball and club data. But not all golf launch monitors will read and report the same data metrics.

What you get comes down to the sensors in the individual models and, often, the complexity of the algorithms employed to calculate and extrapolate shot information based on what those sensors can read.

The takeaway here is that neither camera nor radar technology is superior on its own. Either can work very well to read golf shots in the right conditions. Now, let’s get into when, where, and how one technology works better than the other.

Pros and Cons of Camera-Based Golf Launch Monitors

I know I just said that neither technology was inherently better than the other. However, at the highest level, it’s been proven that camera-based golf launch monitors are capable of the best accuracy.

In the best golf launch monitors, these cameras and lenses are so good that they can take high-speed images of the golf ball and get microscopic information from each individual dimple on the ball.

They can get just as pinpoint with the angles and speed of the golf club as it approaches the golf ball, contacts it, and exits the hitting area.

Using those crazy-good images, a photometric golf launch monitor then applies really complicated mathematical calculations to tell you everything you could possibly want to know about where that golf ball is heading, how fast it’s going to get there, at what angle it’s taking off, how fast and in which direction it is spinning, at what height it’s going to travel, at what angle it’s going to descend, and when it’s going to arrive at its destination.

Those images and calculations can also determine how fast the clubhead was traveling when it hit the golf ball, from what direction and angle it was coming into the ball, where on the ball it made contact, whether it hit the ground before or after impact, and a host of other club-related information.

In golf terms, that information is communicated as ball and club data points.

And if you don’t trust the cameras and the calculations, just know this: The best photometric golf launch monitors can combine those images and those algorithms to produce data that matches the exact distances, speeds, angles, directions, and spin of the actual real-life golf shot.

So good is this camera-based technology that more top-level golf pros that require the best accuracy now use camera-based systems like the top-of-the-line from Foresight Sports more than radar technology.

Where camera-based golf launch monitors enjoy their greatest advantage is indoors. We’ll discuss in a minute the indoor limitations of radar systems. But with camera systems, they can operate just as well indoors as they can outdoors.

That’s because those cameras only need to see the golf ball travel for about a foot to make all of their calculations.

Camera-based systems will either be floor-standing or overhead mounted.

In the case of floor-standing units, they set up just a few feet directly across from the golf ball. So anywhere that you have enough room to swing a golf club freely provides enough space for a floor-standing photometric golf launch monitor to record accurate results.

Overhead-mounted systems are positioned above the hitting area and often just a few feet behind it. That again provides tremendous indoor-space-savings compared to radar systems.

The biggest disadvantage of most photometric golf launch monitors is price. Those high-speed cameras, lenses, and sensors are expensive, especially the ones that work really, really well.

Also, the more cameras, the more potential data and the larger the possible hitting area. But that, of course, adds even more cost.

The other big disadvantage for floor-standing camera-based launch monitors is that if you’re using them with both right- and left-handed golfers, you’ll need to move the launch monitor back and forth to either side of the ball depending on who’s hitting.

But that, of course, is a non-issue with overhead-mounted photometric golf launch monitors.

And speaking of overhead systems, they also have the disadvantage of having to remain in a fixed location. There’s no transporting an overhead device outdoors to the driving range or over to a friend’s house.

Five Favorite Photometric Golf Launch Monitors

Below are the camera-based golf launch monitors that I would consider. Generally, the more expensive, the better the accuracy and the more complete the data metrics. The best camera-based units are made up of really high-quality components and very advanced engineering. That’s what allows for that tour-trusted accuracy.

Garmin Approach R50

The R50 is the bar-none hottest golf product of 2024.

This first-of-its-kind golf launch monitor includes three high-speed cameras, a 10-inch, full-color, touchscreen display, built-in golf simulator capabilities, direct connection to a projector or TV, shot impact video, accurate ball and club data, customization of the data, and much more.

Basically, it does everything but hit the golf ball for you. So revolutionary and popular is this golf launch monitor that the problem is you might not be able to find one. Retailers are having a tough time keeping them in stock.

Foresight Sports GCQuad and QuadMAX

The four-camera QuadMAX, which starts at $19,999, has revolutionized high-end golf shot tracking. With features like internal shot storage for more than a billion shots, a customizable touchscreen display, and enhanced swing speed training, it surpasses its predecessor, the GCQuad. Paired with Foresight’s lifelike simulator software, which is included with the purchase, the QuadMAX is the best way to have fun and get better. And it’s the perfect top-of-the-line launch monitor for moving between indoor and outdoor sim sessions.

If you have the budget for the absolute best-in-class golf launch monitor, this is it.

For $4,000 less, you can get almost everything the Foresight QuadMAX can do with the Foresight GCQuad. No, you won’t get things like the internal shot storage or swing speed training. But you will get the same industry-leading ball and club data accuracy captured by the same four camera system that makes the GCQuad and QuadMAX the go-to device for the best players in the world.

Foresight Sports GC3/Bushnell Launch Pro

Three cameras might not be quite as good as four, but in the case of the GC3 and Launch Pro, it’s still really, really good and for a lot less money.

Vista Outdoor, the parent company of Bushnell, acquired Foresight Sports about three years ago and not long after Foresight had debuted the GC3.

But rather than just selling their new launch monitor design under one name, the decision was made to keep the GC3 under the Foresight brand while additionally releasing a Launch Pro model under the Bushnell brand.

So we’re left with two great golf launch monitors that are the exact same device. The difference comes down to how they are priced. With the GC3, you pay one time and get everything up front. With the Launch Pro, you pay a yearly subscription as you go.

So, it really comes down to how long you plan to own the golf launch monitor. Once you do that math, just buy either the GC3 or the Launch Pro with full confidence.

SkyTrak+ Golf Launch Monitor

This golf launch monitor actually combines two high-speed cameras with Doppler radar. The cameras pick up the ball information, while the radar records what the clubface is doing through impact.

Because the SkyTrak+ is placed to the side of the ball like a traditional floor-standing photometric launch monitor, I’m putting it in this grouping of photometric favorites.

Not only is the SkyTrak+ accurate, it’s really, really fun to use. The app experience, including multiple virtual driving range and challenge games, is intuitive, simple-to-use, and just very well done.

This is a great product for golfers serious about improvement and entertainment.

Foresight Falcon 

If you want to go bigtime with your golf launch monitor and simulator studio setup, an overhead golf launch monitor is the ultimate. Everything is out of the way, the accuracy is amazing, the hitting zone is huge, and it all just feels like a commercial-grade, pro-style setup.

And if that’s your goal, in my opinion there’s only one way to do it right: Just buy the Foresight Falcon and be very glad that you did.

One of the Falcon’s standout features is its larger hitting area, which provides more flexibility and comfort during play, including with righties and lefties at the same time.

So long as you don’t have ceiling height for golf simulator issues, this is perfect for a dedicated, indoor sim studio option.

Pros and Cons of Radar Golf Launch Monitors

The biggest advantage of radar golf launch monitors is price. This is the class where you’ll find the most affordable options.

The problem with radar is space requirements. In order for the Doppler radar technology to work properly, it needs a lot of space to “see” the golf ball and golf club travel.

Most Doppler radar devices need to be set up at least 7 or 8 feet behind the golf ball and then need an additional minimum of 7 or 8 feet in front of the golf ball. And to get really accurate numbers, even more space than that is required, often more than 20 feet of total room depth.

Outdoors, where space is generally unlimited, radar golf launch monitors excel. When they have enough room to watch the entire ball flight, they can deliver remarkable accuracy.

However, indoors, even with as much as 15 feet of room depth, a radar golf launch monitor will often still struggle to consistently produce perfectly accurate data. They simply cannot see enough of the golf ball to reliably calculate what it is going to do for the remainder of its flight. Most radar devices need to see at least up to the apex of the shot to get good, reliable data. Indoors, that’s often a problem.

If someone with a really high swing speed hit a driver, the ball may only have turned a half a time before it hits the impact screen or net. With just that little amount of information, the radar unit has to apply an algorithm to calculate what the ball was going to do from there.

Things like tilt, spin axis, and sidespin become particularly challenging indoors for radar. If those spin numbers are miscalculated by even just a degree, it can have a huge impact on what the launch monitor shows as ball flight. That is why we sometimes see radar devices reporting indoor shot shapes that are wildly inaccurate.

And, yes, camera based golf launch monitors are also making calculations based on just a tiny amount of time that the ball is moving. But because the high-speed cameras can see more of the ball, including each individual dimple, those calculations are much simpler and therefore much more reliably accurate.

For all of these reasons, radar golf launch monitors are generally a better choice when you’re planning to use them outdoors. That isn’t to say they can’t work well indoors. But you’re going to need a large room if you want to get good results.

Five Favorite Radar Golf Launch Monitors

If you’re looking to save some money, or if you have a large enough room, radar golf launch monitors can be a fantastic choice. Here are the ones I’d consider.

Rapsodo MLM2PRO

If you’re shopping for a golf launch monitor under $1,000, the MLM2PRO is the one I’d pick up.

For the price, this golf launch monitor is feature-packed and incredibly accurate. Not only do you get an impressive array of data metrics, but thanks to two built-in cameras, you also get full swing video replays and close-up, slow-motion impact video.

Beyond that, the MLM2PRO’s super portable, easy to set up, and includes a robust app experience that provides multiple ways to work on your game.

Garmin Approach R10 Launch Monitor & Golf Simulator

The R10 was the golf launch monitor that established the whole affordable option market. It was the first under-$1,000 launch monitor with accuracy and features that made it worth owning. And going on four years later, it’s still very much worth buying.

Here’s a radar golf launch monitor that, for only $599.99, provides both ball and club data and is only the size of a deck of cards.

On top of all that, for a modest subscription price, you can get Garmin’s Home Tee Hero, which gives you simulator access to more than 43,000 golf courses around the world.

Swing Caddie SC4 Pro

Rounding out the sub-$1,000 radar golf launch monitors worth owning options is the brand new Swing Caddie SC4 Pro. This product is a significant upgrade from the original SC4.

The app is entirely overhauled to now feature a beautiful 3D virtual range experience.

You get a full slate of ball and club data metrics right out of the box. And you now get five free E6 simulator courses included with purchase.

And on top of all that, the new SC4 Pro adds four data metrics—spin axis, sidespin, backspin, and dispersion—not included in the original. And all for just $599.99!

FlightScope Mevo+ Launch Golf Monitor

 If you want the most data and the highest-level of accuracy from a radar golf launch monitor, my pick is the FlightScope Mevo+. This golf launch monitor is loaded with game-improvement opportunities!

One potential hangup with the Mevo+ is that setup can take just a few minutes to get right. But once you have it dialed in, this golf launch monitor is capable of absolutely outstanding accuracy.

If you’re serious about working on your game, want a portable golf launch monitor that can be easily transported between indoors and outdoors, and don’t want to spring for the most expensive photometric golf launch monitors, you’re not going to go wrong with the FlightScope Mevo+.

Full Swing KIT 

You could practice and play with the same golf launch monitor that Tiger Woods uses at his house. And if it’s good enough for him, there’s a fairly good chance it’s good enough for your game.

The Full Swing KIT features a beautiful built-in display and a crystal-clear 4K camera that gives you access to swing videos. You’ll get five e6 Connect simulated golf courses out of the box and then have the option to add more through their $99-per-year subscription package.

When it comes to accurate-but-still affordable radar golf launch monitors, the Full Swing KIT is an outstanding choice.

Learn more about everything this exciting and now updated product can do.

Camera-Based vs Radar Golf Launch Monitors: Make the Right Choice for Your Setup

Here’s how I see it:

If you’re looking for the very best golf launch monitor and you value reliable accuracy both indoors and outdoors, buy a photometric golf launch monitor.

But if you’re going to play regularly with both right- and left-handed golfers, keep in mind that floor-standing photometric units are going to present a practicality challenge. If you still want to go camera in that situation, consider an overhead-mounted golf launch monitor.

If money is tight, shop for a radar golf launch monitor.

Likewise, if you’re planning to use your golf launch monitor exclusively outdoors, consider radar.

Or, if you’re trying to save money, want to use your golf launch monitor indoors, and have a room that includes at least 21 feet of depth, go radar.

Hopefully, you now have a clear understanding of how camera-based and radar-based golf launch monitors differ. Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of each technology will make you a much more informed shopper. Now you can make your choice with much greater confidence.

About PlayBetter Golf Reviewer Marc Sheforgen

Marc Sheforgen is a golf writer whose passion for the game far exceeds his ability to play it well. Marc covers all things golf, from product reviews and equipment recommendations to event coverage and tournament analysis. When he’s not playing, watching, or writing about golf, he enjoys traveling (often golf-related), youth sports coaching, volunteering, and record collecting.