motion capture from video?

I've never done any animation, just starting to learn. Is it possible to place some kind tracking "markers" on a figure in ordinary video footage that can then somehow be used in 3D animation software to drive the movement of a similarly boned 3D model in a scene with a similar camera angle? Assuming I will be learning Maya soon, what else is needed and what's involved ... briefly.

edit: what if I put some markers on myself and do the movement. Is there a software that will translate that into something I can use (without expensive optical gear)?

edit: getting closer...
With a Kinect and Motionbuilder, if this software performs as described, then this is what I was looking for. Brekel Kinect is free AFAIK.