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Using a "proper" camera as a webcam

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Re: Using a "proper" camera as a webcam

#231

Post by nicolas_ »

andix wrote: post #219

I would like to have the ease of use of a webcam (plug it in via usb and it works), and the quality of a dedicated camera. And a possibility to make some presets (focus, zoom, crop, white balance), that are on by default and can be switched easily. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just better than a standard Logitech Webcam. If it would be in the quality range of an iPhone camera, I would be super happy. Any ideas what…

Do you have a spare smartphone lying around? Install Camo or any other alternative on it. Connect your smartphone via USB, launch the app, and you're done.

https://reincubate.com/camo/

Re: Using a "proper" camera as a webcam

#232

Post by modzu »

PragmaticPulp wrote: post #225
nunez wrote: post #173

Earlier quoted context omitted.

He was probably using software, like Canon's Webcam Utility, to stream his camera's HDMI OUT to his computer instead of using a capture card. He likely did this because of his camera not having "clean" HDMI output (i.e. you'd see icons if he were to capture what was on his camera's screen). Software like this is extremely unreliable by comparison and consumes CPU cycles like crazy, both on the camera and on your comp…

> He was probably using software, like Canon's Webcam Utility, to stream his camera's HDMI OUT to his computer instead of using a capture card. No, he was using an HDMI capture card and trying to do things with OBS. > Startup takes me, like, 30 seconds: turn key and fill lights on, turn camera on, press hotkey to start OBS, Krisp and Zoom, turn on video. Which is all great and fine if you've got it perfected and you'…

just upload pictures of your faces to zoom and there u go boss

Re: Using a "proper" camera as a webcam

#233

Post by andix »

nicolas_ wrote: post #231
andix wrote: post #219

I would like to have the ease of use of a webcam (plug it in via usb and it works), and the quality of a dedicated camera. And a possibility to make some presets (focus, zoom, crop, white balance), that are on by default and can be switched easily. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just better than a standard Logitech Webcam. If it would be in the quality range of an iPhone camera, I would be super happy. Any ideas what…

Do you have a spare smartphone lying around? Install Camo or any other alternative on it. Connect your smartphone via USB, launch the app, and you're done. https://reincubate.com/camo/

This is way too brittle. What happens if someone calls me? Then I need to check if the smartphone is on, open the app, make sure it’s connected.

I want it to just work. With zero overhead.

Re: Using a "proper" camera as a webcam

#234

Post by JamesMcMinn »

deanc wrote: post #227

Does using a professional camera (DSLR/Mirrorless) damage the sensor over time and lower the lifetime of your camera? Usually shutter count is a good indicator of health of a used camera - would this not have a similarly huge impact?

I don't think there's any risk of damaging the sensor. The shutter is a mechanical part that will physically wear out over time, the sensor is converting photons into voltage.

I've been using my camera as a webcam for over 2 years without any issue, and it's usually on for several hours per day. As long as the sensor isn't getting very hot then I don't think there's much risk to the camera.

Re: Using a "proper" camera as a webcam

#235

Post by andix »

mwarkentin wrote: post #228
andix wrote: post #219

I would like to have the ease of use of a webcam (plug it in via usb and it works), and the quality of a dedicated camera. And a possibility to make some presets (focus, zoom, crop, white balance), that are on by default and can be switched easily. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just better than a standard Logitech Webcam. If it would be in the quality range of an iPhone camera, I would be super happy. Any ideas what…

These look neat but not widely available yet: https://opalcamera.com

Yes, something like that. But not Mac-only and without a 4 usd per month subscription service to use it…

Re: Using a "proper" camera as a webcam

#236

Post by tra3 »

kuschku wrote: post #161
callumprentice wrote: post #79

The quality aspect is obviously important but I'd suggest that the location of the lens is also vital if you don't want to have meetings where everyone seems to be not looking at you. I cannot wait until cameras work behind the screen and can be positioned right in the center but for now, the only option I found was something called Center Cam that mounts a small lense on a skinny support that can be positioned over…

Why don't you just use a teleprompter setup? That's so much simpler

That's another device (and cost) to absorb. And not a small device at that.. I like the idea of the centre for 2-4 hours of meetings, then I just put it away.

Re: Using a "proper" camera as a webcam

#237

Post by chrisseaton »

chrisseaton wrote: post #131
boomskats wrote: post #49

This is the main reason I own a Sony ZV-1: it supports UVC out of the box. With a use case as repetitive as jumping on a call, the UX is important.

My problem is when you turn it on plugged in it defaults to USB mass storage. I have to turn mine on and then plug it in. What do you do?

Answering myself - turn on PC Remote mode, which disables mass storage.

Re: Using a "proper" camera as a webcam

#238

Post by dekhn »

NamTaf wrote: post #160

Protip: if your goal is to use your smartphone as a webcam, check out this: https://vdo.ninja Written by some guy named Steve, it’s an incredible piece of web software that uses WebRTC to stream phone audio and video as an OBS input. OBS then features a virtual webcam capability to take that stream and make it a webcam. I can then also use OBS to do whatever processing I want, e.g. making my webcam also contain a scr…

Does anybody know how to source a WebRTC stream for OBS inputs? In particular, I have a python program and want something that looks like: rtc = open_stream_to_obs(address) while True: rtc.send_frame(my_numpy_array)

Re: Using a "proper" camera as a webcam

#239

Post by karaterobot »

vlunkr wrote: post #143

I'd love to see stats on how many people actually still use webcams for online meetings. I rarely do, and I don't care if anyone else turns theirs on. Watching someone act like they aren't hyper-aware of what they look like on camera adds very little value to the conversation. Unless you're in sales, trying to make a good impression, or some kind of introductory meeting, who cares?

It's a higher bandwidth signal. There's a lot of information conveyed in a person's face and posture. Seeing their reaction to what you say tells you more than just hearing their voice. It's also useful for avoiding collisions where everybody tries to talk at once, and even for identifying who clearly wants to say something, but may be hesitant to do so.

Re: Using a "proper" camera as a webcam

#240

Post by nicolas_ »

andix wrote: post #233
nicolas_ wrote: post #231

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Do you have a spare smartphone lying around? Install Camo or any other alternative on it. Connect your smartphone via USB, launch the app, and you're done. https://reincubate.com/camo/

This is way too brittle. What happens if someone calls me? Then I need to check if the smartphone is on, open the app, make sure it’s connected. I want it to just work. With zero overhead.

Disable any sleep function on the smartphone and keep it connected to an USB port with the app opened?
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