Are you tired of your laptop’s webcam’s poor quality? That’s not surprising: cameras haven’t seen significant changes in the last few years, despite the fact that everything else on your computer. The resolution and quality are still poor, which is inconvenient given that we’re all making more video calls than ever before.
While dedicated webcams are typically the best option due to their tiny size, light weight, and ability to attach to your screen, they aren’t the only one. Phones, tablets, and even digital cameras can all be used as webcams, either temporarily or permanently.
You might be able to utilise your existing gear instead of buying something new if you have the necessary cables and software, as well as a few optional low-cost accessories. This is how you go about doing it.
Using an iPhone or iPad as a Webcam
Given how fantastic the cameras in the latest iPhones are, using them as a webcam if you’re unhappy with your current one makes sense. A dedicated webcam is more convenient to use, but your phone will suffice as a short-term solution. Using an iPad as a webcam isn’t the best idea because its size makes it difficult to position and keep at the appropriate angle, and the cameras aren’t as good.
The method below works on both devices, so you could use it in a pinch, but you’re definitely better off taking the call on your iPad in the first place. There are a few apps that can turn your iOS device into a webcam, but Camo is the best we’ve found. There’s a free version that lets you try it out at 720p resolution, but it’s not really suitable for business use because it adds a watermark on the video.
Camo Pro, which costs $5/month or $40/year, increases the video resolution to HD, removes the watermark, and includes extra options like manual colour correction, cropping, focus, and more, is available for $5/month or $40/year. Install the app on your iPhone or iPad, then connect it to your Mac using your standard USB charging cord, and you’re ready to go.
There’s no need to install any additional software on your computer because the iPhone simply appears as a camera option in all of your standard apps and websites. The video quality is superb in both the free and (particularly) paid versions, but Camo Pro’s added capabilities help you appear your best when the lighting isn’t ideal. There is currently no support for Windows or Android.
If Camo isn’t your thing or the subscription model bothers you, check out EpocCam instead. The free edition has low quality and a watermark, but for a one-time purchase of $7.99, you may remove the limitations and add functionality. It can also connect via Wi-Fi or a physical connection with Windows desktops and Android devices.
If you don’t already have one, set aside money for a phone or tablet stand. It doesn’t have to be something fancy or expensive; all it needs to do is keep your device steady and raise the camera closer to your head. If you already have a small camera tripod, just get a phone or tablet clamp that screws into it.
Using an Android Phone or Tablet as a Webcam
Do you have a device that runs Google’s operating system instead of Apple’s?
It’s no problem. You can use an Android phone or tablet as a webcam, but you’ll need to utilise other software. However, because Android smartphones come in such a broad variety of sizes and shapes, there is no real uniformity in camera quality.
Some people can take video as good as or better than an iPhone, while others couldn’t get great film if their life depended on it. Turning your Android phone or tablet into a webcam is simple if you’re satisfied with the video quality. Simply download Droidcam, install the programme on your device as well as the Windows or Linux drivers on your computer, then link the two through USB.
Wi-Fi is also available, however it is less dependable. The Android app’s free version is ad-supported and has a resolution limit of 640×480 pixels. Pay $4.99 to boost the resolution, disable adverts, and unlock a slew of additional options including adjustable brightness and colour adjustments. The software also has an iOS version (with a video watermark instead of adverts in the free version), however there is no Mac support.
Unless you’re one of the few people that uses an iPhone or iPad with a Windows computer, you’ll be better off using one of the other programmes listed in the previous section. Once everything is set up and connected, your Android device will appear as an available camera in Windows or Linux, just like with other similar apps.
Video quality can be inconsistent due to the broad variety of Android smartphones available, but it should do for occasional use or until you can afford a dedicated webcam. A phone or tablet stand, like the iPhones and iPads listed above, will keep your device steady while you’re using it and raise the camera closer to head height. If you already have a tripod, simply purchase a phone or tablet clamp to screw into it.
Using a Digital Camera as a Webcam
In almost all cases, video quality from a competent DSLR or compact camera is far superior than that of even the best webcams. If you’ve already invested in a high-end digital camera, why not turn it into a webcam as well? The basic procedure is the same as when using a phone or tablet: simply install the required software on your computer and attach the camera to it through a USB wire.
Although some models require you to manually switch the camera to video or tethered mode, the majority are managed by the software. Before you use the software for the first time, you may need to upgrade the firmware. The camera will appear as an available source in approved videoconferencing, recording, and streaming apps after the connection is established.
The majority of manufacturers have tested their cameras and software against the most common video services, including browser-based video services. Even if the camera you want to use isn’t listed, it’s worth a shot because it’ll almost always show up as an input device. While you could get away with putting the camera on a stack of books to get it closer to head height, a tiny tripod would do the job better and give you more perspectives to choose from.
You’ll also want to see if audio or only video is supported; if the latter, you’ll need to utilise your laptop’s integrated microphone or a separate microphone instead. All of the software listed here is compatible with both Windows and Mac OS X. Of course, the most important thing is to ensure that not only has your camera manufacturer produced adequate software, but that it also supports your exact model.
Finally, many cameras were not built to record continuously for long periods of time, and as a result, they can generate a lot of heat. If they get too hot, they may shut down to protect themselves from damage: keep this in mind if you’re stuck in Zoom meetings for hours!
Canon
- Software: EOS Webcam
- Supported models: 40+
- Supported OS: Windows 10, macOS 10.13-15
Sony
- Software: Imaging Edge Webcam
- Supported models: 35+
- Supported OS: Windows 10, macOS 10.13-15, macOS 11.0
Nikon
- Software: Nikon Webcam Utility
- Supported models: 19+
- Supported OS: Windows 10, macOS 10.13-15
Fujifilm
- Software: Fujifilm X Webcam
- Supported models: 10+
- Supported OS: Windows 10, macOS 10.12-15
Panasonic
- Software: Lumix Webcam Software
- Supported models: 7+
- Supported OS: Windows 10, macOS 10.13-15
Olympus
- Software: Olympus OM-D Webcam
- Supported models: 5+
- Supported OS: Windows 10, macOS 10.12-15
GoPro
- Software: GoPro Webcam
- Supported models: Hero 8 Black, Hero 9 Black
- Supported OS: Windows, macOS