Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with webcam

Help me watch the animals at home from a Mac cam

TochterAusElysium — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:19:16 -0800

What's a good wireless webcam for the Mac (OS 10.5.something) that works, without fuss, with the Orb software (ideally, for under $100)? I'd like to monitor what the pets at home do all day, while I'm at work. I discovered Orb, and found that it works great with my iMac's built-in camera. Problem is, that limits me to viewing a small section of hallway visible from my office desk (and hearing occasional barks in the rest of the house).

What I'd like is either a wireless webcam, or a wired cam that has a cord which will stretch out into the hall. The cord would have to be 8 to 10 feet long, though, so that seems unlikely (is it possible to string USB cables together?). I'd like to keep the cost under $100. I do know about the new BT-1 cam, and might end up with that if I can't find anything cheaper. Has anyone used it with Orb?

Recommendations from people who have actually used a specific wireless webcam with their Mac, and were able to plug it in and have it work without complicated setup, are very much welcomed. If you've just Googled "wireless webcam mac" - I've done that already, thanks. I've downloaded the Macam software and gotten it to work with a cheapo Logitech camera but Orb does not recognize it.

Webcam recording softwrae

gocubbies — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:36:47 -0800

I need to record myself giving a presentation for school. My laptop has a built in webcam and microphone. What free Windows software would you recommend for this task?

What is the lowest priced IP camera with optical zoom for use as webcam to display a mountain to the public?

fenwaydirtdog — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 12:55:03 -0800

What is the lowest priced IP camera with optical zoom for use as webcam to display a mountain to the public? I would like to set up a webcam for only one use: to display a mountain that is a few miles from my house for anyone on the internet to see. I need this webcam to be independent, i.e. not attached to my computer (I've heard terms like IP camera, network camera, or video server to describe this). But I also need an optical zoom feature, as 1) the mountain is too far away for the picture to be interesting with no zoom, and 2) the digital zoom on another webcam I've tried (Panasonic BL-C111A) yields very poor picture quality. Alternately, I could use a potential optical zoom lens accessory that attaches to a camera -- I won't need to be adjusting the zoom once I have achieved the level of zoom I want initially. Finally, this webcam would need to allow anyone on the internet to access it and display basically a window that only has the picture -- I don't want members of the public to be doing pan/tilt and such (the camera doesn't need pan/tilt at all), and I'd rather there not be any other superfluous text in the window that the public would see.

There are so many different options that I am lost. Can someone point me to a low-cost option that would solve my problem? I would love for this to be $100-$200.

High resolution still video capture on the Mac?

thejoshu — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:01:57 -0800

In Snow Leopard, has Photo Booth been upgraded to utilize the full resolution of the iSight or external webcams? I want to do one of those DIY wedding photo booth deals, but my 10.5 version of Photo Booth limits resolution to 640x480. Alternatively: will any piece of software on the Mac let me capture a still image from my Logitech 9000 at its full 2MP resolution? I have searched in vain for webcam software that doesn't limit me to 640x480. Help! And finally: I'm aware of remote tethering, but it doesn't seem to be a possibility with my Canon PowerShot SD500. If I found a camera that allowed me to do this, what software would best emulate Photo Booth for a kiosk-like still-photo capture setup?

A webcam as a means for recording changes in facial appearance over time?

Anonymous — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:05:47 -0800

Using a webcam (instead of a camera) for recording changes in facial appearance over time - good or bad idea? I'm thinking about experimenting with various topical cosmetic applications and keeping a photographic record to judge what works (as well as tracking the skin effects of various food allergies, etc). I don't have a webcam; I do have a 6 mp camera which I don't use much (not a camera person).

Anyway; I'm considering spending 50-70$ for a logitech webcam to take daily facial pics - because of the relative ease in creating a daily routine, because the lighting would be consistent (as would the angle), and so on. I've never had a webcam, and it's unlikely that I'd use it much, if at all, except for this function.

Is this a foolish idea and waste of money? Should I just use the camera and approximate? Would a webcam in this price range provide good enough still photos for this purpose (ie, focus on changes in skin texture, pores, wrinkles, etc).

(I know this is a pretty superficial question, but it's been bouncing around in my head for a while and thought I'd just finally ask and see if anyone had any thoughts)

Sending dirty videos securely

Anonymous — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 11:26:39 -0800

How can I send a dirty video securely? Trying to send my partner an explicit video of myself. Too big for gmail, even zipped (73 unzipped, 57 zipped). I am wary of potentially unsecure, 3rd party services (e.g., yousendit). Any ideas?

webcam street watch?

dabitch — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 01:11:33 -0800

Webcam server for dummies? A bunch us folks on a street here want to set up a few webcams aimed at the street that everyone here can view. Is there a 'youtube' (or bambuser.com / qik.com) for webcams specifically? - doesn't need to be free at all, just needs to be very very easy to set up. Picture one guy in each house having a cam aimed at the street, and all of us able to log on to "the street view" so we can see from house #1 to house #10 in the same page.
A few of use have actual (linux) servers, so if there is some dead-easy webcam->webpage software out there bring that on. We're webcam n00bs and googling made us no wiser. Specifically, it has to be easy for a neighbor to "join" in with their webcam, as if they were user-groups on a social webpage. We also want to cam to archive footage. (not forever though)

My webcam hates the Internet

mthomps00 — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 10:36:02 -0800

My webcam keeps kicking me off the Internet! How do I diagnose this? For weeks, I've been using a Logitech Quickcam Pro 9000 webcam to conduct video calls over Skype with no problem.

Then, last week, I installed software (SkypeCap) to record one of these video calls. It worked all right, but the video of the call recipient was sluggish, so I tried installing another video call recorder (Pamela). That's when the trouble started.

After I installed Pamela, my video calls started happening like this: I'd call the person (or they'd call me), turn on my video (or start with video), we'd chat for a few seconds, then the video would freeze, the call would end abruptly, and my wireless Internet connection would stop working altogether. I'd have to right-click on the Wireless Network icon in my taskbar and ask Windows to repair the connection before I could get back on the 'Net.

I've uninstalled Pamela and Skypecap, upgraded to the latest version of Skype, tried making a video call with another app (ooVoo), and the problem persists. It must be some conflict with the webcam, because it doesn't matter which software I use to make the call -- Skype or ooVoo -- the call ends shortly after beginning, and the Internet stops working.

I have no idea where to begin diagnosing this. Does this sound like a device driver conflict? How do I repair it?

My setup is Windows XP SP3 (Core 2 Duo processor, 3.25 GHz, 3 GB RAM). My broadband speed is 1544 Kbps download and 705 Kbps upload.

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

Webcam video capture software

thelost — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:58:34 -0800

What software is there for windows to capture video from a Microsoft Lifecam? I just got a lifecam, but I don't want to save in WMV, and also the interface of the default software leaves a lot to be desired. I've found it hard to find any alternatives to the MS software.

Can someone recommend a third party program that can capture video in a file format of my choice?

I don't care about special effects etc, just a solid capture program.

Webcam, do your job!

peachykeen — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:32:52 -0800

How do I use a webcam with Windows Movie Maker on Vista? Hey, Mefites! I'd like to start recording video with my webcam, but can't figure out how.

I have an HP Pavilion dv2000 with a built in webcam that seems to have no software and runs Vista. My computer has Windows Movie Maker, but the program doesn't seem to allow web cam imports in the Vista version.

Is there any way to get around this? Perhaps a *cheap* program that I could install to record video that can be edited in Movie Maker?

A little more info-- I'm doing this because I'd like to start video blogging, but would like to be able to review and edit videos before I post them. I don't really like the idea of uploading straight from webcam to YouTube.

Thanks!

iSight or iDon't?

genial — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 05:54:45 -0800

Best webcam for Mac OS X, is iSight still the one camera to rule them all? We're going to be purchasing a new computer very soon and while the iMacs look nice, I hate the inability to upgrade and the expense for what you get in terms of speed/processing power. So I'm ALMOST settled on going with Psystar and getting their Core i7 machine with OS X (I assume that could also have an effect on this question so anyone with experiences from that company please weigh in!).

We'd really like to have a webcam for the iChat video stuff with friends and family and while I know a few years ago iSight was the way to go and the prices on them have been dropping steadily on eBay, I'm wondering if the specs aren't a little dated at this point? I don't need to do amazing video productions but I don't want that low framerate, fuzzy, "amateur webcam" look either. Where is the sweet spot in terms of price/performance in that market with resolution and framerate in mind and what are the leading products?

Take a picture of myself

billysumday — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 12:15:12 -0800

A couple of years ago, my PhotoBooth app on my Mac was acting funky, so I trashed it. For some reason, I thought I could just go online and download a fresh version. That's proving difficult. Ultimately, I don't really care about downloading PhotoBooth. I just want to use my built-in webcam to take a picture of myself. Preferably high enough quality that I can make 2" by 2" passport photos. My webcam works fine (I use it for Skype, for example), but I can't seem to find a way to just take a damn picture of myself. And I don't want to pay for to download an application online. Hope me, hivemind.

Camera, look the other way!

It's Austin, TX! — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 16:59:29 -0800

Is there some sort of adapter, like a small prism that I could clip on my laptop's built-in webcam so that I can record video behind the laptop (in front of me) of what I am looking at? I have a 1.3M pixel cam built into the LCD panel of my Lenovo Y430 laptop.
What I want to do is be in class taking notes but have my webcam recording the teacher's lecture.
I've searched for prism adapters but I dont see anything. It would be something along the lines of this, but kinda doing the opposite I guess.
Or, any easy home made solutions?

Birdwatching over IP?

fake — Thu, 21 May 2009 06:05:33 -0800

I love my mom, and she loves birds. I want to put her bird feeder online so she can watch it at work. Is a networked webcam what I'm looking for? What are my options? Cost is a pretty big factor, as is complexity. Ideally, I'd just connect a router to their network and somehow, magically, there would be a feed of this thing online.

Given where I would like to place it, a cobbled-together PC+webcam will not work for me.

List off every free website that uses your webcam.

cmchap — Sun, 10 May 2009 22:24:33 -0800

List off every free website that uses your webcam. 1) i have a webcam on my laptop
2) it never gets used
3) i like the internet
4) i'm a poor college student

solution: webcam websites with no fee.

link me to them.
a description of each website's usefulness would be wonderful!

how do I use my webcam for Google Talk?

curiousowl — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 09:29:47 -0800

Does anyone know how to use Logitech QuickCam Communicate Deluxe with Google talk? I can only figure out how to use it with Skype, but I'd like to use it with Google Talk, only I can't for the life of me figure out how. Do I need to use the Voice & Video Chat feature? or is there a way to do it through the Google Talk application?

Where can I get a TWAIN-compatible webcam?

buck09 — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:44:05 -0800

Who still makes TWAIN-compatible webcams? I have an application that takes visitors photos with a webcam, but the webcam must be TWAIN compatible. I've been looking all over the place, but I can't find any vendor that openly advertises TWAIN support. Any recommendations?

Help me find a webcam in Chicago

CrazyLemonade — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 17:49:22 -0800

I want to find a cool webcam in Chicago. Ever since I lived in Vancouver for a few months some years ago, I've been using this webcam as a sort of "window" to take a look at "what's the city like today". I have a friend living in Chicago and I thought maybe someone here knows of a webcam there, so I can have an idea of what she's talking about, specially when she tells us about horrible or beautiful weather. I love the katkam one because the image is very clear and it's almost always up, rain or shine.

(Yes, I've googled but I get lots of results that are not good enough...I'm hoping someone has just the right thing at hand.)

How can I record a webcam conversation?

CWitt — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 15:13:40 -0800

I'm looking to record a webcam conversation. Anyone have a good suggestion? I will recording a series of conversations on my webcam. I would rather not use a screen capture, but I am open to any and all recommendations. I've heard about an option to record skype conversations. Any information would be amazing, thank you.

High quality video capture device for Youtube?

brenton — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 17:24:23 -0800

What webcam or camcorder should I buy for my videocast?

I may run it as a youtube channel or as a vlog, but I want it to look and sound as good as possible. I intend to edit each episode with some yet to be determined video editing software and I am 90% sure I will be buying the Samson C01U microphone (possibly the whole podcasting pak).

Now I need a video recorder to match! There seems to be consensus that the Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 is one of the best webcams. However, I am wondering if I would get better image quality if I left the high-end webcam world and entered into the low-end camcorder world. A webcam would obviously be the most convenient since it plugs directly into the computer, doesn't need batteries, doesn't need media, etc...

What should I get to go with my microphone that will give a good balance of quality in the $100 range?

Who is pecking in my feeder?

thinds66 — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 19:52:01 -0800

I set up a cam on my feeder in GA. It saves a pic every few minutes, and when I can, I post the interesting ones here so my folks back in MA can check them out. (It's a long winter for them.) I'm not exactly sure what this one is. I was guessing a female red-winged blackbird, but it doesn't match exactly to sample pics I find online and nothing in my field guide looks like a closer match. Can someone lend me their expertise? Thanks! - Tom

How do I set my mom up with a webcam for chats with the grandkids?

The corpse in the library — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 07:03:09 -0800

How do I set my mom up with a webcam for chats with the grandkids? My mom has an HP Pavilion zd8000 laptop. I want to buy a webcam and mail it to her for her birthday. She likes new gadgets, but neither of us knows anything about video chats and I want to keep it simple. How should I do this?

We both have decent Internet connections, and we're both in the US. I have an iMac with a built-in camera. My only experience with video chats is using iChat and my .mac account.

Is there a company I should sign her up with ahead of time? Do I need to have an account with the same company?

What application would we use?

Any recommendations for specific webcams for her?

Any other advice? I want to make this as close to "Open box, plug in camera, talk to grandkids" as possible.

Please help me turn my webcam off! (So that I can use it)

Seeba — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 22:46:38 -0800

ComputerTroubleshootingFilter: My google-fu has failed me. How do I turn my webcam "off" so that I can have programs turn it on and use it? I have an HP VGA Webcam EW193AA webcam, and for quite a while, it's been working quite well.

I unplugged it a few days ago, set it next to my computer, and replugged it in today. (Being a plug and play device, this's something I do rather often, never had problems before)

Normally, when I plug it in, Windows makes it's little "ba-dum" noise of a plug-and-play device being plugged in... then the inverse "da-bum" of a plug-and-play device getting unplugged. At the same time, the little indicator light flickers on... then turns off.

Whenever a program starts using the camera (like connecting a skype call, or opening it for use in a video-capture program), I hear the plugin ba-dum... and it works, and the light stays on the entire time that the camera is in use.

Today when I plugged it in, the light stays on.
I've tried restarting the machine, both with it plugged in and without.
I've uninstalled then reinstalled the initial factory drivers.
I've found the latest updated drivers from HP... installed them.

When I try to capture video from the camera, skype tells me the webcam is in use, and other programs tell me that it's being used by twainUI. (I've no idea what that is except that it seems to be related to printer/scanner spooling)

So. My question:
How do I find out what programs are using the camera? (so that I can close it and start using the camera by choice)
or
How do I circumvent whatever program's using the camera so that I can use it?

Thank you all.

static, live image serving on linux without funky applets

datacenter refugee — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 16:44:32 -0800

On-demand webcam image serving on a linux server? I have a webcam (logitech, usb) connected to a linux box. The webcam works well, but I'm having trouble finding a way to host it. Most software packages either stream the image (do not want) or upload/save an image periodically. I'd instead like to call a file I can wrap in an tag - a .jpg or even .php file that returns the image taken when the request was made. Any ideas?

webcam recommendations

elis — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 06:03:15 -0800

I am looking for recommendations for an inexpensive webcam as a gift for my brother. He has an Apple iBook G4 running Mac OSX 10.4.11. Thanks for your help!