Like I'd guess many at this time, I'm using Zoom etc quite a bit.
If adjust the screen on my laptop so the camera is properly framed on me, the viewing angle for the LCD screen is all wrong - washed out picture.
I'd also like a bigger screen than my laptop. Like the 24" monitor on this desktop. Which hasn't got a camera.
What would be a decent camera to buy? Don't mind paying for a decent picture. Corded USB just fine.
What has this got to do with DIY.
Try google or homebuilt
--
Anything sub £60 or so seems to be out of stock everywhere I've looked (online). I have a Logitech one I paid about £35 for (6 years ago), and it's fine for Zoom, Skype etc, but it's superceded now of course. I've been wanting to get one for my wifes PC, no luck so far, although I've ordered from Amazon, but it's awaiting stock.
Are you going on to perform on chaturbate.
--
I'm using a corded Logitech C270. It has a built in microphone, but for meetings I use the microphone on my headset. OTH, the microphone seemed fine for my on-line birthday party on Saturday.
Charles
I know Logitech is likely the brand leader. Not been that impressed with their quality on other products - despite the premium price.
And really don't want to pay extra for stereo. ;-) Actually a nonsense for comms use, as stereo will pick up more background noise and room acoustics
- the very last things you want.
Yup - don't need a mic. But all the ones I've seen have them.
Is it not possible to feed the output of a smartphone camera via USB ? Surely you have a couple going spare ?
John Paul Jones.
---
I don't 'need' one either, but it's a lot less effort.
#
Do you have a question about DIY
Just bought one off Ebay
Good idea Giving Chinks money.
Idiot.
--
How about connecting the laptop to the bigger screen? Then you can point its camera where it needs to be for best framing, and ignore the laptop screen altogether.
For £79 you could have bought an 8" Portal Mini that does away with all that with it's tracking camera and also provides a 10W BT speaker, Alexa, Web browser, voice activated calling / clearing ... ;-)
My 90year old Mum seems to be making good use of hers, mostly connecting to the immediate family (and some friends) on theirs. ;-)
I was away from ours last night when a mate called me on his and I took the video chat call on my phone. It reminded me what a PITA it is doing that and the number of times he got a view of the ceiling / floor as the phone fell over etc.
The 'tracking camera' is worth it on it's own (when you consider how much you have to spend to get fewer features without such a device), especially when you are speaking to people who aren't good with tech.
Cheers, T i m
The OP said he was "using Zoom quite a bit". Have you had any success using zoom on a portal. I have been trying (remotely) to help someone connect to a family zoom conference on the portal with no success at all. Portal to Portal it seems fine, but we have been unable to go portal to zoom. Any clues?
AFAICS they're both separate, closed, proprietary platforms.
It is possible to stream a Zoom meeting onto Facebook.
Iguess its diy since you want a studio. One thing I would say is this, do not use the mike in the camera, or you will sound like you are in a cave. Get a cheap tie clip sort and us that. I would also suggest that you deal with lighting as well while you are at it. Myself, I have an issue because not being able to see, and people would like to see me, how can a blind person know they are in shot correctly? Brian
Maybe they could shout "left a bit, right a bit, we can see your toes"
Although I think the Portal devices sort that out by detecting movement.
Owain
HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.