With the expansion of access to high-speed Internet networks, instant messengers with video and audio communication capabilities have become very popular. Free programs like Skype, Imo, Viber, Jitsi, Google Hangouts, etc. allow you to connect relatives, acquaintances, and friends located on opposite sides of the globe almost instantly and with sufficient quality.
The Internet is also littered with applications for video recording, motion detection, video surveillance systems, and image streaming. All these programs have one element in common - a video camera. The most convenient and cheapest type of cameras is WEB cameras.
If you do not quite understand how to connect a webcam to a computer, then this information will be useful for you.
Connecting the camera
The device connects to the port USB via a wired or wireless interface. For it to work, just insert the cable or receiver connector into the corresponding socket on the computer case.
Please note that cameras can connect to a computer using USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 protocols. This means that a USB 2.0 gadget will work with any protocol, and USB 3.0 only with the appropriate one.
If the motherboard does not support USB 3.0, then connecting a camera with the 3.0 protocol will not be possible.
If everything fits together for you, you need to install the appropriate driver.
Driver installation
Usually the system independently determines the device type and establishes a support program. As evidenced by the notification in the lower right corner. Sometimes the software is missing, then you should use the disk that came with the camera. As a rule, no difficulties arise at this stage. Follow the prompts and the driver will be installed safely.
If there is no disk, then you will have to look for the driver yourself. To do this you need to go to device Manager. Windows 10 allows you to do this in a simplified way. Just right-click on the Microsoft icon in the lower left corner of the screen and select the appropriate menu item.
Open Device Manager, and in the window that opens, select Imaging devices - USB camera. At this point, right-click on the inscription Update. And choose automatic update. The system will automatically detect the driver, install it, and connect the device.
It happens that the driver is not automatically detected, how to connect the webcam to the computer in this case? You need to look for a program on manufacturer's website or on the resource driver.ru by model.
Settings
Once the driver is installed, you can configure the gadget. To do this, it can be installed focusing ring, which should be adjusted. The device also has a mount with which you can set its position relative to the object being photographed. If installed on your computer Skype, then the image is adjusted in this program. Open the settings window: Tools - Settings. Video settings.
Now you can set the position of the device, adjust the focus and adjust the video signal parameters.
If Skype is not installed and you do not want to install it, then use any of the applications that support web cameras, for example, Webcam Surveyor, AbelCam, Active WebCam, etc.
Video on the topic
The editors have received many letters from readers who want to use a digital video camera as a web camera. Many users have video cameras gathering dust on their shelves most of the time, so it would be quite nice to assemble a web camera from them. And the quality of video conferencing programs, such as Yahoo Messenger or MSN Messenger, can also be improved. A simple software solution will turn your digital video camera into a high-end webcam.
For our article we used a Panasonic GS70 video camera. This is a discontinued MiniDV format model using three CCD sensors. At the same time, everything said in the article is suitable for any digital camera with a USB or FireWire connection.
Advantages of a digital video camera
Some people might find it odd to use a several hundred dollar digital video camera as a webcam, but we're killing a few birds with one stone here. The optics in a digital video camera are much superior to web models. Modern MiniDV cameras allow you to shoot video with a resolution of 720x480 and a frequency of 30 frames per second. In addition, the camera lens provides accurate color reproduction. Webcams, on the other hand, only boast 640x480 and 15 frames per second.
Using a video camera instead of a web camera also allows you to save money - of course, if it is collecting dust on your shelf. Instead of paying $50-$200 for a decent webcam, you can use free USB drivers or spend $20 on OrangeWare WebcamDV to turn your device into a high-quality webcam.
Restrictions
However, this method has several limitations. Firstly, a video camera consumes more power than a web camera. You will have to connect the power supply if you plan to use the camcorder for an extended period of time.
Almost all video cameras today are equipped with a demo mode, which displays various special effects. It allows you to attract the buyer when choosing a camera. Make sure you turn this mode off - you don't want all sorts of crazy effects during a video conference?
Most video cameras have an automatic shutdown feature. It turns off the camera if you leave the tape in the compartment and are not recording anything. This feature prevents unnecessary battery drain and component wear. However, automatic shutdown will be inconvenient for us, so do not leave the tape inside the camcorder.
Webcams weigh much less than video cameras because they don't have a complicated cassette mechanism or retractable LCD screen. While it hardly makes sense for home users to worry about weight, this solution is not suitable for mobile use.
USB interface: free
Our first method of turning a video camera into a webcam is free. Some cameras, like our trusted Panasonic GS70, are equipped with a USB connector for webcam mode. Thus, connecting a video camera to a USB port will turn it into a web camera.
To do this, you need to install the USB driver that came with the camera. If you have lost the CD, you will have to look for the driver on the manufacturer's website. After installation, you need to switch the video camera to web camera mode. The process differs from one model to another and is described in the user manual.
Our Panasonic webcam was recognized as "Panasonic DVC Web Camera" in video conferencing programs like Active Webcam
Unfortunately, the picture quality was quite poor, reminiscent of Creative Webcam Live! in our previous review.
OrangeWare WebcamDV
OrangeWare releases WebcamDV, a program that turns a video camera into a web camera. The program, in essence, “deceives” Windows into believing that this is a full-fledged web camera. WITH company website You can download a trial version and then register it for $20.
How does this program differ from the free webcam drivers used by some models? WebcamDV transmits the video stream over the FireWire interface, which provides a very high-quality picture. You can judge the quality for yourself at the end of the article.
Installation is quick and easy. Then you simply plug your camcorder into the FireWire port and launch your favorite video conferencing program. As you can see below, Yahoo Messenger recognized the Panasonic camcorder without any problems. In any video conferencing program, the camera will be visible as "WebcamDV Capture".
Quality comparison
For our quality tests we used the same conditions as in webcam review. In good lighting, light was provided by two blocks of fluorescent lamps, simulating office conditions. In poor lighting, the lights were turned off, and the only sources were the laptop screen and 17" LCD monitor.
We captured footage using the program DV Rack from Serious Magic, which allowed us to obtain maximum quality. We then compared footage obtained using a free USB driver and WebcamDV.
You can easily see that the USB driver produces a terrible picture compared to the WebcamDV program. Additionally, the USB driver's maximum resolution is 352x244, while WebcamDV provides up to 640x480.
The only visible difference between pure frame capture and using WebcamDV is the resolution. When capturing frames it is 720x480 (MiniDV format), and in WebcamDV it is 640x480. We do not show the results in low light because the picture turned out to be black - the Panasonic GS70 could not cope with such conditions. The situation may be better with other video cameras.
Click on the picture to get a larger version.
Conclusion
With the right software, you can turn your camcorder into a quality webcam. The OrangeWare WebcamDV program allows you to “deceive” the operating system and use a video camera connected via FireWire as a web camera. As you can see, the quality of WebcamDV is excellent.
At the same time, the free USB driver gives terrible quality. So we think WebcamDV is the best solution. At $20, WebcamDV is a great opportunity to get a webcam.
Almost any electronic device, if desired, can be used in an atypical role. This also applies to smartphones, tablets, TVs, computers, cameras, and even ordinary calculators.
If you want to “transform” (conditionally) your gadget into some other device, you need to ask yourself at least one question, but the key one: “Does this really need to be done?” Most of these transformations can negatively affect the basic functionality of the device, which, under certain consequences, can lead to actual failure of operation (when interfering with the structure of the system or physical modifications).
But it’s good that these problems do not relate to the topic discussed in this article. Since below we will provide a small guide on how you can connect your camera to a computer as a web camera, what you need for this, as well as how to make the settings correctly and whether all cameras and computers are suitable for this.
What is needed for this
There are several key points worth noting right away, namely:
- The above guide is relevant for cameras (popularly “DSLRs”; digital cameras are not considered in this case) of the mid-price category and/or those that have already left the “modern models” category.
This is due to the fact that the vast majority of modern gadgets have been supplied with the built-in function of working in “web camera” mode for quite a long time.
Older models cannot boast of such functionality.
- Connecting a DSLR to a computer and using it for video calls is only possible if it supports video streaming. In other words, the camera must be able to display the resulting image directly on the screen of a receiving device, for example, a TV or monitor.
To check the availability of this functionality, do the following:
Similar “tulips” were supplied with the models whose category was mentioned above. Currently, most cameras are equipped with HDMI support.
- Not only the camera must meet the above requirements, but also the computer itself.
The installed video card must be equipped with a corresponding connector for one of the “tulips”, which is responsible for transmitting the video signal.
On well-known Chinese online stores, the cost of such devices is minimal, about 300-500 rubles.
So, taking into account all of the above, it is worth noting that the “transformation” in question is not a “five-minute” matter, as it requires certain monetary costs and time for delivery/receipt.
In addition, you should ask yourself the question again: “Do you really need to do this?” The most ordinary webcam costs the same money as, but does not require other investments or any complex settings. Therefore, it may be worth considering purchasing a specialized device. Question, question...
If your determination has not faded, go to the direct settings for image display and device recognition.
Settings
You need to understand that even if your camera and computer meet all the above requirements, if you simply connect them, then nothing useful will come of it.
For correct operation, you will need additional software that creates a virtual webcam, the responsibilities of which will be taken over by your camera.
Quite often, such software is supplied bundled with a TV tuner or other video capture device in the form of an installation disk.
Or you can simply additionally download the free program “SplitCam”, or similar options “ManyCam” and “ActiveWebCam”.
For Canon products there is a proprietary utility called “PSRemote”.
You should first disable shutdown on the camera when idle, and also provide it with a power source if you plan to use it for a long time without interruption.
Conclusion
So, as can be seen from the above small guide, there is nothing complicated in the process discussed in this article. The main thing is desire, a little time and small financial costs.
Modern technologies allow you to connect a video camera to your computer and make video calls from it, maintain a video blog, or install a home video surveillance system.
To connect a webcam to your computer, you need to follow a number of fairly simple steps.
Step 1. Attach a webcam to a PC monitor. Many webcams have a mount at the base that allows you to install it on the top of the monitor by snapping it with a special clip.
Step 2. If there is no such mount on the webcam, you need to find a flat, high place where you can place the webcam so that its eye is directed at the face of the person sitting at the PC.
Step 3. Connect the webcam's USB cable to one of the computer's USB ports (rectangular) located on the side, front or rear panel.
The USB connector can only be inserted one way into a USB port. If the connector does not fit into the port, you must rotate it 180 degrees and try again.
Important! It is important to make sure that it is connected directly to the computer and not to a USB hub, because... USB hubs often do not have enough power to operate a webcam.
If you are connecting your USB webcam to a MAC computer, you will most likely need to connect it via a USB-C to USB adapter.
Software installation and configuration
Step 1. Insert the CD that came with the webcam into the CD (DVD) drive, making sure that the manufacturer's logo is at the top of the disc.
Since most modern MAC computers do not come with CD drives, you must use a separate CD drive connected via USB.
Step 2. Once the CD is inserted into the CD/DVD drive, you must wait for the software installation window to launch.
On a note! If the installation program does not start, launch the “Computer” icon on the desktop by double-clicking.
Step 3. Click on the CD/DVD drive icon with the disc inserted, opening its folder.
Step 4. Run the software installation file Setup.exe by double-clicking on it.
Important! If the webcam CD is not supplied or a CD/DVD drive is not available, skip these steps.
Downloading software from the site
You can find and download the software for your specific webcam in the "Download" section of the webcam manufacturer's website.
Step 1. Before downloading the software, you must select the operating system in which the software will be installed and click “Download”.
Step 2. After downloading the installation file, launch it with a mouse click. The software installation window will open.
Software setup (example)
Step 1. Select a language and click “Forward”.
Step 2. If the webcam is connected, click “Forward”; if not, connect it to the computer and click “Forward”.
Step 3. Select the software to be installed and its installation location (it is recommended to leave “Default”). Click "Forward".
Step 4. After installing the necessary files, check the camera settings; its image should start in the central window. If necessary, adjust the webcam so that it looks at your face from your preferred angle.
Check the webcam sound. When speaking words into a webcam, you may notice a burst in the activity bar next to the “Audio” (or similar) section in the webcam window. Click "Forward".
Reference! If you don't see any activity from your webcam microphone, it is likely not working and may need to be enabled through your webcam or operating system settings.
Step 5. To exit the installation process, click “Test my webcam”.
Step 6. The camcorder software will start. Its window usually has a settings section, often in the form of a gear icon. You can click the icon to view and change camera settings, including contrast, brightness, sound settings, and more.
Reference! If the webcam program does not open automatically after installation is complete, you need to find its icon on your computer and manually launch it by clicking the mouse.
Step 7 After making all the webcam settings, click “Save”.
Some webcam settings can also be made when switching it to operating mode.
Connecting a webcam without software
It is possible that the webcam is supplied without drivers and software. Usually in this option you can purchase a camera from a Chinese manufacturer.
When you connect the webcam, the message “Found new hardware” will appear.
A message may appear indicating that the webcam is ready for use. In this case, there is no need to take further steps to connect it.
A message may also appear stating that it is impossible to install a webcam if the operating system does not find the necessary drivers for it.
In this case, you need to find the video camera drivers using a special wizard.
Installing the driver using the wizard
Installation via device ID
If the system fails to detect the driver, you must find the driver on the Internet manually using the ID of the installed equipment.
Step 1. In Device Manager, right-click on “Unknown Device” and select “Properties”.
Step 2. In the next window, go to the “Information” tab and select “Equipment ID” from the list. The ID code of the installed equipment will appear at the bottom in the “Value” field.
Step 3. Select the top line with the code with the mouse and press the “Ctrl + C” combination on the keyboard, copying it.
Step 4. Follow the link: https://devid.drp.su/?l=ru and paste the copied information into the search line using the “Ctrl+V” key combination. Select the type of operating system and its bit depth by checking the x64 or x86 checkbox. Click "Find drivers".
Step 5. A suitable driver will appear for download. Click the “Download” button.
Step 6. After downloading the file, launch it with the mouse button. The DriverPack Solution installation window will appear. Click “Install manually”.
Step 7 The “Device Driver Installation Wizard” will launch. Click "Next".
Step 8 After installing the video camera driver, click “Close” (“Finish”).
The installed webcam will appear in Device Manager.
Setting up your webcam microphone
It is possible that the video from the webcam is transmitted, but the sound is not. In this case, you may need to configure the webcam microphone in your operating system.
Step 1. Right-click the Volume icon in the clock area and left-click Playback Devices.
Click on “Volume” and select “Playback devices” with the left mouse button
Step 2. Go to the Recording tab and right-click on the Microphone icon, selecting Properties.
Step 3. In the “General” tab, in the “Controller” column, make sure that the required audio source (web camera) is selected. In the “Use of device” item, you also need to set the value “Use this device (on)”.
Step 4. Go to the “Levels” tab, where you make sure that the microphone is not muted (the crossed out circle next to the speaker icon) and set the microphone volume in Desktop Microphone to 95-100%. You can also adjust the Microphone Boost level - it is usually set to 0 dB.
Step 5. To adjust the sound of the microphone after hearing your voice in the computer speakers, you need to go to the “Listen” tab and check the “Listen from this device” checkbox. After making all the settings, click “Apply”, then “OK”.
For normal operation of the video camera, it is also necessary to monitor whether it is currently being used by other programs in the OS. In addition, when setting it up, you should read the “Operation Manual” to find out specific recommendations for working with the camera.
Video - How to connect a webcam to a computer without an installation disk
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