Wyze cheap security cameras released a firmware that turns them into a webcam. Still in stock.
You will also need a USB a-a cable that I didn't know existed or was legal.
And a 32gb microsd.
I did this last week, came in one day on Amazon prime. Under $50 for everything.
Setup went okay, although the 3-4 minutes for firmware write was under a minute for me with their branded microsd.
Quality is passable, lens is more fisheye than I'd prefer so you see my messy office, but it works. 1080/30 the software claims. Note it has a speaker, so check your sound mixer settings to have it not steal audio out.
It's incredibly annoying that you can't use your APPLE iPhone camera as a webcam for your APPLE Macbook, but instead are forced to use the atrociously terrible cam that comes with the Macbook.
I've tried workarounds using the excellent OSB, but there's currently no software that let's you reroute video on a Mac (like Loopback does for audio)
Also bidets, nintendo switches, instant yeast, powdered milk, etc. I actually snagged some wine yeast on amazon and I'm on my third loaf of bread. Bidet was the best "waste of money" I have spent in a long time. My TP usage has been slashed.
Yeast. I haven’t needed yeast in years, recently I found a recipe with yeast I wanted to try and found out that, at least where I am in Germany, yeast is sold out.
I heard about the webcam thing from my boss, he asked me if he gave me a webcam years ago when I started remote working. He did, but it was in the attic and I had to go looking for it ;)
Yup, same here in Canada - can't get yeast anywhere. Even flour is tough to come by despite the fact that Canada has tons of wheat - the flour mills are working overtime.
If you’re the typical hacker news reader, I suppose there’s a good chance you have a decent quality SLR or mirrorless camera. If it has a clean HDMI output, you can use it with a capture card (80USD or so) on amazon and you’ll have the best webcam money can buy. Couple that with a cheap lavalier mic or similar and you’ll have far better quality than any video call is likely able to transmit.
If you’re feeling really hacky you might be able to do without the capture card and use gphoto2 to stream your camera over usb, and then use something like OBS virtual am or V4l2loopback. This is fiddly though and only works with a few cameras.
I wanted to buy a new webcam; basically because I'm finding half my life is spent using one.
Ran into the problems mentioned in the article, and put a Logitech camera onto pre-order.
Cancelled that order last night though: possible to use an android phone as a webcam that's most likely better quality than the current generator of USB webcam. I chose this app [1], others are available.
How do you use the IP webcam address in programs like teams, zoom, skype?
I resorted to buying a magewell hdmi-2-usb converter. Better quality, I can focus and zoom from further away (no huge nose) and depending on your gear you have automatic background blurring (aperture+sensor size)
Get a UVC industrial camera with a M12 or CS mount lens to use as a webcam, most are better cameras than the "webcam" models and not everyone has noticed UVC cameras _are_ webcams so the prices are normal.
I grabbed one with an OV2710 sensor (does 1920x1080@30fps, 1280×720@60, and so on) and a 2.8-12mm CS lens for $65 that took a little over a week to arrive (I paid a slight premium from Amazon instead of Aliexpress because it looked like there was US stock... turned out to be the same seller shipping from the same place in China. Oh well).
I'm trying to limp the hands-on portion of some sophomore-level EE courses to the end of the semester, so I've got mine mounted as an overhead camera for drawing/demonstrating/etc. the crap laptop built-in is plenty for facecam.
The major problem is getting the video conferencing apps not to drop cameras to super-low quality, Zoom usually won't even use the full resolution mode of my built-in (except occasionally and apparently at random it decides to and changes the frame by selecting a 16x9 mode instead of the 4:3 it usually picks), and offers no real camera settings that I can find.
Neat, where did you order yours from? I've actually been looking for a sensor without a Bayer filter on it to use with a spectrometer, and this looks like the sort of thing that might be able to be used for that.
It's has been like this for quite a while. I tried to buy a webcam for a project about 3-4 weeks ago and found they were all gone.
Funny enough, at that moment, I just thought it was because Amazon had problem on stocking and delivery. I didn't even realize it's because of the high demand for remote work etc.
though you have to admit that it's not a necessity for workplace conversations. We thought it nice to get one for our lectures recently and it's not only webcams (which are totally sold out), but also cheapish capture cards and mics... We ended up buying a GoPro and a 4k-capable capture card - now if we only had a capable local network (for streaming a 1000 4k streams)
Can confirm this is a global thing too, in Germany webcams sold out in online stores exactly three weeks ago. The few items left doubled or tripled their prices overnight.
It's been like this for 1.5 months. It's been commonly brought up at universities when some professors require webcams for exams but some students don't already have them.
I imagine professional headsets are under similar price constraints because on the BBC I've seen at-home reporters using gaming headsets with RGB LEDs.
Headsets are definitely in short supply. I bought a mid-range Jabra in March for about $150-160. The same model on Amazon is now over $200 and has increased by $10 since the last time I checked just one week ago.
Sold out couple weeks ago in Canada, asked hackernews about apps that turn android phone into webcam. Two that worked fine:
iriun
droidcam
Turns out your phone's selfie / front camera and microphone is vastly superior to most laptop webcams. Grab yourself selfie tripod. Lots of compliments about picture and sound quality. Coincidentally WSJ covered this topic yesterday.
If you guys can post a good working tutorial for the Zero W, it would be very much appreciated and I'll definitely be placing an order for a camera with you.
It's irritating that some historical price comparison sites (e.g. CamelCamelCamel - at least in the EU) are being leaned on by Amazon to cease their activity.
Where items are available, I actually would like to know who's profiteering before sending them my money.
If anyone's curious about this from 3 camels standpoint they made a blog post about this. I was curious what the non-Amazon opinion would be so I
went looking: https://camelcamelcamel.com/blog/amazon-eu-covid-19
Feels like Apple could boost their ecosystem by making great iPhone/macOS webcam integration. There's Kinoni's EpocCam and it seems to work, but it is a bit rough and requires installing their driver which I don't love.
I’ve been using CamTwist (http://camtwiststudio.com/) for it after checking the alternatives. Even if old-looking it works well (in Catalina and Mojave) and has converted my old iPhone into a good-quality webcam. OBS studio is getting virtual webcam support soon (see a recent post about OBS studio) and will allow for that as well (I have tried the proof of concept implementation)
Or Apple could put a better cameras on their laptops. Video conferencing was already in wide use for businesses prior to covid19. While they are at it, they could put FaceID on it.
How’s the cpu usage? I was looking at it. I have been hoping if I can use an iOS device as external cam and mic (mic not necessary I guess), that it would drop the computer’s cpu usage. Is that true for EpocCam?
Perhaps useful for others: I had this thought as well (that my handy camera is already a high quality webcam) and had great performance on Linux with the app DroidCam [1], which includes the V4Lloopback module when you install the desktop program and presents the android camera as a webcam at /dev/video#. Connected to my computer via USB (ADB) it shows no noticeable latency. This is a bit different to all the IP webcam apps which expose the handy camera over your LAN (but that is an option as well).
The desktop app allows you to toggle the handy LED flash for better front lighting, to lock exposure, to trigger autofocus, and to adjust white balance.
I tried it first with the free version, which doesn't allow HD video. The full version is a few dollars; doesn't contain ads.
I have no connection to the developers, but am a happy user. Works flawlessly anywhere a webcam is expected (for me so far: skype, Zoom, Jitsi).
The desktop app is open source, but unfortunately not the android app. I was surprised not find an open source version of this concept (and don't currently have the time to develop it).
I kind of do this as my Macbook’s camera is broken but i have to join the conference once on phone and again on the laptop as I might have to screen share as well.
I did this with my Pixel 2 for a while, but the microphone had a lot of noise. To tackle the issue, I plugged a USB-C hub into it and used my Blue Yeti mic which gave me crystal clear audio.
Of course, a simple lapel would be a much better investment if you don't have any of that equipment.
Went to the computer shop to get a few wekcams for our remote workers. The guy said they had 30 cameras in that morning and had two left. I got those two. Its a computer shop I only use as a last resort because they are useless.
Seems to be the case across the board though, I bought some Microsoft LifeCam Studios because Microsoft had some in stock. But couldn't find much else anywhere else.
I just duck taped the selfie stick to the monitor's stand and use the phone with skype/zoom apps. Camera, mic are already there and you can use headsets with it.
And standing desks. I've been trying to source some for my business (to retail) and all of the cheaper models are sold out. The models we have been able to source are a harder sell at their price point.
For what it's worth, I found Autonomous.ai to be fast shipping and high quality for the price of their standing desks (and chairs!). If you're in the US/Canada they're still shipping quickly.
Hi,
I made my own standing desk using Ikea's LINNMON table (120x60)(cm) but you can pick your own tabletop and the adjustable OLOV legs (apologies for the caps). Total cost is around £€$75 (I am checking UK site). The annoying bit is that I cannot convert it easily. I need to remove everything from the table, turn it upside-down, change the length of the legs, and turn it back up.
IKEA also has three "proper" standing desks (that you can adjust their height without doing the aforementioned) but they cost x2 and x5 of my desk, and I don't really care to change the height that often/ever.
(I don't work for Ikea, I just don't want to pay $1000 for something I can make with $100 (and have a better pension when I retire).
> You can get an external webcam—although top models are sold out across the web. ( Logitech says it’s increasing production and distribution to meet the new demand.)
[+] [-] TheAdamist|6 years ago|reply
You will also need a USB a-a cable that I didn't know existed or was legal.
And a 32gb microsd.
I did this last week, came in one day on Amazon prime. Under $50 for everything.
Setup went okay, although the 3-4 minutes for firmware write was under a minute for me with their branded microsd.
Quality is passable, lens is more fisheye than I'd prefer so you see my messy office, but it works. 1080/30 the software claims. Note it has a speaker, so check your sound mixer settings to have it not steal audio out.
https://support.wyzecam.com/hc/en-us/articles/360041605111-W...
[+] [-] fab1an|6 years ago|reply
I've tried workarounds using the excellent OSB, but there's currently no software that let's you reroute video on a Mac (like Loopback does for audio)
EDIT: I stand corrected, as user wolfhumble points out below, EpocCam seems to do this - thanks! https://apps.apple.com/us/app/epoccam-webcamera-for-computer...
[+] [-] buro9|6 years ago|reply
Of course, using a 42.4 Megapixel sensor and a Carl Zeiss Sonnar lens it would.
https://www.elgato.com/en/gaming/cam-link-4k
Turns a HDMI input into a USB web cam.
[+] [-] post_break|6 years ago|reply
[+] [-] Semaphor|6 years ago|reply
I heard about the webcam thing from my boss, he asked me if he gave me a webcam years ago when I started remote working. He did, but it was in the attic and I had to go looking for it ;)
[+] [-] Maximus9000|6 years ago|reply
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/food-and-wine/article-f...
[+] [-] coob|6 years ago|reply
[+] [-] kasey_junk|6 years ago|reply
[+] [-] noodlesUK|6 years ago|reply
If you’re feeling really hacky you might be able to do without the capture card and use gphoto2 to stream your camera over usb, and then use something like OBS virtual am or V4l2loopback. This is fiddly though and only works with a few cameras.
[+] [-] ivankirigin|6 years ago|reply
Would you prefer a shortage with no incentive to increase production?
[+] [-] lwhi|6 years ago|reply
Ran into the problems mentioned in the article, and put a Logitech camera onto pre-order.
Cancelled that order last night though: possible to use an android phone as a webcam that's most likely better quality than the current generator of USB webcam. I chose this app [1], others are available.
[1] https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pas.webcam...
[+] [-] ce4|6 years ago|reply
I resorted to buying a magewell hdmi-2-usb converter. Better quality, I can focus and zoom from further away (no huge nose) and depending on your gear you have automatic background blurring (aperture+sensor size)
http://www.magewell.com/products/usb-capture-hdmi-gen-2
[+] [-] PAPPPmAc|6 years ago|reply
Get a UVC industrial camera with a M12 or CS mount lens to use as a webcam, most are better cameras than the "webcam" models and not everyone has noticed UVC cameras _are_ webcams so the prices are normal.
I grabbed one with an OV2710 sensor (does 1920x1080@30fps, 1280×720@60, and so on) and a 2.8-12mm CS lens for $65 that took a little over a week to arrive (I paid a slight premium from Amazon instead of Aliexpress because it looked like there was US stock... turned out to be the same seller shipping from the same place in China. Oh well).
I'm trying to limp the hands-on portion of some sophomore-level EE courses to the end of the semester, so I've got mine mounted as an overhead camera for drawing/demonstrating/etc. the crap laptop built-in is plenty for facecam.
The major problem is getting the video conferencing apps not to drop cameras to super-low quality, Zoom usually won't even use the full resolution mode of my built-in (except occasionally and apparently at random it decides to and changes the frame by selecting a 16x9 mode instead of the 4:3 it usually picks), and offers no real camera settings that I can find.
[+] [-] Arelius|6 years ago|reply
[+] [-] fireattack|6 years ago|reply
Funny enough, at that moment, I just thought it was because Amazon had problem on stocking and delivery. I didn't even realize it's because of the high demand for remote work etc.
[+] [-] fock|6 years ago|reply
[+] [-] distances|6 years ago|reply
[+] [-] skinnymuch|6 years ago|reply
[+] [-] JCharante|6 years ago|reply
I imagine professional headsets are under similar price constraints because on the BBC I've seen at-home reporters using gaming headsets with RGB LEDs.
[+] [-] cvwright|6 years ago|reply
[+] [-] dirtyid|6 years ago|reply
iriun
droidcam
Turns out your phone's selfie / front camera and microphone is vastly superior to most laptop webcams. Grab yourself selfie tripod. Lots of compliments about picture and sound quality. Coincidentally WSJ covered this topic yesterday.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daqPLDDAntA
[+] [-] 51Cards|6 years ago|reply
[+] [-] whiskers|6 years ago|reply
I haven't tried this, but will ask one of our team to give it a go and confirm - that would make a more affordable option around £40 or so.
Disclaimer: Co-founder of Pimoroni (Raspberry Pi re-seller)
[+] [-] Nexxxeh|6 years ago|reply
[+] [-] mellosouls|6 years ago|reply
Where items are available, I actually would like to know who's profiteering before sending them my money.
[+] [-] mcescalante|6 years ago|reply
[+] [-] jurip|6 years ago|reply
[+] [-] RBerenguel|6 years ago|reply
[+] [-] adrr|6 years ago|reply
[+] [-] skinnymuch|6 years ago|reply
[+] [-] exabrial|6 years ago|reply
[+] [-] lima-lima|6 years ago|reply
The desktop app allows you to toggle the handy LED flash for better front lighting, to lock exposure, to trigger autofocus, and to adjust white balance.
I tried it first with the free version, which doesn't allow HD video. The full version is a few dollars; doesn't contain ads.
I have no connection to the developers, but am a happy user. Works flawlessly anywhere a webcam is expected (for me so far: skype, Zoom, Jitsi).
The desktop app is open source, but unfortunately not the android app. I was surprised not find an open source version of this concept (and don't currently have the time to develop it).
[1] https://www.dev47apps.com/
[+] [-] blntechie|6 years ago|reply
[+] [-] simon1573|6 years ago|reply
[+] [-] michaelbrooks|6 years ago|reply
Of course, a simple lapel would be a much better investment if you don't have any of that equipment.
[+] [-] akeck|6 years ago|reply
[+] [-] Paraesthetic|6 years ago|reply
Seems to be the case across the board though, I bought some Microsoft LifeCam Studios because Microsoft had some in stock. But couldn't find much else anywhere else.
[+] [-] delecti|6 years ago|reply
[+] [-] Paraesthetic|6 years ago|reply
[+] [-] Paraesthetic|6 years ago|reply
[+] [-] ronibx|6 years ago|reply
[+] [-] skinnymuch|6 years ago|reply
[+] [-] slezyr|6 years ago|reply
[+] [-] postingawayonhn|6 years ago|reply
https://www.elementrelocations.com.au/work-from-home
[+] [-] owenwil|6 years ago|reply
This (referral) link provides a discount on all of their standing desks/chairs: https://www.autonomous.ai/?rid=f1ef57&utm_campaign=referrals...
[+] [-] misterbwong|6 years ago|reply
Couldn't be happier with the dual motor I bought a few weeks ago.
[+] [-] HenryBemis|6 years ago|reply
IKEA also has three "proper" standing desks (that you can adjust their height without doing the aforementioned) but they cost x2 and x5 of my desk, and I don't really care to change the height that often/ever.
(I don't work for Ikea, I just don't want to pay $1000 for something I can make with $100 (and have a better pension when I retire).
[+] [-] numpad0|6 years ago|reply
[+] [-] foofoo4u|6 years ago|reply
[+] [-] kyrra|6 years ago|reply
> You can get an external webcam—although top models are sold out across the web. ( Logitech says it’s increasing production and distribution to meet the new demand.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/living-the-coronavirus-work-fro...