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Decent, inexpensive webcam - any recommendations?

wfriedwald

wfriedwald

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jan 1, 2017
536
48
I have no idea why, but maybe 8-9 years ago, I bought a cheap webcam - knowing me, I probably got the cheapest one out there. (It's a logitech, probably their bottom-of-the-line.)

Now with livestreaming being the thing professionally and personally, I finally have need for a decent webcam. I can see the images in the older one are kind of jerky and blurry (even when I view locally, let alone over the transmission.)

Can anyone recommend a good quality webcam in the $50-$75 range? I DO have a decent USB microphone, currently, so I do not need to worry about that.

Thanks for any suggestions,

W
 
While I have no specific recommendations, based on my experience with cellphone cameras, a cheap $50-75 computer webcam's picture quality in 2020 should be substantially better than that of the unit you purchased in 2012.

Hell, my 2018 iPhone's video quality blows doors on the Canon Vixia HD camcorder I owned in 2010.

If I had the need I would likely buy the second-cheapest Logitech model, whatever that is.

A lot of video conferencing services don't handle more than 720p anyhow for their free entry level conferencing. Plus if it's just me at home, giving others a high-resolution image of my head and home office doesn't really have that much value.

The high resolution cameras are better if the extra detail is warranted.

That said, just for fun, I looked at web cameras on Amazon a few days ago and a lot of them are back ordered, especially the bargain models. It's just like the grocery store, all of the cheap pasta is gone, all the expensive brands are still available.

When I was still working a corporate job a couple of years ago, we had conference rooms equipped with webcams and I believe most of those were Logitech units. Their quality was satisfactory.
 
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yes, I am finding that! And Green screens too! Everybody's zoomin' all of a sudden!
 
Even two weeks ago when I knew I'd need one, they were pretty much sold out everywhere. I was able to get a Razer Kiyo webcam from Microsoft for $89. Doesn't work on the Mac as far as I know, but it was pretty much the last option (though actually a pretty decent camera).

Hopefully companies like Logitech can ramp up production, though I doubt there will be enough to meet demand.

Best bet is to try smaller, less popular online stores.
 
xraydoc said:
Hopefully companies like Logitech can ramp up production, though I doubt there will be enough to meet demand.
Click to expand...
They have about a month to crank out as many as they can and get them to market ASAP.

In early May, I'm guessing that the areas that went to "shelter in place" earliest in the USA will start to emerge after their restrictions are eased and people return to their offices. Then eBay will be flooded with cheap ("like new!") webcams; people will be practically giving them away ("free shipping!").

Best bet is to try smaller, less popular online stores.
Click to expand...
The problem is that search engines like Google, Bing, etc. spider all of those merchants anyhow, index them and include them in search results for "Logitech web cam" under the shopping tab. An automated web crawler process doesn't care if the retailer is big or small. And the little shops will have less inventory.

One thing for sure, you won't find any discounts on a brand new unit right now. If you shop on eBay right now expect price gouging.
 
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stumbled upon this thread. I'm using an MB Air and would like to keep it in stand as I am using an AOC monitor more these days. So is there something comparable for Zoom meetings or Google hangouts? it's kinda of annoying to have to use the laptop for that but it's only ever so often.
 
xtempo said:
stumbled upon this thread. I'm using an MB Air and would like to keep it in stand as I am using an AOC monitor more these days. So is there something comparable for Zoom meetings or Google hangouts? it's kinda of annoying to have to use the laptop for that but it's only ever so often.
Click to expand...

I've been using this with my Mac mini

www.bestbuy.com

j5create USB HD Webcam with 360° Rotation Black JVCU100 - Best Buy

Shop j5create USB HD Webcam with 360° Rotation Black at Best Buy. Find low everyday prices and buy online for delivery or in-store pick-up. Price Match Guarantee.
www.bestbuy.com www.bestbuy.com
 
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If you have an iPhone, you already have an amazing camera. Mount it on a tripod or something and use this:
reincubate.com

Camo - Great video made easy

Camo enables the camera you already own to produce incredible video, whether you’re meeting, streaming, or recording. Start creating great video today.
reincubate.com reincubate.com
 
thanks decided to order it anyway. I just hate the Air having only 2 USB ports. If I had my mac mini I could use that but at the moment its in storage.
 
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