Using a "proper" camera as a webcam

Re:Using a "proper" camera as a webcam by htgb on Tuesday May 17, 2022 @04:12PM (#31415730)

I looked at similar cameras a while ago (Mokose brand), but never got around to it because I was unsure of the lens. Especially field of view (is it wide enough angle?), but also overall quality. I saw a sample somewhere with a dark ring along the edges of the final image.

Did you have any issues with that? Do you have a rough approximation of what zoom setting you're using and what FOV it gives?

I'd love to get a better camera than the built-in laptop one, but also don't want to shell out $1500 plus the hassle of a DSLR…

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Re:Using a "proper" camera as a webcam by thinkmassive on Tuesday May 17, 2022 @05:36PM (#31416574)

I use a Mokose 4k USB webcam with a 5-50mm zoom lens that cost under $100 for the set.

I experimented with a huge variety of mounting options before settling on a SmallRig adjustable arm clamped to the top of my monitor mount, so it peeks over the top of my monitor, basically where a built-in webcam would be.

To me it’s the best compromise between control, quality, and price. Having physical control of zoom, focus, and exposure is amazing. Meetings start up instantly, no software to mess with.

To be fair I spent another $150ish trying various mounting options, but those are shared between the camera, mic (Rode NT-USB), and lighting. Eventually I gave up on the camera light and fixed my room lighting. A more frugal person could get a similar setup for $250 all in.

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Re:Using a "proper" camera as a webcam by dekhn on Tuesday May 17, 2022 @06:05PM (#31416848)

I didn't have good luck with the included lens for web camming. It's a zoom lens with focus and aperture, which is silly for most video conferencing.

Alternative C- and CS-mount lenses are easy to buy https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Aperture-Compatible-Mirrorless... and will focus near your face and have plenty of light. People will say your background blur is amazing.

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Re:Using a "proper" camera as a webcam by thinkmassive on Thursday May 19, 2022 @01:43AM (#31431171)

Will that lens connect directly to a c-mount frame? You don’t need an adapter that will reduce the field of view so your face fills the entire thing?

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