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Notices, Help With Problems and Your Forum Ideas... => Computer Help => Topic started by: TrevL on April 22, 2021, 10:35:21 AM

Title: Web Cam?
Post by: TrevL on April 22, 2021, 10:35:21 AM
I'm about to get a webcam, my first.  Needing it for Zoom with family.
Are there any recommendations as to which I should get?  Not looking to spend a fortune.
Also, my monitor, connected by HDMI, has two usb ports on the side, will I be able to use one of these ports to plug in the camera, or does it have to be into the PC itself? Thanks.
Title: Re: Web Cam?
Post by: ntpntpntp on April 22, 2021, 11:46:21 AM
I bought a PapaLook HD webcam at the beginning of lockdown last March 2020 for work meetings etc.  Not the cheapest (and daft name!) but it's been very good.

USB ports on monitors are usually just like a hub, in that you still need a lead from the PC to a USB "upstream" port on the monitor, then plug your devices into the other "downstream" ports.   I think some people use these ports to plug keyboard and mouse into the monitor instead of the leads trailing down under the desk to the PC. 

I just plug the camera directly into the PC.
Title: Re: Web Cam?
Post by: Dorsetmike on April 22, 2021, 12:16:52 PM
I bought this one for the Forum zoom meets,  sits on top of the monitor and has a built in mic as well
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08F7GDZYM?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_product_details (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08F7GDZYM?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_product_details)
Title: Re: Web Cam?
Post by: TrevL on April 25, 2021, 06:57:37 PM
Quote from: Dorsetmike on April 22, 2021, 12:16:52 PM
I bought this one for the Forum zoom meets,  sits on top of the monitor and has a built in mic as well
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08F7GDZYM?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_product_details (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08F7GDZYM?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_product_details)

Could you tell me how long the Usb cable for this is please Mike?
Title: Re: Web Cam?
Post by: Dorsetmike on April 25, 2021, 10:14:23 PM
About 4'6"/1M37, the USB cable carries sound and video (the camera has a built in microphone), I take the sound from the PC audio out through my stereo system although it can also be played through headphones or PC speakers.
Title: Re: Web Cam?
Post by: TrevL on April 25, 2021, 11:01:30 PM
Much appreciated Mike :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Web Cam?
Post by: TrevL on June 27, 2021, 06:48:54 PM
Got that one Mike @Dorsetmike (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=2855), very pleased with it, thanks.  Got a 1 meter USB extension on order, cable is just too short to be hidden round the back.

I couldn't work out why it wasn't working the first time I used it, then I realised the little privacy flap was over the lens :doh:
Title: Re: Web Cam?
Post by: Newportnobby on June 27, 2021, 08:54:31 PM
Flaps down, Biggles! :)
Title: Re: Web Cam?
Post by: TrevL on June 27, 2021, 10:37:40 PM
Can't Jump Algy, grinds going rind and rind.
Title: Re: Web Cam?
Post by: joe cassidy on August 30, 2022, 05:15:27 PM
I have a problem with the built-in camera in my computer.

When I try to use it I see just a black screen with flickering vertical coloured lines.

Is it likely to be a hardware problem or have I inadvertently disabled the camera ?

The computer is  a HP Pavilion model 15-cs3035nf running windows 10.

Thanks in advance.


Joe
Title: Re: Web Cam?
Post by: njee20 on August 30, 2022, 08:20:09 PM
Hardware if it's flickering I'd say. Does it have a built in lens cover? My HP Zenbook does. A tiny little slider underneath the camera itself. Easily knocked.
Title: Re: Web Cam?
Post by: Railwaygun on August 31, 2022, 09:01:32 AM
Argos have a £12 camera which works well ( 720p)  ( I have 2)

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/8299442 (https://www.argos.co.uk/product/8299442)

And a £10  one as well!

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/8739816 (https://www.argos.co.uk/product/8739816)

Title: Re: Web Cam?
Post by: Railwaygun on August 31, 2022, 09:06:39 AM
Quote from: joe cassidy on August 30, 2022, 05:15:27 PM
I have a problem with the built-in camera in my computer.

When I try to use it I see just a black screen with flickering vertical coloured lines.

Is it likely to be a hardware problem or have I inadvertently disabled the camera ?

The computer is  a HP Pavilion model 15-cs3035nf running windows 10.

Thanks in advance.


Joe

Type camera into the search box and see if the same thing occurs in the app alone?

It may be worth uninstalling / removing the driver and letting windows reinstall, using UPDATE ( Windows key X then device manager)

If no luck, buy a separate camera!, it's not repairable.
Title: Re: Web Cam?
Post by: joe cassidy on August 31, 2022, 11:19:08 AM
Thanks to all for your suggestions.
Title: Re: Web Cam?
Post by: joe cassidy on September 01, 2022, 12:59:54 PM
I bought a webcam from Carrefour this morning.

Works well, maybe too well - it shows every hair out of place, all the traces of "the night before".

I'm now looking for a make-up artist  :worried: