Advice on Web Cam

[glend (Glen)]

The Pandemic has pointed out the weaknesses in our current setup. I need some advice on upgrading a standard laptop webcam (In the screen top) to something more useful for video sharing / streaming with family members.
Any suggestions? I would like to keep it under $100 if possible. There seem to be a few cams that might suit, but I would like to see what people recommend.

[Xeteth (David)]

I've been using the Logitech C615HD for uni and work ever since COVID-19 hit, it works great. If you're going in store to purchase one, make sure you call ahead - there has been a worldwide shortage of webcams since everyone moved online. It took me a month on a waiting list to get one!

[rustigsmed (Russell)]

if you've got one, why not use a current dslr and hook it up with a usb? and save the $100?

cheers

[glend (Glen)]

Originally Posted by rustigsmed

if you've got one, why not use a current dslr and hook it up with a usb? and save the $100?

cheers

I do, I have a Nikon D5300, but the standard lense is a 55mm and it does not suit the wide field of view in the area where I want to use it. Buying a new lense for the Nikon would be more expensive than a webcam.

[The_bluester (Paul)]

Having bought a couple recently due to the COVID restrictions, the $100-$200 ones seem to do quite a bit better than the sub $100 ones. I bought two, both Logitech, one for my work (About $160) and it does fairly well, though some software has a habit of loosing the plot focus wise and you have to stop and restart video to get it to focus again, the second one was a cheaper unit and it was OK for my sons school work where he is sitting right in front of the camera but does not do nearly as well in a larger area. The inbuilt microphones on both seem OK.

I am not going to mention specific models as it still seems that demand is very high and they go in and out of stock at the drop of a hat. They were so hard to get hold of when I bought the first one that it was listed on the (decent sized) retailers website as a grey import with warranty coverage only through them and not locally by Logitech.

[LewisM]

Could you not put the fisheye lens from the ZWO guidecams on your ZWO guidecam and use it at high frame rate?

[glend (Glen)]

Originally Posted by LewisM

Could you not put the fisheye lens from the ZWO guidecams on your ZWO guidecam and use it at high frame rate?

Thanks for the suggestion Lewis, but I sold all my imaging gear, and guide camera, some time ago. I am strictly visual now, astro wise.

[RAJAH235]

Just adding my 2 Cents here...
I have a MS Life camera that works very well, so you may want to look at these 2 offerings...
> https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/...t5395#delivery
> https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/...nmst2164#qanda

Both are still available.....according to the site.
HTH.

[glend (Glen)]

Originally Posted by RAJAH235

Just adding my 2 Cents here...
I have a MS Life camera that works very well, so you may want to look at these 2 offerings...
> https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/...t5395#delivery
> https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/...nmst2164#qanda

Both are still available.....according to the site.
HTH.

Thanks HTH, I will look at them today.

[billdan (Bill)]

Not sure whether you have found a solution Glen, but I came across this thread on SGL regarding a Logitech C270 webcam fitted to a scope.

https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/3...rophotography/

EDIT: Whoops, I just re-read your opening post, you didn't want it for a scope.

[glend (Glen)]

I did find a webcam, within my budget. Thanks to all that replied.
Thread closed.