Advice on Web Cam

[glend]

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. :question:

[Xeteth]

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]

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

cheers

[glend]

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]

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]

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/officeworks/p/microsoft-lifecam-webcam-hd-3000-inmst5395#delivery
> https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/microsoft-lifecam-studio-widescreen-webcam-inmst2164#qanda

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

[glend]

Thanks HTH, I will look at them today.

[billdan]

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/333886-modifying-logitech-c270-webcam-for-astrophotography/

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

[glend]

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