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How to use your smartphone as a webcam

Most newer computers have built-in webcams or web/Internet cameras. My MacBook for example, has a separate microphone and camera. What I like about using smartphones as webcams is that they do not require a computer for you to participate.

Firstly, always be careful when downloading a new app to your devices. Be sure to research the reviews of any apps for possible problems and security holes prior to downloading. Running webcam apps may drain your phone battery, therefore, you may want to setup your phone near a wall outlet. The following products are concept examples. They not been tested by DLIT staff. You might conduct your own product search. Note that using an older phone does not require you to pay monthly fees if you only access the Internet via a WI-FI connection.

Having been in the computer field a long time. I try to remember when I communicate, the two Gary Larson Far Side cartoons, “What Dogs Hear” and “What Cats Here”. An analogy is understanding instead of hearing. Therefore, I will try to keep this simple. A Google search yielded the following suggestions:

How to use your iPhone as a webcam for video conferencing and virtual meetings (April 1, 2020)

https://www.macworld.com/article/3535196/how-to-use-your-iphone-as-a-webcam-for-video-conferencing-and-virtual-meetings.html
The article includes product links, videos, instructions, troubleshooting tips, and links to test your webcam operation. Products mentioned include:

  • Kinoni’s EpocCam Webcam
    • It is easy to set up
    • The free version with ads and occasional watermarking works with both Mac and PC
    • Works in Zoom
    • The free version of EpocCam, the video will be limited to 640x480 at 30fps
    • The EpocCam Webcamera for Computer for $8 raises the video resolution to 1080p Full HD video.
    • If you want to run more than one stream simultaneously (as well as the same HD features as EpocCam Webcamera), EpocCam MultiCam is available for $20.

  • iVCam is a good option if you’re using Windows
    • Any iOS device that’s running iOS 10.3 or later will work, so even if you have an old iPhone 5 or iPad mini 2 in a drawer, it’ll work.

How to use your Android phone as a webcam for streaming (March 26, 2020)

https://www.windowscentral.com/how-use-your-android-phone-webcam-streaming
This article includes links to tripod products on which to mount your phone for ease of use and a link to a webcam app.