I don’t stream and very rarely do I video conference or chat, so for me buying a webcam would be a waste of money. Plus, with how little I’d be prepared to spend on a peripheral that I neither want nor need. — I’m pretty sure more people would pay me NOT to start an OnlyFans that would ever pay to see me! — Given that I can just about guarantee that the picture would look like hot garbage as well.
So, what’s a fella to do? Once again that overengineered little supercomputer I keep in my pocket to the rescue. As you saw previously in my writeup on WiMic everyone of us is carry around a high-quality microphone with us at all times. Well, the same is true of the camera on your smart device. If you were to buy a standalone camera of comparable quality to the one that you lug around with you all day without thinking about it, you’d be shelling out over $500.
Skype integration.
Now for things like an action camera there may be very good reasons to buy that standalone device and avoid putting your smartphone into serious jeopardy. There are many, many situations where using a smartphone camera is unwise to say the least. Sitting in front of your computer is not one of them.
So let me introduce you to DroidCam, here straight from the About page on the Google Play Store:
Turn your phone as a webcam.
DroidCam
DroidCam turns your Android device into a webcam.
The app works with a PC client that connects the computer with your phone. Windows and Linux clients are available. Visit www.dev47apps.com on your computer to download, install, and get more info on usage.
DroidCam OS integration.
Features:
– Chat using “DroidCam Webcam” on your computer, including Sound and Picture. – Completely free with no usage limits or watermarks. – Connect over WiFi or USB*. – Microphone noise cancellation. – Use other (non camera) apps with DroidCam in the background. – Keeps working with the screen off to conserve battery. – IP web camera MJPEG access (access camera via a browser or from another phone/tablet/etc).
DroidCam connection options.
The paid version:
If you like the app, consider getting the Pro version, DroidCamX, which has: – No Ads. – USB-Only mode for added privacy and security. – Phone calls muting. – 720p/1080p video support via HD Mode. – ‘Smooth FPS’ option for more stable video. – Pro features on the Windows client including video mirror, flip, rotate, contrast, brightness and other controls.
A bargain compared to actual webcams sold in store!
With over 10 million downloads and 123,000 reviews DroidCam has a 4.4 star out of 5 rating. All of the developer Dev47Apps other applications seem to be similarly held in high regard.
Conclusion.
I have only had occasion to use DroidCam in couple of instances. Thus far it has suited my needs perfectly. Despite the low resolution of the free version, I haven’t noticed any difference between my feed and anyone else’s in a video conference. If you are doing something where having high quality video is important I’d recommend trying this app and program out first. If you like what you see then go ahead and fork out the $5.49 for the pro version and stream in HD to your hearts content.
