Digital Product Analysis & Reviews
by Remington May
The synchronization of various components like 3D printer, material, and software with webcam compatibility is necessary to have a satisfactory printing experience. The open-source 3D printing software, OctoPrint, provides the power to control and monitor the printing remotely.
A top-notch webcam for OctoPrint is a must-have item to always keep an eye on the progress of printing and have a satisfactory outcome. After all, you'll use the time-lapse pictures from it, with the assistance of OctoPrint to feature your creation.
In an effort to help you choose the best webcam for OctoPrint, we have analyzed and reviewed some of the top ones in the market. Check them out!
Contents
2. Larmtek 1080p Full Hd Webcam
5. Logitech C920 HD Pro Webcam
6. Mimoday Webcam with Microphone
7. Cimkiz Webcam with Microphone Manual Focus
8. ELP 5-50mm Varifocal Lens 1080P USB Camera
10. Yidarton Webcam Camera 1080P Hd
eMeet is a game-changer when it comes to streaming high-resolution videos for OctoPrint. This webcam will deliver a sharp and smooth video, eventually offering you satisfactory monitoring of 3D printing.
This incredible model by eMeet streams videos at 1080p at 30fps rate, so you can have a glance at every corner of your printed product. And these features are very beneficial for 3D printing since you will use the time-lapse taken by the webcam to exhibit your manufactured products.
The unit comes with a four-layered glass, and it is anti-glare, which makes the device eye-friendly, and you will get the most delicate possible color. This model also features a 90-degree viewing angle, which will make monitoring the printing with OctoPrint more convenient for you.
eMeet C960 is equipped with low-light correction technology, and this feature can come in very handy while working with Octoprint in a low light environment. This implies that you don't really require brilliant lights for a good video experience. It also features a color and exposure booster to enhance video quality at low light conditions.
Along with top-notch video quality, it comes with two mics with a noise reduction feature for broad usage. It will pick up every single sound without any disturbance. It is compatible with all devices and applications so that you can use this device for any other video streaming purpose.
If you need a webcam for OctoPrint to observe 3D printing remotely, then this product might be ideal for you. This incredible offering by Larmtek offers Full HD video streaming throughout the day.
The webcam features a viewing angle of 75 degrees, so you don't have to worry about missing out on something. With its broad vision, you can monitor the 3D printing of large objects as well. And the noteworthy part is, you can attach this product anywhere according to your needs.
This camera is able to capture 1080p full HD videos at 30 frames per second and features recently launched high-quality chips, perfect to record every single progress of the printing. It not only captures videos in bright light, but the product also ensures quality video streaming on low light settings as it is equipped with DRC Digital Wide Dynamic function.
Along with superior quality video streaming, it also ensures top-notch audio. Featuring dual two noise-reducing analog microphones, this unit offers natural sound recording and high-quality stereo audio.
It also features a privacy shutter, so when you are done working with it, you can close the cover to prevent the lens from getting damaged and stop hackers from spying.
This product is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems and Android TV as well. With its heavy-duty functionalities, other than working with OctoPrint, you can use it for meetings, recording, and streaming.
Vcloo is one of our top picks because of the portable body and top-notch functionalities that it offers. The item is relatively easy to connect; anyone can set it up without any trouble.
You need this webcam for OctoPrint, right? With this unit, you will have adequate video recording and streaming experience. Its lens is equipped with 6-layer glass and can produce up to five million pixels.
It features functions like automatic exposure and picture stabilization to capture top-quality videos of your 3D printing. Using this item, you will have the most satisfactory and clear picture quality.
This cam captures clips at 1080p at a 30-fps rate to provide crisp and clear video. Even the pictures of the most sophisticated 3D printed item will look clear and balanced with this device.
Using this webcam, you will face no optical distortion as it comes with 90 degrees viewing angle. It's perfect for monitoring a wide area without any hassle. You can also adjust the head of the camera by rotating it 360 degrees.
We need webcams for OctoPrint to monitor 3D printing anywhere, so we often have to carry it to different places along with the printer. The unit is specially designed with a foldable head to provide maximum portability.
High-definition video, stability, and durability are the primary concerns of Logitech C270. The webcam is specially built to capture 720p videos with maximum stability, which can be extremely beneficial while recording the progress of 3D printing.
You can observe and capture the moments printing using the webcams 3 MP camera with the help of OctoPrint. There will be no lag on video streaming, and you'll get real-time video coverage as it has an upload speed of 1 Mbps. And it also features auto light correction to provide quality video in any lighting environment.
It can be connected with a 2.4 GHz Intel Core2 Duo, 200 MB hard drive space, and 2 Gb RAM to run independently. These special functions are unique for a cam, and it will enhance your printings' monitoring experience.
Not only for OctoPrint, but you can also use it for conference calls and recordings. The product comes with a built-in microphone, which reduces the background noise to provide superior audio quality.
This product is one of the most cost-effective and easy to install webcams in the market. You need to just attach it anywhere and plug it in into your device using a USB 2.0 port, and it will be good to go.
The Logitech C920 is unique and spectacular, featuring 1080p video recording with razor-sharp autofocus to capture every moment of your 3D prints. Being a heavy-duty webcam, this product can help you monitor the long-lasting process of 3D printing.
This webcam for OctoPrint is designed to live stream the printing to an audience without any lag. It can stream a 1080p or 720p video at a 30 fps rate. The device can also capture audio during the live stream as it features two noise-reducing microphones on both sides.
You can connect the cam with any of your devices since it comes with universal compatibility. Just connect it with your devices using the USB port, and it will be ready to capture videos. And you don't have to worry about attaching the webcam; its clip fits all monitors, laptops, and tripods.
The product will last you for an extended period of time since it comes with a five-layered glass lens to consistently provide high-definition video. This stunning lens offers a 78-degree viewing angle. With this unit, you can monitor the progress at any light setting as it comes with a light correction feature.
Usually, on 3D printers, objects constantly move, and focusing on the object can be difficult for bare webcams. This product is equipped with autofocus technology to provide the finest video quality possible to overcome this problem.
Highlighted features
The purpose of the webcam is to keep reports on your printing; the video quality should be your priority while choosing one. You need yours to have brilliant optics to get the most satisfactory monitoring experience of 3D prints.
It would be perfect to look for a camera with a full HD video quality that takes shots at a high frame rate per second. That will guarantee fresh and clear image quality in any lighting environment.
A webcams lens is a significant factor since it determines the picture quality to observe and capture the prints. The quality of the lens will determine how far you can place the camera from your printer.
The best camera for OctoPrint comes with layered glasses that will protect the lens from any damage and feature light correction technology. If you need to protect your camera from any flying objects for long time usage, you should go for a camera with at least four-layered glass.
Another prime factor to look for before purchasing a camera is its high viewing angle. The viewing angle will determine how wide you can watch the 3D prints' progress.
As you need a webcam to monitor and live stream your printing progress, the better the viewing angle, the better your experience will be.
Something different that is critical to observe before purchasing your OctoPrint webcam is the base. Each camera model has an alternate base, just as a particular surface that it can be attached.
Ensure whatever webcam you purchase accommodates your arrangement. To fit the unit in your work station, you need a level and stable base, yet if you need to take advantage of the side of a work area, you need a unit with a clip.
Autofocus is a must-have feature of a webcam for OctoPrint. The 3D prints don't remain constant, so having proper focus is necessary to get a top-quality picture.
If you need to monitor the 3D prints remotely, we suggest you go for a camera with autofocus. It will help you get rid of the hassle of focusing again and again.
There are numerous extraordinary webcams available. In any case, not every one of them works with OctoPrint. You would prefer not to dish out cash on what you believe is an extraordinary model just to discover you can't utilize it.
Most USB cameras work with OctoPrint, yet not every one of them. So before purchasing, check if the camera is compatible with almost all software.
The easiest way to connect your camera to OctoPrint is through a USB cable. The printer will detect a camera plugged in and be able to capture the images automatically.
Alternatively, you can connect an SD card or USB thumb drive with photos on it to the printer and have it print those files automatically as they are detected.
Another option is to use a webcam that plugs into your computer like you would any other USB device, and then set up OctoPrint so that it detects the webcam in lieu of a connected camera.
Setup your camera and turn it on. You should be able to view what is in the camera's memory on your computer screen.
Find and download the latest version of OctoPrint at here. This will likely take some time, but don't worry - you'll see how versatile this software is while it installs.
Once OctoPrinthas finished installing, open the app and select Camera 1 from the list of available devices shown underneath Add Printer below the printer details.
Once selected, click Connect and you're almost done!
Underneath the inputs table, you'll see a set of editable fields. Fill in the first (Printer Name) with whatever you want this camera to be called. For example, I have named mine "Kitchen Camera 1".
There are several options under Settings -> Webcam Settings that need your attention in order for everything to work properly. Under Stream Options., change Maximum Video Bitrate from 60 to 50000 (as shown below). You can also change Appearance, which will determine how your video appears on screen. I use 24 FPS.
Under Upload settings., change the Video Format to Mjpeg (as shown below).
Under File Types, adjust the settings as necessary. I have selected these settings (although I have no idea what they do):
MJPEG, 1440x720, 60fps, DXVA2
Underneath File Management, look for MP4s and select it.
Once this is done, find your video file(s) on your computer's hard-drive and copy & paste them into your device's files folder. Name your files something that will be easily recognizable later on. Mine were named "kitchencam1.mp4" and "kitchencam1_360p.mp4".
Open OctoPrint again (if you closed it) and run a test. If all is well, click on Print... to start your prints!
OctoPrint is a web-based 3D printing application that allows you to control Raspberry Pi+3D Printer. OctoPrint is supplied as a Virtual Appliance that can be deployed on a compatible IaaS (e.g., Amazon EC2, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure).
The answer to this question depends on your specific requirements. For example, if your webcam does not support MJPEG video encoding you will need to purchase hardware which does. Furthermore, some physical USB cameras may be incompatible with USB passthrough and in these cases an appropriate plugin will need to be selected during the installation process.
Adding a webcam to OctoPrint is similar to adding a webcam to any other device. First, connect the webcam to any of the USB ports on the OctoPrint. Open the settings panel of the printer and select the "Octoprint interface options." Finally, enable the webcam and save it from activating it.
With the Raspberry Pi camera module, you can take pictures and videos on the Raspberry Pi using a regular USB webcam. The Raspberry Pi 3 or 3+ will be the finest options to run the OctoPrint. These are better than other versions of Raspberry since they face heavy wireless connection interference, which can affect the quality of your 3D printouts.
To connect the USB camera to the Raspberry Pi, first, you will have to plug the camera into a USB port from the four ports available on the Pi. Then, connect one end of the LAN cable to the Raspberry Pi and interface the other end of the cable to your router. At that point, power up the Raspberry Pi.
Yes, you will be able to access the OctoPrint remotely to check the progress of your 3D printing. One of the ideal ways to access it remotely is by using a Virtual Private Network, which is also known as a VPN. Few routers even come with a VPN server built into them.
You can find all the official OctoPrint plugins in plugins.octoprint.org and choose the plugin you are interested in. Then, install one of your choices and activate it for your OctoPrint and enjoy its functionality for 3D printing.
For streaming and monitoring the progress of 3D prints through OctoPrint, superior video quality is necessary. So, we have reviewed numerous webcams to help you find the best webcam for OctoPrint.
The cameras will help you monitor the long printing process in any light settings. They also offer stunning features like autofocus and noise-reducing microphones to provide you a smooth monitoring experience.
Depending on your needs and preferences, you can choose any of the cameras from our top picks and keep an eye on the printing without any hindrance.
Logitech Hd Webcam C270, 720p Widescreen Video Calling & Recording (960-000694), 3.15 Lb - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 for Business with built-in noise cancelling Microphone, Light - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
Logitech C920 Hd Pro Webcam (Black) Black - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
LEED Webcam 1080P, GUCEE HD92 Web Camera for Skype with Built-in Microphone 1920 X 1080P - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
Webcam Web Cam Razer Kiyo Autofocus Ring Light Computer Online Streaming Webcam w/Mic - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
Mevo Plus - The Live Event Camera, Stream in Full HD 1080p or Record in 4K, Compatible - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
Microsoft LifeCam Studio for Business with built-in noise cancelling Microphone, - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
Logitech C930e 1080P HD Video Webcam - 90-Degree Extended View, Microsoft Lync 2013 and - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
1080P Webcam with Microphone, eMeet C960 Web Camera, 2 Mics Streaming Webcam with Privacy - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay
1. eMeet C960 Full HD Webcam - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
2. Larmtek 1080p Full Hd Webcam - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
3. Vcloo HD Webcam - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay
4. Logitech C270 HD Webcam - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
5. Logitech C920 HD Pro Webcam - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
6. Mimoday Webcam with Microphone - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
7. Cimkiz Webcam with Microphone Manual Focus - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
8. ELP 5-50mm Varifocal Lens 1080P USB Camera - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay
9. Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay
10. Yidarton Webcam Camera 1080P Hd - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay
About Remington May
Remington May is a digital product blogger who loves to write about the latest and greatest in the tech world. She's always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to make her life easier, and she loves to share her findings with her readers. When she's not blogging or spending time with her family, Remington enjoys hiking and exploring new places.
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