USB video
Use USB webcams and capture cards for video streaming.
USB cameras and capture cards are a simple, low-cost way to stream video.
USB webcams
Advantages
- ✓ Easy plug-and-play setup
- ✓ Affordable
- ✓ Compact
- ✓ No extra software required
Limitations
- ✗ Cable length is limited (max ~5m without amplifier)
- ✗ Often fixed focus
- ✗ Image quality usually below pro cameras
Recommended webcams
| Webcam | Resolution | Note | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logitech C920 | 1080p30 | Classic, reliable | ~€80 |
| Logitech C922 | 1080p30 | Tripod, better mic | ~€100 |
| Logitech Brio | 4K30 | Best Logitech | ~€180 |
| Elgato Facecam | 1080p60 | For streamers | ~€170 |
| Sony ZV-E10 + USB | 4K | When used as webcam | ~€800 |
Set up a webcam
Connect
- Plug the USB cable into the PC
- Drivers install automatically
Position
- Mount securely (tripod recommended)
- Aim at the imam
- Mind the lighting
USB capture cards
Capture cards let you ingest HDMI signals over USB.
When to use a capture card?
- You already have a good HDMI camera
- The camera has no USB output
- You need longer cable runs (HDMI + USB)
Recommended capture cards
| Capture card | Input | Resolution | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elgato Cam Link 4K | HDMI | 4K30 / 1080p60 | ~€130 |
| AVerMedia Live Gamer Mini | HDMI | 1080p60 | ~€100 |
| Magewell USB Capture HDMI | HDMI | 1080p60 | ~€300 |
| Blackmagic Decklink Mini | HDMI/SDI | 1080p60 | ~€180 |
Set up a capture card
Connect the HDMI camera
- HDMI cable from camera to capture card
- Capture card to PC via USB
Configure the camera
- Enable "clean HDMI" output (no menu overlays)
- Set resolution to 1080p
USB extension
USB 2.0 vs USB 3.0
| USB version | Max length | For webcams |
|---|---|---|
| USB 2.0 | 5m | Yes (1080p30) |
| USB 3.0 | 3m | Yes (1080p60, 4K) |
Active USB extension
For longer runs:
Active USB cables
- Built-in amplifier
- Up to ~10–15m possible
- One amplifier per cable
USB over Ethernet
- Send USB over network cable
- Up to ~50m possible
- Devices from ATEN, StarTech
Recommended products
| Product | Type | Length | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| UGREEN USB 3.0 Active | Active cable | 10m | ~€25 |
| StarTech USB3AAEXT5M | Active cable | 5m | ~€30 |
| ATEN UCE3250 | USB over Cat5 | 50m | ~€150 |
Use a phone as a webcam
Smartphone as webcam
Apps turn your phone into a webcam:
| App | Platform | Connection | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| DroidCam | Android/iOS | USB/Wi‑Fi | Free / Pro ~€5 |
| Camo | iOS/Android | USB | Free / Pro |
| Iriun | Android/iOS | USB/Wi‑Fi | Free |
Set up DroidCam
Install the app
Install on the smartphone.
Install the client
Install the desktop client.
Connect
Connect via USB (more stable) or Wi‑Fi.
Use
Available in OBS as "DroidCam".
Advantages
- Uses a device you already have
- Good camera quality (on newer phones)
- Flexible placement
Disadvantages
- Battery drain
- Phone can’t be used for other tasks
- Stability varies
Optimize camera settings
Exposure
- Auto: For changing light
- Manual: For steady exposure
White balance
- Auto: For mixed lighting
- Manual: For natural colors (around 3200K for tungsten light)
Focus
- Auto focus: For movement
- Manual: For fixed positions (more stable)