You can’t pick up the phone and use it while it’s acting as a camera. Using an iPad or tablet might be easier because there’s often a cover which doubles as a stand. That gives you a lot more options to mix/match equipment later, which is what we managed to do.Ī few carefully positioned books etc might be enough as a makeshift stand. Tip: if possible get a tripod and bracket with the ¼” screw connector. We used the bracket from a selfie stick screwed into a tiny tripod with a standard camera ¼” thread. A small tripod with smartphone bracket is ideal. Ideally you have a stand to position the smartphone and camera. All you need do is keep the device ventilated all around and not up against a solid surface.

The device may also get hot but not dangerously so (it’s similar when tethering/personal hotspot). It’s best to plug the smartphone into external power. Running the camera and a wifi video/audio stream is a big power drain on the device. There are a few minor ‘cons’ or at least things worth keeping in mind. The apps can let you use the smartphone as a remote monitor for another room or location. Check compatibility of the app and the phone OS. There might be issues with older phones which don’t have more recent versions of the operating system (iOS or Android) that the apps need. Use an old phoneĭig out that old smartphone and use it as the webcam. Higher resolution, better focusing and lighting adjustment. Modern smartphones have better cameras than many separate webcams. It’s heaps cheaper than buying a webcam and can be setup quickly, without even leaving home. For demonstrations point the phone camera so people can see what you’re doing. Maybe point the camera out the window so other people see your view (assuming it’s nice) while you talk. There are a lot more options for positioning the camera compared to the fixed webcams in most laptops. Put the smartphone anywhere or even carry it around. The connection is usually wireless so there’s more flexibility.

Use that instead, there are many advantages. Your smartphone already has two good cameras (at least) and a microphone too.

All the good models are sold out or available at top price. All you need is the right app.Īt the moment, it’s hard to even get a webcam. Need a webcam for online calls and meeting? No need to buy one because your iPhone, iPad or Android phone can double as a webcam.

For iphone instal Dig Out!