Streaming Webcam Setup

[ericjkelly]

Hey friends!

Moving to a webcam for streaming (and another video copy), giving up on my old MiniDV cam with firewire.

My question is the setup. What webcam do you use, how do you mount it so that it can pivot and move? I dont want something duck taped etc.


Whats the best setup?

 

[Mike Moore]

I still use an old MiniDV cam as my primary camera because of the optical zoom. Webcams general lack in that arena.

Beyond that I use Microsoft Lifecam 5000s on my roof in a little dome, and in car facing rear. I've used the 5000 forward facing before when my MiniDV was down - works like a champ. The roofcam is mounted to a servo arm so I can pan from inside the car. The rear facing is fixed. If you're looking to pan/tilt by hand just be sure of the webcam mount - some only pan and don't tilt. The one pain is you have to go in with the Microsoft software and disable autofocus. I'm amazed how many chasers skip this step and stream perfectly focused windshield rain drops.

As far as mounting I use velco so I can move them around pretty easily. They're so light I don't find a need for anything more than velcro. Depends on your vehicle setup.

 

[TJ Whitt]

Hey friends!

Moving to a webcam for streaming (and another video copy), giving up on my old MiniDV cam with firewire.

My question is the setup. What webcam do you use, how do you mount it so that it can pivot and move? I dont want something duck taped etc.


Whats the best setup?

Microsoft Lifecam Studio webcam with a homebrew mount made from a GPS suction cup mount and radio bracket.

 

[James Hilger]

I use a go pro mount for mine. Swivels to any direction.

 

[Shane Adams]

Microsoft Lifecam is the best picture out there IMO. Even if it's duct-taped.

 

[Matt Tottle]

Haven't gotten to play with it yet, but I got a Logitech HD something or other ($35 at Walmart, I forget which one it was, but its 720p), took it apart, and installed it in my rear-view mirror..

 

[Ryan Crouse]

I use the Logitech HD C270 Webcam and mount it on the ARKON CMP212 Friction Dash Mount.
I flip the plastic mount the other direction and for the webcam - I bought a 1/4 thread bolt and Hot Glue Gunned it to the bottom of the webcam so I can just screw it on

It's nice as when i'm out Storm Hunting (when I got a driver with me), I can just aim it wherever the storm is and the head of the webcam can swivel up or down.

I actually have 2 of the Arkon Dash Mounts - the other one is for the Camcorder, and I set them side-by-side.

 

[JeffGonzales]

I would have to second what Shane said. While i still mainly use a miniDV camcorder to firewire as my main stream, because of zoom, but I also have a Microsoft Lifecam Studio web cam for a 2nd shot when I need it. Its 1080p, wide angle, and has a nice nut to mount it. I use a Midland Ram Suction window mount to mount it and works great when i need to use it. easy to put in infinity focus too

 

[ngjere]

Here's what I did. A little additional money up front but its Bulletproof.

Stick and go.

http://www.chasingmayhem.com/p/equipment.html

 

[Ryan Crouse]

Ngjere - that's a cool laptop mount - what type is it, if you don't mind me asking?

 

[Tim Carley]

Logitech 920. its 1080 wide and I can reach it while driving to turn it. With it close to the windshield I get almost 200 degrees. The cheesy dashboard cover is there for a purpose. It knocks down 90% of the glare!

 

[ngjere]

Ngjere - that's a cool laptop mount - what type is it, if you don't mind me asking?

It's made by a company out of Minneapolis called Bracketron. About half the price of a RAM mount.
I've had very good experience with their products.

http://www.bracketron.com/products/universal-vehicle-laptop-mount#.UufPZxDnY1I