Webcam: check, record video and photos
In addition to the method of recording video from a webcam, I will tell you how to check its operation. After all, you will not be able to record or photograph anything if the camera does not work correctly.
Checking the work of the webcam
First things first Make sure your device is connected to your computer. Then you need to make sure that it was correctly detected by the computer: right-click on the Computer icon (it is also in the Start menu in Vista and 7, and on the Desktop in XP). Computer management. Then select the line Device Manager, see the section Image processing devices (you need to expand it by clicking on the triangle on the left). There will be something with the word WebCam or even without it:
If there is no such section, but there are “Unknown Devices”, then you have NOT installed the drivers for the webcam. They are included on the disk that comes with the webcam.
If there is no disc, you can search for the driver on the webcam manufacturer’s website. Go to Google and enter the name of the manufacturer, which will be drawn on the webcam: usually it is Genius, Logitech, Microsoft, Creolz, but it may be different. The first line in Google search results will most likely be your manufacturer’s site. There already look for the section “Drivers”, “Downloads”, “Downloads”, “Support”.
You can, of course, immediately enter the word “driver” and the name of the webcam in a Google or Yandex search, but there is a risk of getting a virus, so it is better to download drivers from the official website of the webcam manufacturer.
The laptop webcam driver can be found on the laptop manufacturer’s page, I told about this in the “About drivers for laptops and tablets” section of the article about installing Windows.
There is also another way to search for a driver, which helps when searching for a driver for a webcam from an unknown manufacturer.
MyCam program. check, take pictures, record
I was looking for this program for a long time. I did not believe that you need to use paid programs like Cyberlink YouCam, WebCam Max, etc. to record video and take pictures from a webcam. Finally, after five hours of searching and choosing among many programs, I found it!
The program is very simple. What she can do:
- Display webcam picture
- Take pictures with webcam
- Record video on webcam
- Plus it is free and there is an unofficial version in Russian
There is nothing else in the program. Let’s leave hundreds of necessary (and unnecessary) functions to paid monsters.
The official website of the program is here. Checklist with the English version of the program can be from here.
The program looks very simple: there are only two fundamental buttons. I highlighted them in red:
Yes, my webcam shoots awful.
The program is good for everyone. She knows how to choose between several webcams simultaneously connected to the computer. Can immediately, after launch, take pictures with a WEB-camera and make video. No need to spend any nerves. everything configured as it should, by the authors of the program. I started it. and use.
The only thing: when recording a video, the program uses the MJPEG codec and you cannot change this setting, so the video recording is quite large in file size. To compress the resulting video, you need a video converter.
Non-standard advice: if you have a regular camcorder, you can use this program to find out. does it work as a webcam. To do this, connect it to your computer (most likely due to a USB or FireWire connector), then start MyCam, click Settings. Webcam (in English Device) and see the list:
If your camcorder is there and when you select the MyCam program will display a picture from it, congratulations. your camcorder can work as a webcam!
If you need to check the functionality of a regular webcam, the steps are similar. You may not have to look into the settings. if there is only one webcam, you will see the image from it immediately. Microphone can be checked, recorded video. If for some reason there is no sound, there are two options: either the webcam has a built-in microphone, or you have incorrectly configured the microphone. I talked about setting up the microphone here. Also, don’t forget to select your microphone on the “Audio” tab in MyCam.
If MyCam doesn’t take photos or record videos
This happens sometimes. Thanks to the readers who reported the problem.
It turned out that the matter is in the program settings. Usually, MyCam saves photos and recorded videos from the webcam to Pictures and Videos of the user’s documents, but sometimes the files may be saved in a non-writable folder.
To fix this glitch, go to Options. and look at the folders on the tabs Photos (Image) and Video recording:
The solution is simple: press the button with the folder icon and select any folder convenient for you. You can specify the same folder for both types of recordings.
I told you about how to view a webcam in Device Manager. Perhaps these tips seem obvious, but sometimes we forget about the simplest. I also made a small review about the free MyCam program for recording video from a webcam, unique in its simplicity and functions. Of course, the webcam can also be checked in programs like Skype, ICQ, but they are not suitable for video recording. On the disks that are put in the box with the webcam, you can find specialized programs, but they are not always convenient.
The MyCam program I found on the Internet. almost perfect solution. Convenient and simple. what else is needed for happiness?
I recommend PotPlayer to view recorded videos.
I remind you: links to download the program are here.
How to check WEB-camera and microphone online in Windows 7 10 August
Hello. If at one point your “webcam” stopped working in one of the applications (Skype, Viber, etc.), then you may need to check the WEB-camera and microphone online in Windows 7-10. It’s good that there are some great services that will help with this.
How to check equipment for sound and video?
In most cases, the problem occurs because the software conflicts with the connected hardware. This may be due to a malfunction of the drivers, the need to update the application, or the failure of the device.
In order not to run around neighbors and acquaintances in order to check your camera or microphone, you can simply open a browser and use the free services of one of the following resources.
In fact, there are a lot of similar sites, but I chose the simplest and most effective, with which I personally came across and am confident in their performance.
Webcammictest
Previously, this tool was exclusively in English, which caused discomfort for many users. But now the Russian-language interface is available. here’s the link.
It is enough to go to the main page and click on the corresponding button. Please note that to test the microphone, you need to name it by the link below:
If the service asks for GRANT access to your equipment, then you should definitely give permission, otherwise the procedure will not be crowned with success:
After a few seconds, the webcam image should be displayed on a black screen. This indicates the health of the equipment.
To determine the performance of the microphone, go here. Now you have to say a few words and look at the graph. does it change? If yes, then the voice recorder is OK.
Webcamtest. Checking WEB-cameras online for free
The principle of operation of the resource is similar to the previous solution, but the interface is slightly different. After loading the window, you will see two buttons. “Video.” and “Audio signal”.
They, once and for all, are intended for the manipulations we need. And under them there is a brief troubleshooting guide on your part, which may lead to incorrect display of results.
Suddenly, nothing is displayed on the screen, then you should call the right mouse button in the active area and go to “Parameters”, and then go to the “Camera” (or “Microphone”) tab and select your equipment from the list:
When you do all of the above, you will see your display on the monitor. If not. check if the webcam is connected correctly.
As you can see, this is a very simple way to check the operation of a WEB-camera online. Spend just a few minutes instead of running around neighbors and acquaintances and connecting to their computer.
Toolster
Another resource with a simple design and sufficient functionality. The case is placed on the vertical scale of the microphone sensitivity, from the bottom. information about the equipment as well in the main area. video signal is broadcast.
Be sure to update the Flash player (the second time did not do it earlier) and allowing the service to get access to devices.
If everything is in order, you will see a characteristic inscription at the bottom of the window. with the green word “Fine” (good).
Useful content:
Online Mic Test
You can check if the webcam is working online by following the link. And the microphone. here. The essence is almost identical (as in the previously described tools). The only difference. at the first step, Adobe Flash is not checked, but the result is shown immediately.
Frankly speaking, I see no reason to go through several services, because they are all similar. I personally prefer WebcamMicTest. It is in Russian, with a pleasant design and a minimal amount of distracting advertising. But the choice is yours!
Checking the operation of the WEB-camera and microphone in the network is completely free and takes a minimum of time. Whichever option you choose. get the same results. If you do not see the picture, then the problem lies in the hardware itself. I recommend updating your drivers using the IObit Driver Booster utility or using the built-in system capabilities.
How to check webcam in Windows 10? How to check a WEB camera on Windows 10?
Open the Camera apps in Windows 10. To open your webcam or camera, click the Start button and select the Camera app in the list of apps.
How to know if the WEB-camera is working?
To check the web-camera, just go to the “Settings” of the program through the “Tools”, go to the “General” tab, where the user will have access to the settings for sound and video. When users open the “Video Settings” tab, if the device is stable, they will see the image from the camera.
How to disable the camera in Windows 10?
How to disable the webcam
- Right click on the Start button.
- Select “Device Manager”.
- Expand the “Imaging Devices” section.
- Right-click on the entry “Built-in camera” (the name may differ on different devices).
- Select Disable.
- Select Yes in the confirmation window.
How to set up a default webcam?
Select the first option and click View Devices and Printers under Hardware and Sound. Make sure the webcam is on it. If so, Right-click your webcam and select Set this device as default device. Check if the problem is resolved.
How to find out if the webcam has a microphone?
You can test your microphone. Press start, then go to the Control Panel, select the Sounds and Audio Devices tab and go to the Speech tab. Make sure that you have selected the microphone from the Webcam as the default recording device.
How to enable the built-in camera on a laptop?
Refer to Device Manager
- Go to the “Control Panel”;
- Select “Device Manager”;
- At the very bottom, find and click on “Imaging Devices”. The name of the camera should be displayed if it is connected.
How to find out which program is using the camera?
Now let’s look at how to find out which application is controlling the camera.
- Click Process Explorer on the taskbar.
- Click the main menu item “Find”.
- Select the “Find Handle or DLL.” (.
- Right click in the “Handle or DLL substring” box.
- Click “Insert”.
- Click the “Search” button.
How to turn off the microphone on a WEB-camera?
How to disable the built-in microphone?
- Go to the notification panel and right-click on the “Volume” icon. A menu appears and we select the item “Recorders”.
- If the microphone icon is visible in front of you, then click on it with the right mouse button and select the item “Disable”.
- Click “OK” to save the changes.
How to allow camera access in Windows 10?
Turn on app permissions to camera and microphone in Windows 10
- Click the Start button, select Settings Privacy Camera.
- Then allow apps to access the camera.
- If apps are allowed to access the camera, you can change these settings for each app.
How to turn off the camera in Skype on Android?
During a video call, open the Skype Actions menu. The main controls relevant to calls are displayed. There are five buttons below. Tap the camera icon to turn off the video.
How to enable built-in WEB camera on MSI laptop?
In order to enable the built-in camera on an MSI laptop, you need to do the following:
- Press the key combination Fn F6. Windows will then start detecting new hardware.
- Wait for the download and installation of drivers to complete.
- Check the camera (for example, in Skype).
How to open access to the camera?
How to set up camera access and microphone for a website
- Launch Chrome Browser.
- In the upper right corner of the screen, click on the “Settings” menu icon.
- At the bottom, select Advanced.
- In the Privacy & Security section, click Content Settings.
- Select Camera or Microphone.
How to check your webcam: online services and utilities for PC
Checking the functionality of the webcam may be required when you have purchased a new device, or when you DO NOT know if it is currently turned on.
This can be done online or using programs for working with such equipment on your PC.
In this article, we will look at how to check the webcam in different ways.
Online services
Does the built-in webcam work on your laptop?
The answer to this question can be obtained using a variety of online services that assess the performance of equipment connected to a computer or built into it.
The advantages of this approach are simplicity, relatively fast.
You don’t need to run any programs. just go to the Relevant Site.
Such services have a minimum of buttons, and it is very easy to understand their use. Among the negative features, one can single out only the need to allow the service to access equipment. many users choose not to do this due to privacy concerns.
Webcammictest
A significant advantage of this service is that, in addition to checking the webcam itself, it also allows you to check the second connected equipment, in particular, the microphone.
To use it Do the following:
- Follow the link https://webcammictest.com/ru/;
- On the start page, which is opened by the link, there is a large green button “Check camera”. click on it;
- The site will ask you for permission to access your computer hardware. give it;
- After that, the image from the camera will appear on the same picture, if it is connected and working properly;
- If it doesn’t work, then the picture will not appear. sometimes the reason for this can even be indicated, such as a malfunction or lack of a camera;
- If you scroll down the page, you can find a list of possible problems that can lead to unsatisfactory test results;
- After that, the image from the camera will appear on the same picture, if it is connected and working properly;
- If it doesn’t work, then the picture will not appear. sometimes the reason for this can even be indicated, such as a malfunction or lack of a camera;
- If you scroll down the page, you can find a list of possible problems that can lead to unsatisfactory test results;
If you also need to check the microphone, then on the start page, in addition to the button “Check the camera”, there is a little noticeable line right below it. “Check microphone“;
The site has two significant advantages. The first is its convenient and minimalistic functionality, which allows the site to load quickly, and thanks to which it is easy to manage. The second big plus. the ability to quickly and easily check all equipment in one service.
Webcamtest
This service is also quite simple and functional, easy to load and almost always available.
You can also check here both the webcam and the microphone.
To do this, do the following:
- Follow the link https://webcamtest.ru/;
- In the center of the gray screen, you will see a small window asking for permission to access the installed equipment. click the left button “Allow” in it;
In some cases, additional permissions may invite Not only the site, but also
- In some cases, additional permissions may be invited not only by the site, but also by the browser. give it too;
- If the camera is connected and properly, an image from it will appear in place of the gray screen;
- By default, the service is configured to check the video signal, but if you need to check the audio signal, then at the bottom of the gray field, find the Corresponding buttons and switch between formats;
- Here you will also need to give permission to connect to the equipment in a separate window, and then. another browser permission to access the microphone (if it requires it)
- A line with a certain oscillation amplitude will appear in place of the camera image, as in the case of the previous service;
- If the microphone is good, the line will wobble on any sound, if it is faulty. stay still.
The service is quite functional and convenient, it’s easy to figure out how to use it.
It works well with any type of hardware, both embedded and connected.
Its only drawback can be considered the principle of operation based on the Flash-player, because of which it is necessary to give additional permission, and besides, the Flash-player is losing popularity and may be absent from some users.
Important! If the check fails, this may mean that you need to additionally enable the Flash player.
Toolster
This site has a slightly more complex management interface, as it is equipped with various functionality.
It helps to check the health of not only the webcam, but also the second computer hardware.
It is convenient to use for mass diagnostics of equipment condition.
In order to check the webcam using this service, do the following:
- Go to the service website at the link https://toolster.Net/test_webcam;
- It is similar to the previous service. is designed in a similar way and also works on the Flash player;
- For this reason, in a small window, first give the player permission to access the hardware;
- After that, allow such access and browser;
- Instead of a gray rectangle, an image from your webcam will appear if it works properly;
- For this reason, in a small window, first give the player permission to access the hardware;
- After that, allow such access and the browser;
- Instead of a gray rectangle, an image from your webcam will appear if it works properly;
- The point from him is the sound scale. if the microphone works, then the level of its filling in green will change during a conversation or other sound.
A significant advantage of this service is that it allows you to check both the microphone and the camera at the same time. And this applies not only to built-in, but also to connected equipment.
Online Mic Test
The site is quite convenient and works entirely in Russian.
When you go to the main page, you will see instructions for working with it and a black screen on the side of the case.
To use the testing service Do the following:
- Follow the link https://www.Onlinemictest.com/webcam-test/;
- As soon as you go to the start page of the site. the browser will ask you for permission to access the computer hardware. give it;
- An image from your webcam will immediately appear on the screen, if it is working properly;
- There will be a constantly changing number in the upper right corner of the screen with the camera image. it’s FPS.
Of the minuses of this service, it can be noted that on this page you can only check the camera (video signal). Although on this site you can also check the audio signal, but for this you need to go to another, separate, service.
Any of THESE services will automatically turn on your camera.
When you close the site, in most cases, it automatically turns off, but it’s better to check it.
A sign that the camera is turned on on most devices is a red or green indicator light, blinking or evenly glowing on the side of the lens.
Of the minuses of this service, it can be noted that on this page you can only check the camera (video signal). Although on this site you can also check the audio signal, but for this you need to go to another, separate, service.
Any of THESE services will automatically turn on your camera.
When you close the site, in most cases, it automatically turns off, but it’s better to check it.
A sign that the camera is turned on on most devices is a red or green indicator light, blinking or evenly glowing on the side of the lens.
Checking on computer resources
It is possible to check the performance of the equipment not only with the involvement of external online services.
You can also do this and use your own computer resources and capabilities to check and configure the connected devices.
To do this, do the following:
- Go to the Start menu by clicking the button in the lower left corner of the screen;
- Go to the Hardware and Sound section;
- Click on the Dispatcher section;
- Find the item Imaging Devices in the list;
- Select your camera in the list and right-click on it;
- In the drop-down list, click on Enable (if the Enable comments item means the camera is already on);
- Go to Camera Properties in the same way;
- If everything is working properly, a picture from the video camera should appear.
The use of video communication programs is also a universal way of checking. Skype or agent, for example. They automatically turn on the webcam when starting a communication session. If it works, it should start immediately, if the camera does not turn on. means there is a problem.
Read also:
Why the camera may NOT work?
If the image did NOT appear on the test screen during the check, then you should try using other services, since there is a possibility that any particular one conflicts with this particular type of equipment.
But if after repeated checks the camera does not work, then most likely it is faulty.
This can happen for several reasons:
- There are no suitable drivers, which is more typical for plug-in cameras than for built-in ones;
- The device was disconnected through Device Manager or was not properly connected during installation;
- Damage to the camera device;
- Damaged wire (with an external device connected)
- The USB port does not work, through which connection is going (with an external device)
- The computer is prohibited from accessing the browser or any third-party applications to the camera.
Obviously, there can be several ways to troubleshoot auto products, depending on their cause. The simplest of them. enabling the device through the Device Manager or any program for working with the camera, it is a little more difficult to find and install the appropriate drivers. If the equipment itself is damaged for one reason or another, the only way is to replace the camera itself.