Today I’m going to talk about the software I use to control my webcam. Yes, there is software, hardware and other things behind a webcam, this blog post will not cover those. My posts will always be simple and straight forward. Hopefully, after reading it you will know if you need the same level of software as me and how to get started or what kind to choose.
Have you ever wondered how people can have a live video feed of a web camera online? The software needed to do this is not very hard to find or install, especially if you have a Webcam. More and more people are using their desktop computers to have live video feeds from cameras placed all over the world. These cameras could be from baby monitors, security cameras, or just a plain old web camera that gets mounted up in the corner of a room.
I never knew people would actually be interested in the computer I use to make webcam shows, but apparently a lot of you guys are. Well I’m going to tell you all about it, and what software I use to run the whole shebang.
I was on the hunt for an app that only did one thing. The one thing no other app I’ve come across does. It is to turn your webcam into a security cam or baby monitor.
1. Logitech Capture
The multiple source recording feature and direct streaming app are the key strengths of this software. According to its mission statement- All-In-One Content Creation- you can use this software to record, edit, customize, and stream to your favorite channel.
Operating systems: Windows 10/8/7
Price: Free
Supported webcams: 1080P PRO STREAM, BRIO STREAM, C920s HD PRO, C922 PRO STREAM
Logitech Capture is among the few free webcam recording software for Windows 10 with studio controls applicable during recording. You can use this feature to adjust your image, create frames, adjust focus and transitions, and enable ChromaKey as you record.
In case you want to create a picture-in-picture presentation, this software allows you to use two webcams simultaneously. With the source switching and the auto-focus features, you can record the best tutorials or guides that show all dimensions and your image.
Pros
- Rich in transitions and effects
- Portrait optimization for mobile devices
- Its Capture app offers direct streaming to YouTube
- You can take passports or still images
Cons
- Limited to YouTube channel
- Account registration is mandatory
2. CYBERLINK YOUCAM
If you are used to video chatting and video recording, then, you’ll have 200+ fun effects to make your real-time videos as interesting as possible. In fact, the seamless app integration feature will keep your live streaming chats without buffering for long.
Operating systems: Windows 10/8/1.8/7
Price: Free/ Paid
Supported file formats: WMV, MP4, AVI
YouCam is the best free webcam software Windows 10 for YouTubers, business professionals, Streamers, home users, and Vloggers. It seamlessly integrates with live streaming media channels like Twitch, Wirecast, OBS Studio, Facebook Live, Xsplit, and YouTube Live.
The YouCam’s AR technology is one of its hidden treasures that will lighten up your skin by applying a natural-looking makeup. If your room is badly light, use the Live Skin Smoothing feature. Just below it is the TrueTheater Enhancement option to help you automatically adjust your facial sharpness and lighting.
Pros
- Hundreds of animated emojis
- Suitable for video conferencing services
- Plenty of interactive colorful particles and distortions
- Availability of face beautification tool
Cons
- Only limited to the Windows operating system
- Very few features for the free plan
3. ManyCam
Downloading this webcam software guarantees you smooth streaming and effortless recording of videos. Also, this software will help you during game steaming, online education, mobile live streaming, and live telehealth communication.
Operating systems: Windows 10/8/7 and macOS X
Price: Free /Paid
Supported file formats: MJPEG, H.264 IP, MP4, AVI, MPEG, MOV
ManyCam is a free webcam recording software for windows 10. It’s among the most widely used software internationally-not for many reasons, but because of its friendly intuitive user interface and live streaming tools for lessons and lecturers.
So, if you are a lecturer/teacher, you can use the Software Development Kit (SDK) to integrate the webcam with any online teaching platform. Among the features designed to facilitate better online teaching include the picture in picture, Chroma Key, multiple video sources, and screen sharing.
Pro
- Ability to stream 4K videos
- Real-time camera control settings
- No watermark even on the free plan
- Screencasting and screen recording feature
- Real-time drop and drag effects
Cons
- Expensive business subscription plans
- No Light enhancement features
- Most features are manual as opposed to being automatic
4. SplitCam
To stream your desktop/laptop screen SplitCam is the most appropriate software. With only the inbuilt virtual webcam, you can share your screen videos to media channels and IMS. Other uses of this software are Skype chatting, streaming live videos, and messaging.
Operating systems: Windows 10/8/7
Price: Free
SplitCam is not as popular as the other free webcam software windows 10 like ManyCam and YouCam. This is because it doesn’t integrate with some of the world’s renowned social media platforms- Facebook and Instagram. However, you can use this software to stream, take snapshots, and record videos for YouTube, Skype, Justin.tv, Gtalk, and Windows Live Messenger.
SplitCam is rich in fantastic webcam effects. Haven’t you been surprised to see someone appear to be streaming from the ocean or the Amazon Mountain? This is what you can do with SplitCam. Other cool effects are frames, texts on videos, filters, and facial items like masks and fake face glasses.
Pros
- Open and simple interface
- Integratable with the messaging apps
- Supports a wide range of resolutions ( between 320×180 and 2048×1536)
Cons
- Applicable to a small number of channels
- Supported file formats not defined
5. Bandicam
Do you want a recorder for screen recording, recording your gameplay, or capturing videos from devices like smartphones and PlayStation? Look for no other software but BandiCam. You can also merge two or more video files, remove unwanted parts, and select the only part to screen record.
Operating systems: Windows Vista, 10/8/7
Price: Free/paid
Supported file format: AVI, MP4, JPEG, TIF, GIF, PNG
Supported graphics cards: Nvidia NVENC H264, Nvidia NVENC HEVC (H.265),
BandiCam is another free webcam software Windows 10 with the capability of capturing high compression videos and games on your PC screen videos without compromising the video quality. Don’t forget to record all webinars aired in your niche.
Netflix is becoming more popular each day due to the thrilling videos. With the BandiCam screen recorder, you can record all live-streamed videos on Netflix for over 24hrs. These are the tools to edit your recorded video: real-time drawing tool, webcam overlay, sound mixer, and Chroma Key.
Pros
- No hidden features
- Widescreen capture
- Can record 2D/3D videos in HD mode
- Can capture fast-paced videos of up to 144 FPS
Cons
- Not suitable for beginners
- Cannot be used to live stream videos
6. NCH – Video Capture Software
Of all the listed webcam software in this review, this software has the most diverse functions. You can record streaming videos, record your computer screen, record from external devices, and record from a webcam. It’s also perfect for recording audios and simultaneous recording from screen and webcam.
Operating systems: Windows 10, 8, 8.1, 7, XP, Vista 64 bit and Mac OS X 10.5 and above
Price: Free/paid
Supported file formats: MP4, WMV, AVI, MPG, FLV, MOV
Debut Video Capture is the only free webcam recording software for Windows 10 believed to capture or record videos from any external source. It has also preset settings for HD and TV with pre-production enhancement features like color adjustment settings, overlay buttons and frame rate, aspect ratio, and resolution settings.
If you always think of becoming rich, the Express Burn Disc Burner is the tool that will help you make money. Record the most trending videos and use this tool to burn DVDs and CDs.
Pros
- Can record videos for any social media platform
- Supports a wide range of audio and video file formats
- All features are open and easy to use
- Availability of video editing software
Cons
- Only monthly subscriptions for paid plans
- Watermark for the free download
- Difficult to record a full-screen movie
7. YAWCAM
This webcam software can be referred to as the simplest for all beginners with the will to start streaming and recording videos for personal or home use.
Supported file formats: PNG, JPG, MJPEG, GIF, JavaScript
Price: Free
Supported operating systems: Windows 2000/10/8/7/ Vista and XP
YAWCAM is an absolutely free webcam software windows 10. Why is it the simplest software to use? Just download and you will find all features on one page. Simple language commands aligned in a drop-down menu ready to be used with only one click.
Some of the best features include overlay texts and images, scheduler, motion detection, and an inbuilt webserver. For you to use this webcam software, use these supported devices; DirectX compatible webcams, DV-camera, or video capture devices.
Pros
- No watermark
- Easy to use
- Friendly user interface
Cons
- Few transitions and effects
8. Windows Camera
We all trust any app or software by Microsoft over others! If you also do, then you can download Windows Camera and use it to record videos, take snapshots and shoot videos.
Operating system: Windows 10
Price: Free
Supported devices: Xbox One, Windows, mobile
Windows Camera is among the best free webcam software for Windows 10. This is because of the software’s few but easy-to-use and effective features that are expertly designed for PCs and tablets installed with Windows 10.
The automatic photo back combined with the photo-shoot timer makes it perfect for taking selfies and passports. Using the panorama feature, you can take photos of the best scenes and share them on media platforms.
Pros
- Simplicity is its main strength
- Supports resolutions above 1080p
- Good for photographers
Cons
- Has no built-in virtual webcam
- Requires a camera to support 4K videos
9. Fake Webcam
Supported file formats: AVI, MPEG, DVD, VCD, WMV, 3GP, MP4, SVCD, MOV, ASF,
Price: Free /paid
Operating systems: Windows 7/8/10 (32/64 bit)
Fake Webcam is a free webcam software Windows 10 whose name is creatively used to suggest it almost functions like a webcam. This doesn’t fall far from the truth! You can truly use this software to broadcast, add effects and filters, record on full screen, and fake your voice.
To share or stream your photos and videos on Skype, YIM, or Gtalk, using the screen recorder would give the best results. What makes Fake Webcam stand out is the free video converter and the free video toolkit.
Pros
- Free support tools
- Supports all video and audio formats
- Can convert file formats and stream to any channel
- Availability of the screen recorder
- Integratable with almost all instant messengers
Cons
- Major tools not free(Fake Webcam and Screen recorder)
10. IP Camera Viewer
Do you run a supermarket store, mall or you’ve installed security surveillance cameras in your compound? IP Camera Viewer is the most effective webcam software for video monitoring systems.
Supported file formats: JPEG, MPEG-4, MJPEG, and H.264
Price: Free
Operating systems: Windows 10 / 8 / 7 /2012 /Vista and XP
IP Camera Viewer is the most used free webcam recording software for windows 10 as its compatible with almost all IP camera models like Panasonic, Toshiba, Canon, D-Link, Sony, and more the 2000 others. With the capability of viewing and controlling 4 camera feeds at once, you can use this software to monitor your entire compound.
Some of the important advanced IP Camera Viewer functions include listening to webcam audios, adjust image settings, zoom or tilt images, schedule monitoring times, and detect motions.
Pros
- Automatically uploads recorded videos and photos to a server
- Compatible with almost all IP camera models
- Simple and easy to use
Cons
- No inbuilt media player
- Cannot adjust the image or video quality
You may also want to read >>> 10 Best Webcams | A Buyer’s Guide
conclusion
Webcam software lets you stream, record and edit video files in high quality. The webcam is considered a must-have device for any laptop or computer, and it is used by people all over the world for video chatting and recording in different formats like flash and .avi. The technology is in its nascent stages in India and is in use by many companies to survey classrooms from a distance. If you would like to get your hands on this compact device, then you should check out your options from the collection that we have listed below.
If you have a webcam, I’m sure you’ve thought about playing with it. Some people like to show their cat sleeping, others like to show their face – heck, I’m guilty of the latter. But there are also quite a few really cool things that can be done with webcams these days.