Great news! You already have a high-definition webcam and high-quality microphone you can use for video updates, podcasts, and team meetings. They're on your phone.
If you have an iPhone and a Mac, your setup is very easy: you can use the Continuous Camera setting that automatically syncs both together. In that case, all you'll need is a prop to hold your phone and some lighting.
This post provides a step-by-step instruction for how to set up your phone as a high-definition webcam on Windows. The steps we'll review are:
Select and review software
Download the software to Windows
Download the corresponding app to your phone
Connect your phone to your laptop
Configure the camera settings
Several options exist for Windows-compatible software to turn your webcam into your phone. As of June 2024, top options include:
Camo: It allows you to use your Android device as a webcam via USB or Wi-Fi.
DroidCam: It also allows you to use your Android device as a webcam via USB or Wi-Fi and tops many lists. However, it modified my audio input so I had to uninstall it.
EpocCam: This app supports both iOS and Android devices to function as webcams over Wi-Fi.
iVCam: Another option for iOS and Android devices, offering webcam functionality over USB or Wi-Fi.
ManyCam: It supports multiple platforms and devices, allowing you to use your phone as a webcam with additional features like effects and overlays.
Camo pros include:
No cost
Available on the Windows Store, which lowers risk of a virus
Compatible with both Android and iPhone OS
Can use a Wi-Fi connection or (preferably) a USB connection
It allows use of phone camera and microphone options, and can toggle to use other video and audio inputs such as your existing laptop
Includes multiple tools to customize your camera view, such as zoom and color correction
Camo cons include:
A technical challenge when using the USB connection: it requires you to configure your phone settings to allow USB debugging (also true for DroidCam)
Step 2: Download Camo on Your Android Device
Visit the Google Play Store: Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
Search for Camo: In the search bar, type "Camo by Reincubate."
Download and Install: Tap on the app, then tap "Install" to download and install Camo on your Android device.
Step 3: Download Camo Client on Your Windows PC
Visit the Camo Website: Open your web browser on your Windows PC and go to Camo's official website.
Navigate to Downloads: Go to the "Downloads" section of the website.
Download Camo Client: Choose the appropriate version (32-bit or 64-bit) for your Windows PC and click on the download link to download the Camo client installer.
Install Camo Client: Once the download is complete, run the installer file you downloaded. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the Camo client on your Windows PC.
You can also download the Camo by Reincubate software directly from the Microsoft Windows Store, which is located by default on laptops with a Windows OS.
Step 3: Connect Your Android Device to Your Windows PC
Connect via USB or Wi-Fi:
USB Connection: Connect your Android device to your Windows PC using a USB cable.
This way is preferred since it provides a higher-resolution feed and should be a more stable connection.
Unfortunately, Camo requires you to go into your phone settings to "Allow USB Debugging" for the USB to work.
Wi-Fi Connection: Ensure both your Android device and Windows PC are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Step 4: Configure Camo
Open Camo on Your iPhone or Android Device
Check Connection Settings:
For USB Connection: Ensure USB debugging is enabled on your Android device. You may need to grant permission for USB debugging when prompted.
For Wi-Fi Connection: Note down the Wi-Fi IP address displayed on the Camo app.
Open Camo Client on Your Windows PC: Launch the Camo software on your laptop. In the visual and audio input options, select your Camo phone input options.
Step 5: Use Camo in Your Applications
Select Camo as Your Webcam: In your preferred video conferencing or streaming application (e.g., Zoom, Skype, OBS Studio), navigate to the settings or preferences.
Adjust Settings (Optional): Camo allows you to adjust settings such as video resolution, camera orientation, and audio input directly from the Camo client on your Windows PC.
Congratulations! You've successfully set up Camo on your Windows PC. Your Android device should now function as a webcam for your computer, enhancing your video communication experience.
Additional tools to improve your experience:
Webcam holder. This holder can be placed behind your laptop so the front or back of your phone can appear to you.
Extend the height
Place the phone in the holder so the high-resolution back camera faces you.
You can turn the camera to portrait or landscape mode, and Camo will automatically adjust the image orientation.
Select the "background blur" in Camo's settings to make the green dark and light colors less contrasted - this will help with removing the green later.
Green screen. The screen should be at least 56 inches wide and preferably collapsible, since the screen will pop into position with fewer wrinkles than a hanging screen.
Teleprompter. You can use an online teleprompter or download one for your laptop.
Lighting such as a ring light to brighten your face in a soft way. Try to minimize shadows on your face and the green screen.