Privacy First

  • 100% local: Video never leaves your device—no uploads, no cloud, no servers
  • Permission required: Browser asks once; revoke anytime in site settings
  • Photos stay local: Captured images download directly to your device

When to Test Your Camera

  • Before job interviews: Nothing worse than 'your camera isn't working' mid-interview
  • New webcam setup: Verify it's detected and working before your first call
  • Multiple cameras: Check which one is active (laptop vs external vs virtual)
  • After OS updates: Windows/Mac updates sometimes reset camera permissions
  • Lighting check: See how you actually look before going live

Common Webcam Resolutions

  • 480p (SD): 640×480 — Built-in laptop cameras from 2010s, barely acceptable
  • 720p (HD): 1280×720 — Most common laptop webcam, fine for calls
  • 1080p (Full HD): 1920×1080 — External webcams (Logitech C920/C922), looks professional
  • 4K: 3840×2160 — High-end streaming cameras, often overkill for video calls

Why Your Camera Might Not Work

  • Another app is using it: Zoom, Teams, Chrome—only one app can access at a time
  • Permission denied: Check browser settings → Privacy → Camera
  • Wrong camera selected: Virtual cameras (OBS, Snap) can confuse selection
  • Hardware switch: Some laptops have physical camera kill switches (check keyboard)
  • Privacy shutter: Many webcams now have sliding covers—is yours open?
  • Driver issues: Windows? Try Device Manager → Cameras → Update driver

Virtual Cameras Explained

  • OBS Virtual Camera: Stream your desktop, overlays, or scenes as a 'webcam'
  • Snap Camera: Add filters and effects to any video call (RIP 2024)
  • ManyCam: Multiple sources, picture-in-picture, screen sharing
  • Camo: Use your iPhone as a high-quality webcam (Apple Continuity)
  • DroidCam: Turn Android phone into wireless webcam

Pro Tips for Better Video

  • Light from the front: Window behind you = silhouette. Ring light or desk lamp facing you helps
  • Eye level: Stack books under laptop so camera is at eye height, not nostril height
  • Clean the lens: Laptop webcam lenses get surprisingly dusty/smudgy
  • Background matters: Plain wall > messy room. Or use virtual backgrounds
  • Wired > WiFi: For streaming, ethernet eliminates dropped frames

Browser Compatibility

  • Chrome/Edge: Best support, all features work
  • Firefox: Full support, may ask permission more often
  • Safari: Works but sometimes quirky with device selection
  • Brave: Works if shields allow camera access
  • Incognito/Private: Will always re-ask for camera permission