Logitech Webcam On Ubuntu

Today Tommy writes:

Matt, I’ve been thinking about buying one of those new webcams I keep seeing on Amazon. The problem though is that I don’t know which one is the best for for my computer? I’ve been told to buy a Logitech webcam on Ubuntu, but this seems suspect to me. Why would Logitech have Linux better support? Oh by the way, I own a Eee netbook with a webcam built-in and your Eee-control Ubuntu article was a huge help. Hopefully you make lightning strike twice here? Help, I am at a loss as to which webcam I should be buying for my Ubuntu system!

Well Tommy, you’re in luck. I not only have been actively working with the now famous Wwebcamstudio project for Linux for quite sometime now, but in doing so I’ve had a lot of extra time to research what you need to be looking for when buying a Logitech webcam for Ubuntu Linux. The biggest issue I’ve found is that you need to be sure it’s compatible. This largely boils down to the level of Video4Linux or v4l compatibility being implemented here. To make matters more complex, newer webcams are relying on relying on a new type of driver that largely has left older ones in the dust. In simplest terms, older camera need a little push for v4l1 compatibility to work within a v4l2 world. The good news is that I will be pointing you to cameras that live within the v4l2 space and will give you plenty of clarity.

Logitech C910 USB 2.0 1080p HD Pro Webcam

Considered by Ubuntu to be a uvc class webcam, the Logitech C910 USB 2.0 1080p HD Pro Webcam will give you a great resolution, along with ample clarity. Under Ubuntu however, you’re going to want to keep things at a 720p HD resolution instead of running it at a full 1080p. This way you’ll end up with plenty of high def action, without the lag. The provided specs for this HD webcam are as follows.

Normally this bad boy is available for $99.99, but I can get you one for $69.99! This is a killer deal, as the camera has auto-everything and works with Ubuntu out of the box.

Logitech 720p Webcam C310

This is yet another uvc class Logitech webcam that also works out of the box on Ubuntu. Unlike the above webcam, this Logitech webcam is designed to max out at 720p, so this would be a comfortable place to start from. As one might expect, the Logitech 720p Webcam C310 works with Ubuntu out of the box. Features provided include the following.

On a normal day, this little webcam might be running as high as $49.99, but if you buy it now you’ll be taking this puppy home for a cool $38.61. That’s a 720p HD Logitech webcam, working out of the box for a very affordable price.

What kind of software can I run these webcams on?

If you happen to be looking for photobooth software for Ubuntu, you might find that guvcview will provided you with ample functionality. It offers you the ability to take still pictures, record HD video with sound thanks to PulseAudio, plus it’s fairly stable to use. Another option of course is to use Skype. And last but certainly not least is a project I’m involved in called WebcamStudio! It has a full suite of features that make it a great choice for doing live broadcasts with your new Logitech webcam or recording them instead.

Do you have questions about PC repair, Linux on the desktop, software or other tech related subjects? Don’t get frustrated, Just Ask Matt! Email me directly for help and perhaps I will be able to answer your questions right here at Matt Hartley Dot Com!