Need help/advice capturing with a WEBCAM

[jnick]

Hey guys.

I picked up the Logitech QuickCam Pro 4000, since I heard it's a top notch web cam out there. I only record SHORT videos (tops 5 minutes), therefore setting up my VHS-C cam, it takes way to long to setup, and then clean up just for a 5 minute video.

So I have this webcam, but I need a good software which will allow me to cature the video. The software it comes with DROPS a LOT of frames. I've tried using VirtualDub with some success. It doesn't drop anywhere near as many frames, but my problem is setting the program up. For compression I'm using DivX 5.2 Codec with it set to "SLOW on a single Pass". Frame rate is 29.97.

I mean, is that the best I can do? I would like to host the files on the web, so I need them to be sort of small in file size, but keep clarity. 20mb isn't big, but when I only recorded 1 minute, it is. Lol.

Any help is GREATLY appreciated. I've been going at this for 3 weeks now and can't figure it out. I figured I'd ask the pros .


Thanks in advance.
Jnick

[jnick]

Errr . . . anyone

[redwudz]

If that camera is limited to USB 1.0 speeds, that may be a problem. I didn't see if it was USB 2.0, just listed as compatible. There is considerable difference between the speeds of the two interfaces. I don't know if there are USB 2.0 webcams out there, but that would be better.

The USB webcam I have only works well with the software that came with it. And it doesn't work that well. It's sitting on a shelf somewhere.

Another alternative, though you already have the camera, is a composite camera, similar to something like this: http://www.securitycameraworld.com/Security-Cameras/Mini-Board-Cameras/index.asp.

You would have to use a capture card, though.

[edDV]

Hey guys.

I picked up the Logitech QuickCam Pro 4000, since I heard it's a top notch web cam out there. I only record SHORT videos (tops 5 minutes), ...

The software it comes with DROPS a LOT of frames. I've tried using VirtualDub with some success. It doesn't drop anywhere near as many frames, but my problem is setting the program up. For compression I'm using DivX 5.2 Codec with it set to "SLOW on a single Pass". Frame rate is 29.97.

I mean, is that the best I can do? I would like to host the files on the web, so I need them to be sort of small in file size, but keep clarity. 20mb isn't big, but when I only recorded 1 minute, it is. Lol.
...
Thanks in advance.
Jnick

I don't have experience with that cam, but thinking back to the old days I would experiment with dropping either frame size or frame rate until capture was smooth and then increase until frame drops began and then back off again for margin of safety.

You will get superior results with a camcorder and capture card.