In this digital age of virtual meetings, content creation, online classes, and live streaming, having a good-quality webcam on your PC and knowing how to adjust camera settings makes all the difference.
Adjusting camera settings can make a huge difference in the quality of videos and images making the output more clear and professional. When set to optimal settings, a webcam can adapt to lighting conditions and offer a polished and professional appearance during virtual interactions.
In this guide, we'll show you how to adjust your camera's settings to get the most out of them.
How to adjust webcam camera settings
Modify webcam settings
Start by modifying the default webcam settings. These include resolution, frame rate, exposure, white balance, brightness, contrast, and saturation. Let's understand these in detail:
- Resolution and Frame Rate: Setting Your camera's resolution to the highest will make the images clearer. For 4K, the resolution is 3840x2160, whereas for 1080p, the resolution is 1920x1080. Similarly, try setting the frame rate to 30fps for everyday video conferencing and streaming. However, if you are performing tasks that need smoother motion, set the frame rate to 60fps.
- Exposure: This setting controls how much light the camera allows to help in bright or low light conditions. Try adjusting to the setting where it makes the darkest areas in your background clear.
- Brightness, Contrast, and White Balance: These settings depend on lightning conditions and user preference. Set brightness so it avoids overexposure. Similarly, try to set contrast and white balance to maintain a balanced appearance with your lighting. This will help ensure accurate colour reproduction.
Windows devices offer a default application to adjust the camera settings. However, on Mac devices, you'll have to use 3rd party apps as there is no default application.
Add more lighting
Next, make sure the lighting is adequate. Try sitting in front of a window to use more natural lighting. However, if it's not available try using an external light source.
Check your background
A clutter-free and well-lit background can enhance the overall video quality. If that cannot be achieved try using a green screen for better results.
Try using a third-party software
You can also use third-party software like OBS Studio or Logitech Capture and adjust the camera settings. These offer several options that help improve the webcam quality with just a tiny adjustment.
Upgrade webcam
If your webcam is old, consider upgrading it. This is because new-generation cameras have improved sensors that help obtain sharper and clearer images. Here's a list of the best cameras available in the market.
Is 720p or 1080p better for webcam?
The choice between 720p or 1080p for a webcam depends on your usage. The 720p resolution requires less bandwidth and performs smoothly when streaming or in video calls.
On the other hand, the 1080p resolution gives a higher level of detail and clarity. It is beneficial for content creators who create videos for professional purposes.