Cheap $100-200 camera that I can also use as a webcam?

[Aereldor]

Looking for a fixed lens pocket camera sort of thing that films decent video and does okay in low light that I can also use as a webcam. I just miss having a camera, pretty basic needs don't need much more than 8mp and 1080p video.

 

Considering a used gopro at this point, any advice or post Black Friday deals?

[Hurricane_Husky]

I have been using the Razer Kiyo for a while, cheap, comes with free software (optional) has built in adjustable right light, and 1080p. Only $59 USD they have a pro version for $100 USD as wel.

https://www.amazon.com/Razer-Kiyo-Streaming-Webcam-Built/dp/B075N1BYWB/ref=sr_1_3?gclid=Cj0KCQiA7bucBhCeARIsAIOwr--JXpNnguLR6-ghTB13ZtJ4n1gh6BjpvXAG_GcEHMblQT94cmpyoroaAlA7EALw_wcB&hvadid=616864027407&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1022288&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=16986814712375328139&hvtargid=kwdl

[Aereldor]

25 minutes ago, Hurricane_Husky said:

I have been using the Razer Kiyo for a while, cheap, comes with free software (optional) has built in adjustable right light, and 1080p. Only $59 USD they have a pro version for $100 USD as wel.

https://www.amazon.com/Razer-Kiyo-Streaming-Webcam-Built/dp/B075N1BYWB/ref=sr_1_3?gclid=Cj0KCQiA7bucBhCeARIsAIOwr--JXpNnguLR6-ghTB13ZtJ4n1gh6BjpvXAG_GcEHMblQT94cmpyoroaAlA7EALw_wcB&hvadid=616864027407&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1022288&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=16986814712375328139&hvtargid=kwdl

Oh sorry, I mean a point-and-shoot camera that I can also use as a webcam, not just a webcam

[IC_SubiX]

If you are OK buing used gear, there are lots of options But if it has to be new, $200 is realy not much. Sadly at this price point most (modern) Smartphones are just better (because of better image processing - expecial in video).

 

Sony provieds a software called "Imaging Edge Webcam". This is used to convert a Sony camera into a webcam. As far as i tested it, the software works just fine and even with a low-buget camera the image is realy nice. Not all Sony cameras are supported!! Check the list in this link:

https://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/app/webcam/en/download/

 

Sadly the cheapest cameras on this list (i can recommend) are:

HX-99

RX-100M4

a5100

If you are lucky you can find them used for just more then $200.

 

The other option is to get a HDMI-capture card and just use any compact camera with a (mirco)hdmi-output.

Some cheaper options are: (also sony)

HX-95

RX-100M3 or M2

(maybe a5000)

 

Of corse there are lots of compact cameras from other brands to, but i never used one of the cheaper ones. So i can't tell you if they are good "enough" to recoment.

 

As you said, you also could use a GoPro (or other action cam - sony has one too, it's even supported by the webcam-software: RX-0)), but if you want to take pictures those action-cams are realy annoying to work with. Depending on what you want to film, this is also true for video.

 

If you need a "point-and-shoot" camera "and" a webcam at this buget, you may just use you phone as camera (depends on your phone oc!) any buy a simple webcam ($50-100). Then you save mony and you could buy a ("real") (compact)-camear -which is much more fun to work with- later.

The price-point at $500 (and up) is way more intersing, since you can get really good (used/old) gear.

 

I hope this was usefull information.

 

[Aereldor]

On 12/7/2022 at 7:11 AM, IC_SubiX said:

If you are OK buing used gear, there are lots of options But if it has to be new, $200 is realy not much. Sadly at this price point most (modern) Smartphones are just better (because of better image processing - expecial in video).

 

Sony provieds a software called "Imaging Edge Webcam". This is used to convert a Sony camera into a webcam. As far as i tested it, the software works just fine and even with a low-buget camera the image is realy nice. Not all Sony cameras are supported!! Check the list in this link:

https://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/app/webcam/en/download/

 

Sadly the cheapest cameras on this list (i can recommend) are:

HX-99

RX-100M4

a5100

If you are lucky you can find them used for just more then $200.

 

The other option is to get a HDMI-capture card and just use any compact camera with a (mirco)hdmi-output.

Some cheaper options are: (also sony)

HX-95

RX-100M3 or M2

(maybe a5000)

 

Of corse there are lots of compact cameras from other brands to, but i never used one of the cheaper ones. So i can't tell you if they are good "enough" to recoment.

 

As you said, you also could use a GoPro (or other action cam - sony has one too, it's even supported by the webcam-software: RX-0)), but if you want to take pictures those action-cams are realy annoying to work with. Depending on what you want to film, this is also true for video.

 

If you need a "point-and-shoot" camera "and" a webcam at this buget, you may just use you phone as camera (depends on your phone oc!) any buy a simple webcam ($50-100). Then you save mony and you could buy a ("real") (compact)-camear -which is much more fun to work with- later.

The price-point at $500 (and up) is way more intersing, since you can get really good (used/old) gear.

 

I hope this was usefull information.

 

Oh my god thank you so much, this was exactly the answer I was looking for! I've honestly I've always wanted an A5100, I'd love to stick a wide aperture, wide angle CCTV lens on it or something. 

 

I'm struggling to find one for below $300 though. Any ideas? 

 

Wait, darn I think I may go with the way cheaper options and pair them with a $5 capture card, the A5100 overheats easily and I'll frequently stream for hours at a time on it

[Tristerin]

Not sure if late to party but I use AKASO 4k cameras as "throw away" cameras, they are cheap, webcam able, decent video and audio - like $70 bucks for a full setup including waterproof case last I bought a few.  Fits in a pocket, pretty durable, last one I destroyed I took 2 shots from my .50 bmg with the camera not 3" from the muzzle break and the first shot didnt kill it, but second did.