Do you want to know about the best camera for octoprint? This article will introduce you to the top 10 web cameras for octoprint that are perfect for your next printing project. So now the question is, “Can I use a webcam with octoprint?”
Yes! Webcams are the most affordable and widely used cameras in OctoPrint. There is a massive variety of models available on the market, and they all work perfectly with your 3D printer.
We know how difficult it is to choose the best among all the available options. So, we’ve enlisted entry-level models to advanced ones. Let’s get started!
What is Octoprint and why do you need a camera?
Octoprint is an open-source 3D printer control software. It allows you to use your computer and webcam to monitor and control your 3D printer over a wireless connection or wired network.
Without octoprint, you’d have to stay next to the printer for hours on end just to keep watch. You could miss important events during the printing process! For example, you might miss a jam or a failed print.
If you’re running a business, it would be costly and time-consuming to have someone monitor your printers around the clock. That’s why octoprint is so useful – it lets you keep an eye on your printer from wherever you are in the world.
How Did We Choose the Best Cameras for Octoprint?
We’ve done the research and found 10 of the best cameras that are compatible with Octoprint. These cameras will be able to capture high-quality images, even in low light conditions. They also have features like motion detection and night vision. So they can take pictures at any time of day or night without anyone having to monitor them.
That’s why we spent 30 hours testing 10 different cameras, so we could find the one that would work best with your printer! After all, it doesn’t matter how good a camera is if it isn’t compatible with your printer. So before you buy anything else, check out our list of the top 10 Octoprint cameras below.
A Quick Comparison Chart of Top 3 Cameras!
Best Overall Logitech C920 HD Pro Webcam |
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Best Raspberry Pi Raspberry Pi HQ Camera Module |
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Best In Budget Logitech C270 HD Webcam |
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10 Best Cameras for Octoprint
We’ve made it easy for you to compare our top picks. In this section, you will get to know about their features, benefits, and limitations.
If you don’t have time to read through all of this information yourself, then just check every product’s bottom part. Then once there, feel free to compare prices from other sellers as well before making a final purchase decision.
Raspberry Pi Camera
Raspberry Pi HQ Camera Module for Raspberry Pi is one of the best options out there. It is a top-selling product and has garnered many positive reviews. Also, it’s one of the best sellers in the Electronics department.
It has a 5-megapixel resolution, compatible with all models of Raspberry Pi. It’s a fixed focus camera and is compatible with a variety of operating systems including Ubuntu, Arch Linux, Fedora, Raspbian, and others.
This unit comes with a camera module, ribbon cable, and a 5-meter long flat flex cable. It’s also available as a kit that includes two high-quality Pi cameras in a choice of black or white colors.
You can connect it directly to raspberry pi and take images in a blink of a second. All of these features make it the best raspberry pi camera for octoprint. Now, let’s check out its technical specifications, key features, and product benefits.
Technical specifications:
- Brand: Bicool
- Dimension: 3.74 x 1.69 x 1.54 inches
- Weight: 1.41 ounces
- Sensor: Sony IMX477R
- Back focus: 12.5mm-22.4mm
- Lens Support: C-mount
Key Features & Benefits
Quick installation: The C-CS adapter makes installation easy as it helps to mount the camera directly onto the Raspberry Pi.
Long Flex Cable: This unit comes with a 5 m long flat flex cable, which helps users to manage the cables easily.
FPC ribbon: This 5-meter long flat flex cable has an easy-to-connect FPC ribbon, which can be connected to the Raspberry Pi.
CMOS diagonal size: The 7.9mm CMOS diagonal size of the camera helps users to monitor high-quality images without any blurriness in them.
Durability: With the help of aluminum housing, this device is made to be able to withstand harsh environmental conditions.
Pros
- High-Quality Camera.
- Modern design.
- Easy-to-connect FPC ribbon.
- Long Flat Flex Cable.
Cons
- Slightly overpriced.
Logitech C920 Pro Webcam for Octoprint
Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920 is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Chrome OS. The USB video class (UVC) lets you simply connect and use it. It supports multiple devices like tablets, phones, laptops with a USB port. This plug-and-play camera is compatible with OctoPrint as well as most web-based video platforms.
It has a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and also offers full HD video support. This unit comes with a Carl Zeiss Tessar lens, which is the reason behind its high-resolution images.
It comes with an autofocus feature that helps you to take clear shots with perfect focus in case there is any movement within the camera’s view. This feature makes it one of the best cameras for octolapse in recent years.
Now, Let’s check out its technical specifications, key features, and product benefits.
Technical specifications:
- Brand: Logitech
- Dimension: 3.7 x 1.7 x 2.8 inches
- Weight: 3.99 ounces
- Color: Black
- Video Capture Resolution: 1080p
Key Features & Benefits
Alcohol-Free: The alcohol-free lens lets you enjoy picture-perfect images with no smearing, fogging, or scraping.
Autofocus: Logitech’s autofocus feature allows you to take clear shots with perfect focus even there is any movement within the camera’s view.
Field of View: The field of view for this device is up to 77 degrees.
Compact size: This camera is very compact and thus can be carried along easily.
Versatility: The Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920 is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Chrome OS.
Colour accuracy: It provides you with clear images in true color.
Pros
- High-quality images.
- Durable.
- Easy to use.
- Effective autofocus.
Cons
- Not suitable for large rooms.
Anker C300 Smart Webcam
The 3rd camera on our list is the Anker PowerConf C300 Smart Full HD Webcam. It comes with a lightweight aluminum design and a built-in remote control making it both stylish and functional.
This webcam has an 80-degree wide-angle lens, which will let you take the perfect shots, facing your best side. It is one of the best smart webcams available on the market.
This device is suitable for octoprint because it offers a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and has full HD video support. Another reason for adding this product to our list is the fact that it offers a field of view of over 78-degrees which captures pretty much everything.
Technical specifications:
- Brand: Anker
- Dimension: 3.9 x 1.18 x 1.18 inches
- Weight: 4.5 ounces
- Color: Black
Key Features & Benefits
Powerful Face Tracking: Anker’s face tracking feature makes it easy to take perfect shots with just a glance.
Privacy Cover: This webcam comes with a privacy cover that allows you to take pictures without worrying about what the camera sees.
Remote Control: It comes with a dedicated remote control which makes it easy to take shots from a distance.
Pivoting Base: This unit has a pivoting base that makes it easy for you to adjust the camera’s view.
Compact size: The compact design of this unit makes it very easy to transport.
Adjustable: Anker’s pivoting base allows you to adjust the camera’s view as per your preference.
Pros
- Durable.
- Easy to use.
- Stylish design.
- Versatile.
Cons
- Not suitable for low-light conditions.
Logitech C930e HD Webcam
Logitech C930e 1080P HD Video Webcam provides high-resolution images and offers full HD videos. This webcam is compatible with most web-based communication platforms and lets you take high-quality shots from any angle or distance.
It comes with a tripod-ready base that makes it easy for you to shoot from different angles. If you want to use it other than Octoprint then this unit will change your video-calling experience with its 1080p video calling and 720p HD video recording feature.
This unit also comes with a Carl Zeiss lens which allows you to enjoy bright, clear, and sharp images all the time. You will get the Widest field of view from this webcam, which is 90 degrees. This Frees up system resources that you’ll need for your 3D Printer.
Technical specifications:
- Brand: Logitech
- Dimension: 3.7 x 3.7 x 0.95 inches
- Width: 5.6 ounces
- Color: Black
Key Features & Benefits
Auto Focus: The autofocus feature allows you to take clear shots even from a distance.
Time-lapse recording: Logitech’s time-lapse recording feature lets you create your own time-lapse videos.
Superior video conferencing: Its superior video conferencing feature lets you enjoy a broader field of view.
Hi-speed USB 2.0: This Octoprint USB webcam featured with hi-speed USB 2.0 that allows you to transfer your data in a faster and more efficient manner.
Durability: The durable design of this device helps protect it against shocks and other external factors.
Easy to use: Logitech’s plug-and-play feature allows you to install this unit without requiring any additional software.
Pros
- Compatible with most web-based video platforms.
- Easy to use.
- Versatile.
- Modern design.
Cons
- No privacy cover is available for this camera.
Logitech C270 HD Webcam
Logitech C270 HD webcam is one of the best webcams under $50. It has a durable design and the one-click setup feature makes it ideal for beginners who are not very tech-savvy.
The best part of using this webcam is that it is compatible with most smart devices that makes it incredibly easy to use even for beginners.
You can get vivid images and crisp videos with this device. This is also designed to deliver HD widescreen video calling up to 720p (HD) or 30 frames per second.
Technical Specifications:
- Brand: Logitech
- Weight: 4.6 ounces
- Dimension: 9.85 x 4.94 x 6.45 inches
- Warranty: 2-year limited hardware warranty
Key Features & Benefits
Built-in microphone: You can take advantage of the built-in microphone and cancel out ambient noise.
Vivid images: This webcam is capable of delivering vivid images with a resolution of up to 1080p.
Easy to use: The one-click setup feature of this webcam makes it easy for you to install and connect it with your device.
Compatible with most devices: Whether you are using an Android or iOS device, it is compatible with a wide range of smart devices.
Pros
- Durable.
- Portable.
- Compatible with most devices.
- Amazing design
Cons
- The product is not compatible with MAC OS.
eMeet C960 Web Camera
eMeet C960 Web Camera could be the last product on our list but it featured all the facilities to be one of the best webcams for Octoprint. We were impressed by the HD 1920 x 1080p video quality of this webcam as it allows you to record videos and deliver images with stunning clarity.
On top of that, it has a durable design that makes it ideal for outdoor activities like camping and hiking. The compact size of this webcam makes it compatible with most smart devices, from smartphones to tablets.
This is the only product in our list that does not come with a clip design so you will have to attach this device on your own if you are planning to use them for octoprint. Now let’s take a look at its Technical Specifications and Product Benefits below:
Technical Specifications:
- Brand: eMeet
- Weight: 4.7 ounces
- Dimension: 5 x 0.85 x 3.5 inches
- Field of View: 96°
Key Features & Benefits
Noise Reduction: The noise reduction feature of this webcam results in vivid images even during low light conditions.
HD video recording: The HD 1920 x 1080p video quality of this webcam allows you to deliver images with stunning clarity.
Compact design: This device is compact and it can easily fit into your pocket, so you can carry them along wherever you go.
Versatile: The overall design of this unit is compact and versatile which makes it compatible with most smart devices whether you are using an iPad, iPhone, or Android device.
Easy to carry: You can easily carry this webcam along wherever you go because of its compact and lightweight design.
Pros
- Compact design.
- HD video recording.
- Vivid images in low light conditions.
- Versatile and modern design.
Cons
- The noise reduction feature doesn’t work well all the time in our opinion.
Arducam Raspberry Pi Camera
The next product on our list is Arducam 16 MP Camera for Raspberry Pi. This is a plug-and-play camera designed to work with the Raspberry Pi, Arduino, Banana Pi, and more.
It comes with 16MP resolution n and support for various color modes including RGB, CMYK, Grayscale, and so on. The camera offers faster image processing speed along with an incredible pixel density of up to 1.3um allowing you to enjoy great projection stability.
This unit is equipped with a 3-axis mount and adjustable angle to help you capture your desired shot. It also supports 5 or 12V power input, making it perfect for use with the Raspberry Pi. This camera comes with a high sensitivity of up to 0.01Lux/F1.2 allowing you to record great shots in low light situations.
It’s the perfect octoprint webcam for those who want to record with high clarity and vivid colors. It offers a field of view of up to 114° and comes with easy installation.
Technical specifications:
- Brand: Logitech
- Dimension: 3.98 x 2.87 x 1.26 inches
- Width: 2.08 ounces
- Image Sensor: 16MP IMX298
Key Features & Benefits
IR Sensitivity: This camera’s high sensitivity allows you to record clear images even in low light conditions.
5 or 12V power input: It can be powered with a 5 or 12V power source making it compatible with the Raspberry Pi as well as other Linux devices.
Field of view: This device offers a 114° field of view which is perfect for recording your favorite shots perfectly.
Versatile design: Arducam’s versatile design makes it ideal for use with various platforms and hardware including Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Banana Pi, and more.
Plug-and-play compatibility: It comes plug-and-play compatible with a wide variety of hardware for easy and quick installation.
Pros
- Supports full HD resolutions with vivid imagery.
- Great field of view for recording your favorite shots perfectly.
- Versatile design allows it to work as an octoprint webcam or a security cam as well.
- Perfect design and durable.
Cons
- The product offers no filters in its package, so you will have to purchase these filters separately if necessary.
Angetube 1080P HD Webcam
Angetube Streaming 1080P HD Webcam comes with an adjustable ring light allowing you to record great videos even in low light conditions. It has a simple design which makes it easy to install.
This unit comes with a built-in microphone allowing you to enjoy high-quality audio and eliminating those frustrating moments where you have to purchase additional equipment just for this purpose.
This webcam offers 1920x1080p resolution letting you record clear images with vivid colors. If you’re looking for a DSLR-quality webcam that records HD images without causing any lags or issues of any kind then this one will be the perfect one.
It offers a wide-angle lens of up to 120 degrees making it perfect for recording multiple subjects at once without having to move the camera. It has an adjustable stand and can be rotated up to 90 degrees for easy installation and recording of your desired shots.
Technical specifications:
- Brand: Angetube
- Weight: 5.3 ounces
- Dimension: 2.09 x 2.6 x 2.87 inches
- Refresh Rate: 30Hz
- Supported Operating Systems: Windows, Mac Linux
Key Features & Benefits
Wide-angle lens: This webcam comes with a wide-angle lens of up to 120 degrees. It allows you to record multiple subjects at once without having to move the camera.
Built-in microphone: It has a built-in microphone allowing you to enjoy high-quality audio while recording your videos.
Lightweight design: This device is designed as light in weight so that it does not add any extra load on your workstation.
Plug and play compatibility: You can install this webcam without requiring any additional software.
Versatile and efficient design: The lightweight yet durable design of this product makes it perfect for use anywhere around the world whether it’s business or personal use.
Pros
- Compatible with popular platforms.
- Durable.
- Amazing design.
- Flexible Clip
Cons
- The product is not compatible with MAC OS.
eMEET USB Webcam for Octoprint
If you’re looking for an Octoprint webcam, then we would suggest checking out this amazing product right away! eMEET autofocus 1080P FHD is one of the best USB cameras for raspberry pi. It has an autofocus feature, so it’s easier than ever to get clear shots.
The built-in de-noising technology also helps reduce noise in low light conditions for even clearer images. You can use this webcam with Skype or other video chat services, as well as record HD 1080P videos directly on your computer.
This unit has a transparent cover and allows you to switch between still shots and videos easily even while recording. It comes with an adjustable stand, which makes it easy for the users to adjust the camera according to their preferences. While this simple yet efficient design of this product makes it versatile and durable at the same time.
Technical Specifications:
- Brand: eMeet
- Weight: 8.1 ounces
- Dimension: 3.94 x 2.56 x 2.2 inches
- Refresh Rate: 30Hz
- Supported Operating Systems: Windows 10/8.1/8/7, Mac OS X v10.12 (Sierra), Linux
Key Features & Benefits
Autofocus feature: It has an autofocus feature that allows you to get more clear shots even while recording videos or photos.
Built-in de-noising technology: This webcam comes with a built-in de-noising technology that helps reduce noise for clearer images in low-light conditions.
Plug and play capability: You can install this device without requiring any additional software.
Built-in audio input: The built-in microphone of this webcam offers a high degree of sound quality and eliminates the need for purchasing additional equipment.
Pros
- Compatible with popular platforms.
- Durable.
- Amazing design.
- Flexible Clip
Cons
- Comparatively low performance than previous one.
Microsoft Q2F-00013 LifeCam Studio
Microsoft Q2F-00013 is a webcam that has an HD 1080P widescreen video calling (up to 1920 x 1080 pixels), which will offer you sharp and vibrant picture quality. When it comes to the exterior design, this cheap webcam features high precision optics along with autofocus for getting clear shots.
It can be mounted on any monitor thanks to the clip that you can attach easily to your monitor without requiring any additional accessories or hardware. The one-touch controls and intuitive design of this camera make it simple to use even for beginners who are not too tech-savvy.
It is perfect for octoprint because it has low light and noise performance, so it will help you capture every moment in the best possible quality. We especially loved the HD video calling feature and of which we decided to add this product to our list of top 10 recommendations.
Technical Specifications:
- Brand: Microsoft
- Weight: 4.5 ounces
- Dimension: 4.48 x 2.36 x 1.77 inches
- Lens: Plastic Element Lens
Key Features & Benefits
Advanced technology: This impressive webcam uses advanced technology like high precision optics and autofocus that lets you get sharper and more vivid images with ease.
One-click setup: You can simply attach the clip and plug in the device to set up your webcam within seconds.
Amazing video quality: It offers HD 1080P widescreen video calling (up to 1920 x 1080 pixels), which gives you a sharp and vibrant picture quality even while recording videos.
Easy to install: You can install this webcam without requiring any additional software and simply attaching the clip will do the trick.
Versatile clip: One-touch controls and a versatile clip of this device makes it simple to use even for beginners who are not too tech-savvy.
Pros
- Easy to install.
- Amazing video calling quality.
- Durable design.
- One-click set up.
Cons
- Less performance in low light conditions than other webcams in our list.
Best Camera for Octoprint – Buying Guide
Before you are ready to choose the best webcam for a 3d printer, make sure that you have a clear idea of what features you should look out for.
For most users, a resolution that is capable of delivering high-quality images is usually the first thing to consider. However, you may also want to consider the ease of use and compatibility with your device as well. Let’s check this point:
Resolution of the camera
The first and foremost factor to consider when you are choosing a webcam is the octoprint camera resolution. A higher resolution will be able to deliver high-quality images and crisp videos on your device. So always make sure that the resolution is at least 1280 x 720, but you can also go for higher resolutions if you want to.
Ease of Use
The ease of use is another important factor to consider because you may not be able to spend hours troubleshooting the problems. Always check whether your webcam is easy to set up and install before you make the final buying decision.
Compatibility
Compatibility is another factor to consider when choosing a webcam for octoprint. Try to buy a webcam that is compatible with your smart device whether you are using an Android, iOS, or Windows phone.
Warranty
Having a long time warranty is always good for anything. When your camera is under warranty period then you will get your camera repaired free of cost and even they will replace it if necessary. So before buying a webcam consider the warranty policies.
Frequently Answer Questions
Can OctoPrint support multiple cameras?
Yes, it’s possible to set up multiple cameras and run them in parallel. In this way, you could have the webcam video feed alongside a timelapse. Therefore you’ll need to use a rendering backend such as MJPG-Streamer or FFmpeg. Moreover, you will need to install some extra Python packages, like PIL (pillow), NumPy, or scipy.
Can we connect a USB camera to Raspberry Pi?
Yes, you can connect multiple USB cameras to the Raspberry Pi. Apart from the above-mentioned cameras, there are also other cameras that are compatible with Rasberry pi.
How many cameras can you use with OctoPrint?
You can set up as many cameras as you like. If it is a webcam, it will be one; if it is an IP camera, it can be more than 1; and if it’s a USB camera, it can be up to 4 cameras.
Final word
With the best camera for Octoprint, you can watch the print in real-time from any device. You’ll be able to monitor and control your prints remotely, so if anything goes wrong or a problem arises, you’ll know about it right away. This will allow you to fix problems before they become big issues that could ruin an entire print job.
You will get all the possible facilities on our mentioned all cameras. You just need to setup the webcam accordingly. So guys, now we are at the end of the content. If you have any questions then feel free to know us via email or comment below the post.