[ANSWERED] Gopro 8 as a webcam

RIL

Hello everybody ! Now that the Gopro 8 can be used as a webcam (after updating the firmware) I would like to know your experiences, advantages and disadvantages of using this type of camera. Special interest in knowing if it responds better in low light conditions, thing that happens with "traditional" web cameras. Thank you !!

Best,

Maxi

bonemap

@ril

Hi Maxi,

I have two Hero9 gopro's that I have been using for production work. For a project I have been using the GoPro Labs firmware that adds a lot of efficiency for specific situations - I have one of the cameras rigged long term in an artists studio and it is set to record timelapse at certain times of the day. The GoPro Labs option saves a lot of set up time (and fiddling as the camera requires ladder access) using an iOS unofficial gopro app called QRControl. I can configure the camera on the QRControl app - which generates a QR code image that gets shown to the camera lens and then the settings are made based on the camera reading the QR code- without having to touch the camera.

The gopro's can send a wireless video stream, and this might be a great way to use the camera for performance based works or live streaming. The caveat being a second or two delay. I configured one of the Hero9 to stream to a local server on my MacBook Pro using software from github called 'Local RTMP Server' based on advice from this tech video guide, it involved using OBS Virtual Webcam to then access the stream in Isadora Live Capture Settings.

In terms of your specific question about low light conditions. The gopro's are small and therefore have small image sensors so in my opinion they will never be great in low light compared to the larger full frame DSLR cameras. Small, weightless, wireless streaming are the plus features, not low light capability.

The GoPro webcam feature in the latest release and firmware updates requires the camera to be tethered to your computer with a cable and that introduces a lot of limitations for a camera that is designed for its mobility and movement.

Best Wishes

Russell

RIL

@bonemap Thank you for such a detailed reply. currently I have the Logitech 525 with a 20 meter usb cable. What worries me about the low light condition is not so much the quality but the drop in frames and the overload on the computer. With this in mind, does the switch to a Gopro seem worth it to you?

My interest/concern is to know if this possibility of becoming a web cam added to the rubusteza is a sufficient condition to put aside the traditional web cameras, and start using the Gopro as a functional alternative and not so expensive in economic terms compared to a professional camera

Thank you very much !!

Best,

Maxi

bonemap

@ril said:

20 meter usb cable

A 20 mtr USB cable is really stretching the capacity of USB, I guess it is an active powered cable? The frame dropping is possibly due to this cable length rather than what the camera is sending. The GoPro can be powered over the USB cable when using the Webcam option, but I am unsure about the dependability of such a long USB cable run. I have had problems with long USB cables over 5 mtr and even at 5 mtr the USB cable is better to be boosted/active/powered.

The consideration I would be looking at is if you want to capture to an SD card in the camera at the same time as sending through as a webcam as this is one key advantage of using a gopro over the logitech webcam.

Best Wishes

Russell

RIL

@bonemap

Honestly, I had not thought about recording while capturing and projecting ... My concern that has haunted me for a long time is the following: to find a portable, maneuverable, durable (strong) camera that is economically affordable and that serves as far as possible for various scenarios: dance, theater, installations etc.
that's why my curiosity about the gopro as a webcam. I understand that each camera / device is intended and designed for certain specific purposes. But thinking in a situation of limited resources where one must buy only 1 equipment that is as flexible as possible. Thank you so much for everything !!

Best,

Maxi

CitizenJoe

When faced with a similar problem last year, I ended up using my iPhone, via NDI. Way less lag than my tests with a GoPro (but I didn't have the firmware update), wireless and everyone has one.

For wired options, I've been using Logitech 920/930's for years and I just bought a Brio. I regularly extend them 30-40+ meters using active extenders.

Cheers,

Hugh

bonemap

@citizenjoe said:

30-40+ meters using active extenders.

Hi, it is good to know that you have confidence using such long USB cables or do you mean USB over cat 5/6 extenders?

Best Wishes

Russell

dbini

for low light conditions, i think a DSLR will give better results than a GoPro, but if you want simplicity and compact form, then a Logitech webcam is a good option. on a recent project one of the studios was using a c920 and the results were pretty good. the other option would be a CCTV camera and capture device - its a bit old-school, but with a bit of searching, i'm sure you can find the right combination of chip and lens to suit your requirements. also a SDI system will give you access to huge cable runs without incurring massive costs.

CitizenJoe

@bonemap said:

<p>@citizenjoe said:</p> <blockquote>30-40+ meters using active extenders.</blockquote> <p> Hi, it is good to know that you have confidence using such long USB cables </p>

We were using long USB cables with a break in the middle where we placed an active extender.

Cheers,

Hugh

RIL

Thank you all for your answers, ideas and suggestions. Certainly I wish there was a unique (or almost unique) standard solution but it would be capricious of me .. haha
Thanks friends
Best,
maxi