Definitely the GoPro. Might consider going this path when I try streaming. After I get a pc at that. 😂 But looking forward for possible more GoPro cams for you to review and recommend.
I used this EXACT setup for a couple of months using a GoPro Hero 4 for streaming, there's loads of stuff missed from this video so here's what I've encountered and why I no longer use it. 1) After 30 minutes both the GoPro and Camlink get quite hot, which can cause either the CamLink and/or GoPro to overheat and turn off/glitch out. 2) Slight movements moving the camera can easily knock the mini-HDMI cable connection from the GoPro, again in glitching out. 3) The longest I've had a stream work without any issues is two hours, after that I've always had the camera freeze. This is because the camera sends out SO much video data that often a dedicated usb root isn't enough to process through USB 3.0. (Also the reason for the overheating) 4) The colour quality is great, especially that you can apply custom LUTs that you would use if using the GoPro in a normal video edit - however the lowlight capabilities result in a really noisy image - so unless you have a great lighting setup, it makes it look quite grainy if you stream in the evenings. I've reached out to Elgato so many times regarding this doing all their workflows, forums, GoPro support etc. It's just a system that in principle should work, but because it's old tech with no limit for the video output bandwidth it doesn't.
I have a fairly new GoPro 5 Hero Black. They replaced my first one with a brand new one about 6 months ago... so its basically new... I wonder if this one is modern enough to work better... any thoughts!
GoPro hero 7 black, 0 issues streams for up to 8 hours, my dogs tend to knock and even knock over my camera and it doesn't affect hdmi mini, plus when are you actually going to move the cam? You will generally have it your set position for your stream
Cam link does have a problem of freezing a lot. I have a logitech 720 that looks like crap compared to my GH5 conected with my camlink. However I often just use the logitech because I dont want freezing issues coming up when I stream.
Great video Harris! I've actually been using a GoPro Hero 3+ Silver for about 4 months now (upgrading from a Logitech C270) and I'd love to share some of my experiences in case it helps anyone else. To date, I've had zero issues with connection or timeout. Works every time I turn it on and I've never had overheating issues. I've run streams over 8 hours and it's been fine. One of the things I did that may have helped is I removed the battery (which got very hot) and have it powered through a cable. I also turn it off when not in use. It does have a couple shortcomings. As it is for outdoors, you need to have good lighting or it will look very grainy. Also, for the silver edition, it does not have custom white balance (I believe the 3+ black does). During my stream, as my RGB floodlights change colors, so does my face with the auto white balance. It doesn't bother me, but it may for others. For me, my GoPro is the best option I have and I'll continue to use it until it dies. I attempted to use my 60D recently with my wide angle using the Canon webcam utility, but unfortunately, I couldn't get a 1080 picture from the camera (I believe this to be a limitation with my lens). I will note I did not buy this camera for streaming, and had purchased it new years ago. I agree with you, I wouldn't pick up a new GoPro to use for streaming, but, IMO, if you have one laying around, or can pick up a used one cheap, it's a great step up from the other webcams out there.
I know it’s been a month and you’ve probably made changes, but for others, the lens wouldn’t limit the output of your camera. I’d check what your camera is set to shoot at and whatever you’re using to intake the feed (OBS, XSplit, etc)
@@Romarev7 I actually just went back and played with this more today. All settings are correct on the camera. Seems to be not a lens issue, but the utility software? The only available resolutions are 1:1 or 1024x576 in SLOBS. Image shows up with black bars on the right and left.
I was a IT support guy for 7 years and got given the task to upgrade the auditorium we had but it was last updated in 2007! Anyway I got a new Sony 4K camcorder and a camlink to connect to a pc hidden away for global townhalls we hosted and I did have a few issues like one day it worked fine and one day it didn’t so if you thinking of using it you will run into issues like that. I don’t know if it was due to the system or the camlink but it was fantastic when it worked! And we still use that set up now, but be aware that I think it only works with USB 3 slots!
@@thethomasowen you'll need some sort of capture device. The CamLink is the most straightforward and usually available at a good price, but anything that converts an HDMI signal to something in your computer would work. I used mine with my Elgato HD60S+ (USB) and my Blackmagic Intensity Pro (PCIe) and it worked fine with both.
What wasn’t mentioned was power options? The GoPro battery doesn’t last forever.... but it can run off USB power :) need to bare that extra cable in mind! Also have to get around the auto sleep function - Set it to - Auto Off - Never.
I used a GoPro hero 4 for about 4 months and loved it. However when I switched to a Sony a5100 the go pro looks terrible in comparison. But works great for a top down cam! Well worth the $65 bucks I spend on it.
I decided to subscribe when you uttered the words 'sitting in the corner eating glue.' Thank you for cogent, calm analysis and also thank you for the lack of hyperbole and clickbait that mars most YT vids. But def thank for making me giggle with the glue thing.
Just picked up a gropro hero 6, together with that there also seems to be a 15 dollar capture card that allows 1080p 30. EposVox did a video about it, and it seems to be working fine for using a gopro or anything else as a webcam. So yeah, it just got even cheaper, you don't need a 130 dollar camlink :)
I'm using an GoPro Hero 3+ since almost a year now and it works really well :D sure the image isnt as sharp as with an mirrorless but thats not what u expect! Sometimes it glitches out but after like 2 seconds it reinitiates itself so all fine there :D
Currently using the gopro 8 with Media Mod. It's fantastic for an all around camera for the price. I use it for streaming and bring it into the kitchen for Filming. Also, dropped it into a batch of ice cream base. It lived.
been using the GoPro Hero 3+ Black as a camera for over a year. have an AC power adaptor for it, and it runs for hours without issue. we use it as a close up camera (for dj'ing), while using an iPhone XS Max as the main camera. both of them are far and away better looking than any webcam on the market.
Did you know that you can change the lens on a GoPro? Older models could, after a bit of modding. They take 1/2.3" M12 lenses, often used for security cameras, and are available cheap on e.g. Aliexpress. You basically break the glue seal of the original lens (carefully), screw in a new lens, and stop when you hit the focal distance you want. You lose the weathersealing, but for a streaming camera at home? Not an issue at all. It's what I use these days, not for streaming per se, but for work conferences / meetings (which can go on for many hours). You can keep the setting at Wide to use the entire sensor without crop, giving you the best image quality the little GoPro can give you, and also makes the image perfectly rectilinear (rather than fisheye).
Another option to consider that most gamers will already own - XBox One Kinect! Add a cheap USB adapter from eBay (or mod it for free), install the Kinect SDK and it becomes a wide angle webcam. Not only that but it has infrared face detection that you can log into Windows with or use as an infrared nightvision cam for horror game streams. Because it has a depth sensor, I believe there's an OBS plugin that can do clean background removal without a green screen too.
Hey! can you tell me what the pole you're using to mount multiple accessories on is and where i can get it? I didn't see it in the video description. Thanks!
Great video, Harris! I like that you always have “future proofing” in mind. The biggest sell for the GoPro is that you can still use the CamLink when you upgrade to a DSLR camera. Thank you for making such helpful videos! 😎👍
So happy you’re covering this! Couldn’t find any webcams in market, then I completely forgot I had a GoPro Hero 7. Bought an AverMedia Capture card for $100 and now streaming on twitch in 1080p60fps and I also switch over to the wide angle view for my mouse and keyboard whenever I don’t want to face cam. Now GoPro needs to start sponsoring some streamers / gamers 👀
This was extremely helpful, I was looking into the hero 8 the other day because of family events, and having it as a webcam for my streaming hobbies. Thank you for the video!
@knox raven does it work with thé go pro 8 and cam link because GoPro 8 doesnt have micro HDMI output without thé mediamod. And they usbc does not apply tot transfer video
I remember asking about the GoPros during one of your streams. I literally just have a GoPro Hero 7 sitting here collecting dust and this would be a good use for it. As long as I can get a CamLink lol.
Anand Timaul I went to my local target and spent an extra 50 bucks on the hd60s for my dlsr and it works pretty good, plus I can do other stuff with it if needed, beats paying 400 dollars for a $120 cam link 😆
I have the Hero 8 with the Media Mod and I spent all of yesterday trying to get it to work. Spent a few hours on the phone with tech support, several hours in forums and several more watching RU-vid videos. I eventually got it working, but I'm afraid it will randomly stop working like the 3 did in this video. I didn't change anything major when it decided to work. I found other people in forums with the same issues of it not working. I tried different HDMI cables, power cables and everything you could think of. (I am also using the Razer Ripsaw HD) It is working now after a lot of trouble, and is still pretty clunky but hey, they aren't designed to be used as web cams. I just feel that an HDMI signal out is a pretty simple thing to nail.
I have been using an action camera for my webcam for about a year, not a gopro but one of the cheaper Chinese 4k action cams 40 bucks new, It works well and because A lot of the knock off cameras have a "webcam" mode i dont need a camlink I just plug it in turn on webcam mode and its ready to go. The image quality is not quite as good as a gopro but its way better then any webcam I have used. I like it because it is multi functional webcam vlog cam etc really a good choice if you are like me and think of versatility with every thing you buy to optimized bang for the buck.
AnThrust They’re pretty consistently about $50 used where I live. The main point of this video is if you’re ever going to upgrade to a nicer camera down the road and you have the ability to purchase a GoPro and camlink you’re getting a much better value in the long haul than purchasing a similarly priced webcam.
About a month ago I bought a GoPro Hero 7 Black on sale from GoPro. I think it was around $230 and they threw in an SD card. I love the thing and it looks AMAZING. Best part is, I can just pop it off its friction arm and use it as a regular GoPro anytime I want. I'm not paying for a "single purpose" device.
I’m using my Logitech still as well... I don’t wanna use the go pro cam atm cause the room I stream in isn’t my final setup and I heard your audio will be off and you,ll have to delay it in order to match it up... I still need to buy a second monitor so I can quit using my iPad as one... 😂😂😂
Also... If I stream for more to 2 hours imma need something to keep my GoPro charged... seems like too much for right now. I’ll keep my ear open as I continue to build and and stream
Go pros (all versions) overheat when in 4k mode or being used to stream via the hdmi out. There is now a way to make Go Pro 8 onwards work as a webcam via the USB so I've not tried that yet, but they get super hot and seize up after 45 mins usually.
Cam Link not available of course. Why would it be. If it's related to decent webcams there is no chance it is available. These companies sure would capitalize if they could actually produce the products.
I've experimented using a GoPro Hero 3 and it's nice but you gotta have a good lighting setup. If you're not sufficiently illuminated then you're likely to see that grainy dark look more than usual. I'd imagine the newer cams do a better job at this and it's possible that my setup is just too dark, but I wanted to make that note in case anyone expects awesomeness out of the gate. Definitely gonna have to try the GoPro again tho after watching this!
I'm all for this, but ya gotta factor in the cost of either extra batteries or a power adapter, the mini hmdi to hdmi adapter, the HDMI cable, and a camera mounting system into the price as well, since it doesn't support 1/4"-20 threads out of the box. You then have to get a gopro mount to convert it over. Stream cam plugs in, sits on monitor, done. Need a little more $$ to get the go pro working in your environment. With that said, this is a great path to take. And then when you do upgrade to a better camera, you have a gopro as a secondary 'sky view' cam for a BRB scene or something. Dopeness.
the reason for why the GoPro has such a good dynamic range is for forest scenarios, when the sun shines through trees they leave dark shadows and bright spots. if the camera has a bad dynamic range it will not show any detail at all.
For those who are just seeing this video now just know they make something called battery eliminators for older gopros! You can't charge and use them through the regular USB!!!
This is great. I been using a go pro for a webcam for the past year now. Im suprised you made a video about this! I kept telling curious streamers who were starting out to get one!
Another cheap option is a SJCAM 4000 Which looks ok and can be used as a webcam by using a micro USB cable. It has a webcam feature built into it when you connect.
I have an SJ Cam, which is like a budget action camera, and it does give you the option to use it as a webcam directly through its mini usb port to usb in the PC. The problem is that there is a noticeable lag, so if I turn my head, myself in the video image won't turn until like half a second later.
I just bought my step son an elgato hd60 and a gopro hero 5. Super excited for him because this is exactly why it was the right way to go! he can use the go pro when he's out and about, and then he'll have something set up as a webcam.
Super excited to see you talk about alternatives and about being able to re-use parts that seem expensive later on (camlink) have you looked into the raspberry pi camera modules? the V2 is comparable to the C920, 8MP Sony lens, total camera costs around $50. A new mirrorless Sony camera module was released last month, mirrorless camera upgrade for $75 ($50 for the module - $25 for a wide angle lens). I hate to talk about myself here, but I made my first video on it. The video's rough but the content is worth a watch.
removing battery and running gopro on wallsocket poweer only combined with encoding settings set to hevc only was the fix for overheating! i use the inexpensive capturecard, (new one uses usb3.0 and can therefore do 60fps) delay i just fixed with 990ms delay setting, but thats only 150ms now :D
it's around 1595 Nok/152 $ it's not a surprise because GPUs are around 1 or 2 hundred more expensive in Norway. and you're getting the same GPU. For example, the RTX 2060 is around 350 in America and 4395-5500 Nok/459-575 $, and remember this is not the supermodel just the basic 2060. Obviously,you can get an RTX 2060 SUPER for 5000 Nok/477$
I actually bought an Akaso Brave 4 (it's an action camera for like 80 bucks) for my webcam. It's got really decent quality, and has a built in webcam feature so all you have to do is plug it in and select "PC Camera". There is a tad bit of latency but it's only noticeable if you do music streams or stuff like that. The quality is great, and people say my camera looks great whenever I hop into a video call.
You should also mention that of course you can use a mirrorless or dslr camera for so much more then streaming/videos. It may be a bit more expensive but the quality and use cases are in my opinion worth it. I have a sony a7ii that I use for Photography, Vlogs, Gaming videos.
Some action cameras on the market when you plug them into a computer. It gives you a few options right on the screen on the action camera. Like browse the files on the microSD card and using the camera as a webcam. So if you have one of those you don't need the Cam Link.
Been using a gopro hero 5 black for a couple of months now but it’s a beast. I highly recommend if anyone is looking for a cheap camera with great quality, It’s a must buy.
Hi Harris, I hope you can see my comment and help for a decision that is driving crazy in those days!!!! I want to "upgrade" my video conference setup at home, I spent the whole day in Google Meet and Zoom meetings, and I would like to bring a more professional video quality and sound to my conferences, in another side, I would like to help my son with his RU-vid Gaming channel (he just started). Today I have my MacBook Pro 16", 2 27" 4K monitors, good light and a typical Logitech C920. I just bought a CAM LINK 4K thinking to adopt a DSLR or Mirrorless camera, but also I have already considered a good 4K camcorder. Main points that I have in mind based on my research: - Buy a new camera (DSLR or Mirrorless): expensive, overheating during the long video periods, overkill for what I need (maybe) - GoPRO Hero 8 with Media Mod: good price but I will lose a lot of features from the cameras, also I saw some issues about overheating using long periods as webcam (even though if you remove the battery) - Camcorders: then I saw the camcorders that should be the best option, once it is designed for videos! livestream and 4K videos, during my researches I came up with two models Sony X53 vs Panasonic HC-WXF1 OK, the question for 1 million dollars: what should I get for my setup?
I just realized I had an old hd60s, and an old gopro hero 3 silver laying around so I bought all the cables and hooked it up. I wasn't satisfied that I couldn't edit any settings in the gopro so I just bought a hero 4 black, and man... it looks amazing, especially on the wide setting.
I use a GoPro, had similar problems with it not outputting 1080p. I found the solution was always to connect the hdmi WITHOUT the power cord connected to the camera. Once the 1080p is fine, then plug in the usb-c for power. It seems like the camera gets confused whether it is suppose to be outputting hdmi or transferring files to the computer when the usb-c is connected first.
Coming here to say this seems like a great option. 2 years later and now I'm seeing GoPro Hero7 Black for 70 dollars on ebay. May be more finicky, but what a bargain!
Can't tell you how glad I am to have found your channel today... After diving into OBS last night, I realized using two phones - w/ nice cameras mind you! (Note 10+ & S21 Ultra) - is a bit clunky. Found a good price on a GoPro (which I've wanted for ages, but don't NEED) and pulled the trigger. Then I started wondering if something like the Sony A5100 (or, is the A6100 the "current gen"...?) would've been the better move. Thanks to you, I think I've finally figured out the game plan! Run w/ GoPro + CamLink for now, using S21 Ultra as an overhead cam (when needed). Hope to be able to use the GoPro while streaming gameplay and only one camera is needed, as I expect having the front screen on the HERO 9 Black will be terribly convenient 🙏 Somewhere down the line, I'll add a Sony A7 into the mix 🤙Perhaps with that sweet Rokinon 14mm Ultra Wide you mentioned. Thanks again! Love your content, and look forward to checking out the stream!!!
GoPro is a middle of the road solution that's barely better than a webcam, but nowhere near as good as a DSLR. There are a few notable issues with a GoPro - 1. GoPros are designed for outdoor use in full sunlight. They have terrible white balancing, contrast and low light compensation for indoor usage, with very few on-camera options to make adjustments. This makes lighting for GoPro in a dark room, or in variable sunlight quite difficult, even compared to cheap webcams. Color balance can be corrected, with the best results coming from the StreamFX OBS plugin > Color Grading filter . 2. Connectivity over HDMI via CamLink to OBS can be flakey. My GoPro Hero Black 5 locked up more than any other cam I own and I found it too unreliable to use on-stream. 3. GoPro lenses have a fish-eye effect for the wide field of view, which makes your shot look terrible due to the lens distortion. The best setting, Linear, is only available at 1080p and 2K. That can cause bottleneck problems over USB 3 from a Cam Link, causing #2. 4. Battery life is an issue, so a dummy battery is required. A cage is also needed to mount the GoPro on anything more robust than the cheap plastic GoPro fixtures. And a small hotshoe-mounted LED is the bare minimum you'd want to compensate for GoPro's poor low-light ability. That's starting to push a GoPro into low-end, second-hand DSLR territory, which offer a far superior result. Long story short - I bought a GoPro a couple of years ago to use as a webcam and it was an abysmal failure. Go with a cheap webcam (surprisingly, Razer Kiyo outperformed the GoPro) or save your dough and pickup a second-hand Lumix G7, Sony A5100 or Canon M200. GoPros are great outdoor actions cams, but make poor webcams.
because webcam is designed for marathon/long run video feed not just for 2 hour shot and overheat. Every product not just price, is also has purpose and unique function
Lol just wanted to make the same video - i sold my Hero 7 because the quality never gonna catch with the A5100. A 300 bucks go pro even not as good. You absolutely have the point there. With the gopro sale am at 0 wit the A5100 purchase. The used ones cost the same money.
I use a Hero6 and it works great! The mic on the GoPros have never been great, but a basic usb mic solves that problem 👍 Also, it makes for an extremely versatile and simple setup for people on the go or for streaming in different locations.
I just started streaming and I was using my go pro as a overhead cam as I do unboxing of trading cards and my iPhone 13 pro as my face cam/web cam, I am switching that around. It’s a go pro 6 Thanks for the vid, it’s two years old and still useful. 🎉
I actually use my Galaxy S7 as a FullHD webcam. Image is clear, works great on low light, and wirelessly. The app for that costs $4.99 on Play Store. Name is DroidCam X Pro
Thanks for this actually, I have been waiting for a StreamCam since the beginning of the lockdown and it just has never gotten back in stock on Amazon so I cancelled it and got a CamLink 4K instead. I can use my GoPro 6 Black that was just laying around. The only issue I see is that the GoPro gets HOT after like half an hour but CamLink itself is a great piece of equipment and definitely makes sense in terms of camera upgradability.
I just got a renewed hero 6 black for 140 and it has a built in Webcam mode. I haven't tried it yet but that seems like a good alternative as well and you don't even need a cam link.
while yes i do prefer the wide angle of the go pro.. you mentioned it having a better dynamic range and doing color correction but for a camera with more 'depth' i feel liek the image shown is very Flat. The whites have been brought down quite a bit and dark brough up making the average image 'greyer'. Probably comes to preference but it takes away too much contrast to my liking. not sure if its how you edited it or out of the box tho so i dont really know what to think of this comparison.
I use the GoPro hero 7 that I also use for my sons hockey. It’s better than webcams but not something to go out buy just for streaming. GoPro has a lot of different setting to tune to their liking.
If anyone is wanting to use the go pro, please make sure to take the battery out of the camera and plug the camera into the wall to power. It helps tremendously with overheating issues.
We really need to start talking about Blackmagic's capture devices like the DeckLink Mini Recorder and Intensity Pro 4K, as they haven't shot up in price at all and have better performance, reliability, and color fidelity. I wonder how using a GoPro with Blackmagic would fair?
Definatly worth it as a first camera. People that are looking for to try the raspberry camera. Don't. Go-pro is way cheaper, easier and saves you a lot of buck in the beginning for extra bang later. The raspberry one is also more used as a security camera. So good video Harris ;)
It's frustrating that you can't use a GoPro without the Cam Link. It can stream to, say, Instagram wirelessly so it's not like it's just not possible or anything.
I still can't fathom paying for that much when 90% of the time my cam only takes up a small portion of the screen. My c920 is still a solid choice. What a lot of people fail to realize is the default settings for webcams are terrible. Grab some $20 usb ring lights and uncheck some auto settings on your webcam. Your cam quality will drastically improve.
Im so glad you made this video. I have an hd60 pro and i needed a camera. I tried using my phone, it had low quality and just wasn't ideal. Im definitely gonna get the gopro because im new to streaming and dont make money yet.
I use a GoPro 10 as my webcam natively (without Camlink) and then also can use it when i leave the house. Sure, more expensive, but it's a better go pro than the 3 too (obviously). Still need good lighting though, as with any camera.
My answer to the title of the video: I would LOVE to, but prices are so insane right now. I was planning to use a gopro for my stream but until I can, I'm using my iphone plugged into my PC using the EpocCam app. I paid like 7 dollars, uses my phones camera, basically zero latency, and it looks great. So until prices are normal again that's what I'm going with.
I was considering picking up a gopro for a secondary camera for our church service. I have been looking at reviews and info but instead of the calling we are using the atem mini.
I wonder if due to the current world climate, we'll see a lot better webcams within the next couple of years. With so many of us stuck inside, it's shined a spotlight on how poor the webcam market has been, so maybe companies will try to up their game in that area. For this particular match up, I'd go with the webcam specifically because I don't have the greatest setup for a background due to limited space, so a 78 degree field of view actually works in my favor.
Tried with a Hero 7 Black - get like an hour on battery but if use external power it overheats very quickly (lucky to get an hour). Also lag is insane - have to add over a second in OBS to get the audio to sync. Loved the look of it but there were too many issues - so moved to using an old DSLR I had with the camlink instead.
I just bought a capture card for $3 and it does 1080p pretty good too also you can pick up an older mirrorless camera for about a hundred bucks it doesn't look half bad
There's actually a lot of GoPro knockoffs on Amazon, like action cams from Dbpower, that when you connect the USB it allows the option to be used as a webcam. No capture card necessary. Something else to maybe explore.
You have any other info on that by chance? When I looked into them, they said they didn't recommend plugging them in/charging the battery while in use long-term.
I have a Hero 3 (not plus!) going through a Razor Ripsaw HD for that reason - it's what I had on-hand - and it's working fine. I haven't experienced any issues with the connection at all. The GoPro def can get really warm - and I believe it has an auto shut-off to be aware of. I was able to 3D print a very open and breathable holder for it which greatly mitigates the heat issue. Beyond that, it's been fine thus far (though I imagine it likely won't be my long term solution).
