The primary purpose of web cam software is to provide a platform for interaction, allowing you to talk to your loved ones and friends as and when you would like. Finding the best web camera software sometimes seems like a mammoth task however with all the options currently available.
We have taken the time to put together a list of the best, free web cam software available, in our opinion. Hopefully, this will help you find exactly what you are looking for.
Table of Contents
The Logitech Webcam
This software may be more familiar in its former name QuickCamExpress as this was the name it was known by previously. Going by recent statistics, this app has the highest download rate. It is easy to install on the Windows platform on your computer. Once it is installed, you are well on your way to having chats, recording videos and shooting images. The earlier version of the software had a few bugs but they have now been resolved. The new version also has a redesigned feel and look that makes it more attractive and user friendly.
Using Logitech is relatively easy. Once installed, you will need to locate and click the Quick Capture knob. This button allows you to select photo or video options. After this, use your toggle and select the icon named camera if you would like to take a photo. To take a video, select the video icon. This will start the recording session. For a chat session with your family and friends, you will need software known as Logitech VidHD. One thing to note is that you will need to create an account the first time you utilize this program.
Manycam
One thing that makes Manycam stand out is the fact that it allows you to add effects that are special to your chats. This spices up web cam chats, making them fun and exciting. The app offers a wide and new variety of fantastic special effects and backgrounds. These effects comprise of sunglasses, hats, wigs, distortions, animals and many others. There is a feature that allows you to alter the backgrounds, giving you a selection of themes and settings to choose from such as pools and mountains.
This, together with other features like having flags next to your preferred date and time gives you a whole effects portfolio to play with. While the final results may not be entirely realistic, the process of using the effects to create different scenarios is a lot of fun to do.
Camfrog VideoChat
The free video application from Camshare known as Camfrog Video Chat enables you to chat and connect with friends all over the globe, from Africa to Iceland. It is mainly geared towards video chat but also offers functionality for text and audio messages. It has a very short sign-up, installation and registration procedure that will take you minimal time.
The start button on its interface is alike that of the one found on Fire fox. It is green allowing you to easily spot it. This button offers a wide array if features and options. You will be able to manage your session and connection quickly and easily. If you find that you require advanced features, there is an option to upgrade to the Pro version of Camfrog.
SplitCam
This free application has exciting and cool web camera effects. Furthermore, SplitCam provides one of the easiest methods of splitting or breaking up video streams on your web cam. When using SplitCam, you will be able to talk to friends and also at the same time stream videos to various IMs and video services. SplitCam also supports a large number of video resolutions, including High Definition (HD) videos.
Some of its differentiating features include High Definition video support, a variety of web cam effects, video recording and zooming, splitting of videos to a variety of programs, upload of You Tube videos and support for popular services. The most current version allows you to select your preferred language from options such as Japanese, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese and Russian.
bcWebCam
If you are interested in using your web camera to scan barcodes, then bcWebCam is the right application for you. This simple application comes in very handy when you need to catalog your items into a list. However, you will need a good quality web cam to focus on your various items up close.
After you install bcWebCam, it will prompt you to launch it. After this, you will be directed to a brief tutorial. This app will be able to sense your web camera instantly. If this does not happen, make sure that your drivers required have been installed correctly. A video window which is live manages the software. This makes it simple to utilize. The only downside of this app is that it does not have the ability to search famous websites to get barcodes.
IP CameraViewer
This allows you to view your parking lot, home, office or any other location that has an installed IP camera. The camera viewer allows you to view videos from more than one camera simultaneously. Additionally, it supports more than 1800 distinct models of IP cameras including Axis, Foscam, Canon, D-Link, Pixord, Panasonic, Mobotix, Toshiba and Vivotek. Basically, any camera that has a USB function will be able to function with this camera viewer.
You will be able through this software to configure properties of the video uniquely. It gives options to adjust properties like the resolution and frame rate for individual cameras. Additionally, you can configure saturation, contrast and brightness and many other features for USB and the IP cameras. You will also be able to zoom in on images whether or not your camera supports zooming.
Tango
The unique feature about Tango is the fact that it utilizes video chat and voice connections through mobile phones. It works in a manner similar to WhatsApp and Skype and you can use it on your desktop or laptop to link up with android or iPhone users. If the people you are connecting to have this software plugged into their smart devices and they have data plans or Wi-Fi, the calls you place will be absolutely free from the comfort of your computer.
Another great feature of Tango is its video and audio quality. It ranks above par in this respect, making use of simplicity and efficiency to give you a great connection. One small downside however is that there sometimes is variation of quality when it comes to videos and some of their lower level options.
Sentry Vision
This is a web cam security and surveillance windows based program and is offered for free. Using Sentry Vision transforms your web camera to a complete home security suite. Sentry Vision allows you to remotely access your system using your mobile phone. Additionally, you are able to view and control your camera online through your smart device.
Key functionalists provided by Sentry Vision include motion audio alarm, motion detection and alerts, lockup detection, auto start up on login, fixed timestamp, web cam broadcast, better management of processes, hidden mode, fixed timestamp and many more.
CyberLink YouCam
This innovative app allows you to include interesting and strange effects to your chats and conversations on your web camera, brightening up an otherwise bland online conference. Perhaps you are in the mood to become an outlandish creature, then the CyberLinkYouCam may be exactly what you need on your computer.
CyberLinkYouCam is completely compatible with majority of popular messaging clients such as Yahoo Messenger, Skype the Instant Messaging system provided by AOL and Windows Live Messenger.
The various effects available on CyberLinkYouCam are organized under several tabs, and their results can be applied almost simultaneously. CyberLinkYouCam also provides fantastic scenery effects for your background and it also supports H.D videos and augmented reality. On the flipside, sometimes the effects may appear superimposed. The process of installation can also be quite time consuming.
iSpy
This is free software which uses your web cam and microphones to identify movement and sound, and record accordingly. ISpy provides alerting, monitoring, security and surveillance services. You can set your cameras to have a one click control function, to put up your videos on You Tube automatically, FTP automatically generated your servers or PTZ. Through the use of this tool, you will be able to monitor and link an unlimited number of cameras and microphones. iSpy allows you to share imported object lists with others by exporting them. It also allows you to connect multiple computers through one group. Additionally, it offers the ability to supervise remotely online.
iSpy is available in limited languages, that is, Portuguese, English, Czech, Brazilian, Italian and others.