OctoPrint is a great tool to remotely monitor and control your 3D printer. You can be in the next room or literally half the world away, and it can be like you’re standing next to the 3D printer. The setup to remotely control your printer is pretty straightforward, but if you want a video feed as part of your monitoring, you’ll need some extra hardware.
Naturally, this involves a camera that can record the activities of your 3D printer and simultaneously stream what’s happening. The better the camera feed, the clearer the view of your 3D printer, and the better your remote monitoring experience. However, the webcam market is crowded, and deciding which specs are important and which camera will work with your setup can get confusing.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best webcams that are tried and tested with OctoPrint. The options are selected based on different parameters so that you can find the one that best suits you. But before we begin the camera hunt, let’s look at what to think about when making your choice.
Considerations
Before we jump on the webcam wagon, we need to look at some of the key points to consider prior to selecting a webcam to use with OctoPrint.
- Budget: How much you’re willing to spend is naturally a big deciding factor. Cheaper webcams will provide a lower-quality feed with fewer special features, while premium options will have better picture quality and some advanced features built into them. We’ve included a mix of price points so that there are options for all budgets.
- Purpose: The purpose of your camera is also a major consideration. If you want to use it for more than remote monitoring, you might want to make sure it has features like a built-in microphone, for example. And if you’re interested in high-quality time-lapses, then you’ll want a clear-enough visual, perhaps in a range of lighting settings, to make it worthwhile. We’ve listed webcams with a range of features for different needs.
- Setup: Your camera setup can influence your OctoPrint experience in a major way. When you’re looking out for webcams, you also need to consider how you’re going to set up the webcam with your 3D printer (or printers). If the camera doesn’t come with a mount, you need to figure out how you’re going to position your camera to get the best feed possible. You also need to consider any space limitations, as this will affect the size and focus distance of your chosen camera.
- Compatibility: All the cameras we’ve featured here are known to be compatible with OctoPrint, but you’ll also want to be sure that your choice will work with any other hardware and software you use as part of your 3D printing setup.
- Focus: The ability of the camera to adjust the lens so that the image it captures is clear and sharp is important, to say the least. Typically in webcams, this is fixed, meaning it has a preset focal point or range that can’t be changed. There are also a few options with manual adjustment, in which the operator has to physically adjust the focus of the lens; or autofocus, in which algorithms or software settings determine the focus for the lens.
Obviously, which camera is “best” will depend on your needs, setup, and budget. With our picks below you will have a head start on finding the OctoPrint-compatible camera that is right for your printer.
So, now that we know what we’re looking for, let’s get into the list!
Raspberry Pi Cameras
Let’s start our overview with the cameras that have a Raspberry Pi CSI camera connector. As these are essentially just camera systems mounted on a PCB board, they don’t come with a casing of their own, but we know you will have a good time printing one that fits your tastes and setup. Keep in mind that although simple and low cost, these cameras pack a few surprises and can do a rather good job with the right setup.
Raspberry Pi Camera V2
The Raspberry Pi Camera V2 is an upgrade over the original generation, with a higher resolution Sony camera sensor at its core, and it supports HD video output of 1080p at 30 fps (or 720p at 60 fps, depending on whether you prioritize frames or pixels). It simply connects to the CSI port on a Raspberry Pi via a ribbon cable and you’re ready to go.
The camera comes in two flavors: the V2 and the V2 NoIR. As the name sounds, the NoIR doesn’t have an infrared filter. This allows you to stream in the dark with infrared lighting. The overall quality the V2 camera provides is exceptional considering its price and simplicity.
While the V2 works with almost all versions of the Raspberry Pi, this camera (as well as other cameras using the same connector) will require a different connector to use with the Raspberry Pi Zero.
- Resolution: 8 MP; 1080p at 30 fps
- Focus: Adjustable
- Price: ~$30
Raspberry Pi Camera V3
Everything the V2 can do, the V3 can do better. No, seriously. The newest version of the Raspberry Pi camera board comes in four variations to fit your imaging needs.
The options available include both regular and wide angles, and either with or without infrared. The wide-angle versions offer an impressive 120-degree angle of view. This new and improved model comes with an upgraded 12-MP Sony IMX708 sensor delivering 2,304 x 1,296p at 56 fps. It can therefore shoot in HD while having better light sensitivity than its predecessor. Add in the new autofocus feature, and it’s a more than worthy successor to the V2 line.
- Resolution: 11.9 MP; 2,304 x 1,296p at 56 fps
- Focus: Auto
- Price: ~$25 (~$35 for wide-angle variations)
Raspberry Pi Camera HQ
While the V2 camera is basically a fixed-focus camera and the V3 boasts autofocus, the Raspberry HQ is a whole other story. This camera is equipped with a Sony IMX477 sensor and the rare feature of interchangeable lenses.
The camera has two versions for M12- and CS-mounts. The CS-mount model supports both CS-mount and C-mount lenses, enabling an entirely different experience than what you might’ve expected from a Raspberry Pi camera. You can even adjust the back focus with this model. While it may cost a bit more than other Raspberry Pi camera boards, it certainly delivers significant features and options for the price increase.
- Resolution: 12.3 MP; 2,028 x 1,080p at 50 fps
- Focus: Adjustable
- Price: ~$50
Arducam OV5647
There are other brands that can provide the camera system on a board just like those from the Raspberry Pi store, but without the high price tag. The Arducam has a number of different version types, but the 5-MP OV5647 model is one that has been picked for many OctoPrint setups as it’s just as easy to use as the Raspberry Pi branded cameras.
The Arducam uses a 1/4″ color CMOS QSXGA Omnivision OV5647 sensor to capture video up to 1080p. The image quality is comparable to the Raspberry Pi Camera V1. Most report being able to use it nearly identically to the Raspberry Pi cameras. While it’s set at an already low price point, it often goes on sale and may be found for under $10.
- Resolution: 5 MP; 1080p at 30 fps
- Focus: Fixed
- Price: ~$15
Basic USB Cameras
The Raspberry Pi is compatible with a wide array of USB cameras from a number of manufacturers. We’ve gathered a few of our favorites here to highlight the many options. Each is known to be compatible with OctoPrint and while they may not have all the bells and whistles, we’ll get to that in a bit.
Logitech C920 Pro
Logitech makes some of the best-known webcams available in the market. Among the many options that Logitech offers, the C920 stands out for its exceptional quality and reliability. Specifically, the video output is 1080p at 30 fps and it’s equipped with a 15-MP sensor for crisper images. The webcam performs well in low-light conditions, and a 20-step autofocus ensures that your feed is never blurry. It boasts a 78-degree field of view to frame up your feed.
Logitech also offers its own software for Windows that extends the functionalities of the webcam. The stereo microphone means that if you plan to use the webcam for uses other than OctoPrint, your voice will be heard loud and clear. Considering the features that the C920 offers, the higher price point seems justified. Due to its popularity, there’s a vast community with information and prints to meet any configuration needs.
- Resolution: 15 MP; 1080p at 30 fps
- Focus: Auto
- Price: ~$100
Logitech C270
Most of the Logitech family of webcams work well with OctoPrint. If you’re on a slightly tighter budget and need a webcam without all the bells and whistles, the Logitech C270 might be a better choice for you. The C270 is like a younger sibling in the Logitech family of webcams. It has a fixed-focus camera that can output 720p at 30 fps, and while that may not seem like much, it gets the job done well.
The quality of the video isn’t as exceptional as the C920, but it’s not disappointing either, although its field of view is also a bit narrower. If you just want a reliable webcam for your own personal use and care little about the advanced features, the C270 is one of the best budget webcams out there.
- Resolution: 8 MP; 720p at 30 fps
- Focus: Fixed
- Price: ~$40
Microsoft LifeCam Cinema
It’s not the most high-end option or the cheapest. It has a different barrel design that deviates from many other popular USB webcams today. So why does the Microsoft LifeCam Cinema make the list? Because it works.
The LifeCam Cinema has a proven track record and a price point that sits squarely in the mid-range. The sensor provides a basic 720p stream but the image is decently crisp and clear with a 78-degree field of view. The barrel design houses a glass lens and is attached to a removable “universal” mount that provides a 360-degree pivot making it easy to frame up your picture.
As a webcam that has been on the market for a number of years, it’s not uncommon to find it on discount at many retailers in addition to other LifeCam series models that provide both more and fewer features than this one. Most will work with OctoPrint reliably. This model can function well as your dedicated print streamer as well as a normal-use webcam.
- Resolution: 5 MP; 720p at 30 fps
- Focus: Auto
- Price: ~$70
USB Cameras with Built-In Lighting
We’ve covered some cameras that perform well in low light and even some that are IR-equipped for streaming in the dark. But what about those times when you just need some illumination on your subject? Shed a little light on things with these USB cameras that come with LEDs built-in and work with OctoPrint.
NexiGo N620E
NexiGo is another brand that has several models that are known to work well with OctoPrint but sometimes, we just want to add a bit more light to our setup.
Enter the NexiGo N620E. With its built-in ring light, you can adjust the dimmable light level and three preset color temperatures with just the tap of a button on top of the camera. It puts out a stream at 1080p with a very nice 60 fps. The dual noise-canceling microphones provide solid audio as well.
With a high-resolution video output and an autofocus system, your 3D print is always going to be clearly in focus and visibly detailed. At under $50, the NexiGo webcam is a good choice compared to other higher-end webcams with similar features without the built-in light.
- Resolution: 2 MP; 1080p at 60 fps
- Focus: Auto
- Price: ~$45
Razer Kiyo
The Razer Kiyo is another popular webcam that has taken the ring light and built it into the camera itself. Need some illumination on your subject? Just give the outer ring a twist and you can turn the light on and off while also dimming or brightening it to the level needed.
Streaming with 1080p at 30 fps, the camera provides a really nice image. Its low-light performance is rather good, but once the light is turned on, the image really comes through quite crisp. While designed to sit atop your monitor, the base is also threaded for standard tripod mounts to make placing it wherever you need a breeze.
- Resolution: 4 MP; 1080p at 60 fps
- Focus: Auto
- Price: ~$70
Repurposed USB Cameras
Not everyone can go out and buy a shiny new peripheral whenever they want to. Often your creative endeavors are limited to what you already have on hand. How can you add a camera to OctoPrint if you can’t buy one? Use the one you already have! Since they may not have originally been intended to stream your prints some may take a bit of fiddling to make them work, but that is part of the fun, isn’t it?
Wyze V3
This option comes from the ingenuity of the open-source community to re-purpose the camera with an OctoPrint setup. It’s designed for use as security or pet monitoring, but some features, like a wide field of view and good clarity even in low light conditions, make it ideal for print monitoring.
The newest model, Wyze V3, can output 1080p video at 20 fps with a 130-degree field of view. It also has a starlight sensor that allows for night-vision images in color. Since it’s meant to be an indoor and outdoor security cam, this is also the most ruggedly built camera on our list. It’s even IP65 weather- and dust-resistant.
That said, the quality of the video feed is good, and after all, it’s built for monitoring. Wyze even has a host of accessories for the camera (such as an LED spotlight add-on) that extend its capabilities. Just note that it’s not a plug-and-play camera like the others, and you’ll need to set up the Wyze to use as a USB webcam with OctoPrint.
- Resolution: 1080p at 20 fps
- Focus: Fixed
- Price: ~$36
PlayStation Eye
Millions of the PlayStation Eye cameras have been sold since the unit was introduced way back in 2007. Not truly intended as a webcam, the system uses a sort of computer detection and gesture recognition process to understand what the camera is seeing. But if you have one hiding in a closet, you can likely use it with OctoPrint.
The image you get is rather good by 2007 standards, streaming an image that’s clear enough for print monitoring. It also includes a four-microphone array (which makes up the bulk of the device) offering basic noise canceling and omnidirectional sound pickup. This, of course, was part of some gameplay and won’t be any real benefit for keeping an eye on your prints. However, the fixed lens has a manual rotation that can change the field of view from 56 degrees to 75 degrees, which is a useful feature.
Be forewarned that although this camera has a USB connection, it can’tbe considered plug-and-play. A number of guides exist across the web that detail approaches to get it running on your Raspberry Pi and control via OctoPrint.
- Resolution: 640 x 480p at 75 fps
- Focus: Fixed
- Price: ~$15
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