OctoPrint is one of the premier programs for 3D printers. The open-source platform allows you to control your device no matter where you are, which makes the overall process much more convenient. It’s quite nice to be able to start up a new project without having to get up and go to your printer.
However, Octoprint doesn’t work on its own. There are several additional pieces of hardware you’ll want to make sure the platform works smoothly. One such item is a webcam.
In this guide, we’ll go over the best webcams for OctoPrint to explain why they’re great and how they’ll help you get the most from the excellent tool.
Contents
Who Should Get This
These webcams are obviously for those who utilize OctoPrint. Anyone who actively uses the platform to control their printer remotely will want a webcam to help them keep track of projects and make sure that nothing goes awry during the printing.
Another bonus of these webcams is they let you keep an eye on your printer when you aren’t in the room. As such, if you’re someone who stores their printer in an odd or hard-to-get-to place (such as the basement or garage) these are great because you won’t have to get up and cross the house to see how your creation is coming along.
Best Webcam for OctoPrint: Our Top Picks
This section breaks down each top OctoPrint webcam by looking at their traits as well as the niches they fill.
1. eMeet C960
- Best For: Overall
- Key Features: Full HD video quality. Easy setup. 90-degree wide angle lens. Clear audio. 2-noise reduction mics.
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Video Capture Format: AVI
- Minimum Focal Length: 500 millimeters
The eMeer C960 is a powerful and versatile webcam. Not only does it come with full HD resolution, but you also get a 90-degree view and a privacy cover. That combo creates excellent security and a strong picture. The device also works with a range of models and applications.
The other stand out feature here is the audio. Many top webcams look great but suffer when it comes to sound. This doesn’t follow suit, delivering 2 omnidirectional noise reduction microphones that enhance your voice when you want to use it for more conventional purposes.
This webcam has a lot going for it. That’s good for feature-lovers, but it can be overwhelming for less experienced users. It will take some time to set up, but that’s more than worth it.
2. Microsoft LifeCam
- Best For: Image Quality
- Key Features: Excellent sound recording. Full 360-degree rotation. Universal attachment base with TrueColor technology. Widescreen.
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Video Capture Resolution: 720P
- Minimum Focal Length: 1.6 millimeters
The LifeCam from Microsoft is a strong device for all of your OctoPrint needs. The 720 HD quality does a great job, especially when backed by a high precision glass element lens to increase the general image quality. Everything is sharp and crystal clear.
Other excellent specs include the universal attachment base, full 360-degree rotation, and widescreen capabilities. That gives you a lot of versatility and greatly increases the number of ways you can use the device. The TrueColor technology is also vivid and bright.
The only area where you may find some issues here is in low light environments. The sensors work, but they aren’t as sharp when things get dim. Try to always use it with good lighting.
3. Logitech C920x
- Best For: Low Light
- Key Features: Wide mic range. 3-month XSplit VCam license. Dual mics. Advanced capture software. Autofocus.
- Video Capture Resolution: 720p
- Video Capture Format: H.264
- Minimum Focal Length: 0.01 millimeters
The C920x from Logitech is a great webcam that can be used for both basic and OctoPrint purposes. That’s mainly due to the combination of full HD 1080p video and the dual mics. The model manages to both look and sound great at the same time.
To back that up, this device comes with HD lighting adjustment and autofocus. Being able to perfectly fine tune an image, even in low light conditions, is a huge bonus for when trying to perfectly capture something you need to accurately 3D print.
This model doesn’t come with a privacy cover, which is a bit of a bummer. The image can also be a bit noisy from time to time. In well-lit rooms, however, you won’t see that at all.
4. NexiGo N660P
- Best For: Simplicity
- Key Features: Plug and play design. Dual stereo noise-canceling microphones. Privacy cover. Solid framerate. Autofocus.
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Video Capture Resolution: 1080p
- Image Capture Speed: 60fps
A lot of the time, good OctoPrint webcams are pretty involved. While the NexiGo N660P is by no means a low quality camera, it’s much more streamlined than similar options. Equipped with a plug-and-play design, the webcam can be set up with your OctoPrint in no time at all.
Beyond that, the image looks great too. The high-def resolution picture is extremely useful when it comes to 3D printing, and you can get sharp images in all different lighting scenarios. The noise-canceling microphones are also great for when you want to use it at your computer.
The only picture-related issue you might experience when using this model is that it can blur similar colors together in dim or low light. Always take time to get the perfect focus before finalizing your image.
5. Wyze Cam V2
- Best For: Versatility
- Key Features: Enhanced usability. Simple setup. MicroSD card. 3-axis design. Versatile and well-built.
- Connectivity Technology: Wireless
- Video Capture Resolution: 1080p
- Weight: 7.4 ounces
If you’re in the market for a solid OctoPrint webcam and don’t mind some extra setup time, the Wyze V2 is a great choice. This well-rounded model, originally intended to be a pet-monitoring camera, can be repurposed to be used with OctoPrint. You just need to set it up the right way.
Once you put in the work, this becomes an extremely useful device. The smaller footprint is always nice, as is the 3-axis design. Unlike other options, it gives you the ability to fully control the camera. It can be raised, tilted, and swiveled as you please.
Of course, your love of this device comes down to how much you’re willing to put in. If you want something that’s plug-and-play, this isn’t for you. However, the final product can be worth the effort.
6. PlayStation Eye
- Best For: Budget
- Key Features: Small footprint. Lightweight with strong zoom. Durable. Motion control and good audio. Affordable price point.
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Frame Rate: 60 hertz
- Weight: 8.1 ounces
Though it might be surprising to some, the PlayStation Eye is a fantastic pick for OctoPrint. This model is incredibly inexpensive, making it a great choice if you need to save some money, but it still has good tracking, frame rates, as well as top tier zoom capabilities.
As this is a PlayStation product, it’s also well made and incredibly reliable. While it’s not insanely durable, you can use it again and again without seeing any wear. The microphone is strong and the motion control works extremely well.
As this is a cheaper model, you aren’t getting a modern design. The stand is a bit basic compared to today’s standards and the hardware is dated. Still, it’s a perfect affordable option for OctoPrint.
How to Choose a Camera for OctoPrint
Image Quality
A webcam is a visual device. As such, you want yours to have excellent or advanced optics. Favor ones with HD resolution that shoots at a high number of frames per second. That will ensure all of the footage comes through crisp and clear. The entire point of the webcam is so you can keep updated on your printing. That isn’t possible with a blurry screen.
Attachments
Something else that’s important to take note of when getting your OctoPrint webcam is the base. Every camera model has a different base, as well as a specific surface that it can attach. Make sure whatever your webcam can attach fits your setup. If you need to put it on a desk, you want a flat, stable base, but if you want to stick it to the side of a desk you want a clamp model.
Compatibility
As mentioned, there are many great webcams on the market. However, not all of them work with OctoPrint. You don’t want to shell out money on what you think is a great model only to find out you can’t use it. Most USB cameras work with OctoPrint, but not all of them. The same goes for devices that are compatible with Raspberry Pi. Always double-check for that functionality.
Useful Tips and Information
OctoPrint has many advantages, and one of the biggest is the numerous plugins available for the platform. The add-ons provide you with extra versatility, but there are quite a few to choose from. Rather than search on your own, this post outlines the best ones and explains what makes them special.
Many people love OctoPrint. However, as useful as it is, it can be a lot if you aren’t familiar with the interface. Though you can try to learn it yourself, it is typically better to consult a guide (such as this one) to make sure you’re getting the most from the platform.
Final Thoughts
A webcam can do a lot for your 3D printing process. While it’s easy to overlook when setting up OctoPrint, it makes your life much, much easier.
There are a lot of great webcams out there, but only a select few work for OctoPrint in the way the ones listed above do. You simply won’t find a better way to keep an eye on your printed creations.
Do you have a 3D printer? What do you print the most and why? Let us know in the comments below.
