Camcorder Web Cam

BlackadderBlackadder
edited February 2004 in Internet & Media
Hi,

I want to setup a web cam to stream live video to a Shoutcast server. I currently use a Creative Labs PC-CAM 300 and relay the stream to a dedicated server and broadcast @ 500Kbps to 32 people max.

Picture quality from the Creative Labs webcam is crappy.

So what I am trying to figure out is, how can I get a better looking live stream from the source?

Digital Camera with USB
I figured I could do what I am doing now, USB streaming, but buy a better camera. I am currently using the Creative Labs PC-CAM 300. Would buying a better digital camera improve the stream or is there a limitation to USB streaming?

I recently saw a 5.5MP digital camera that has USB and Video out with a PC Cam mode.

http://www.orite.com.tw/VC3240/vc3240.htm

Camcorder with USB Streaming
Same as above but with a camcorder.

Camcorder with Firewire/iLink Streaming
Not sure about this, can live video be streamed through a Firewire connection? What program would I use, Helix producer?

Camcorder with Video Out
Plug camcorder into a device on my PC that has video in.

Any help would be appreciated.

Comments

  • croc_croc_ New
    edited February 2004
    Oh, that would be sweet!!! I would also like to know.
  • CammanCamman NEW! England Icrontian
    edited February 2004
    I have a Sony TRV-250, it is a Digital Camcorder that has Video out, USB out, and FireWire out/in. The USB function is listed primarily for doing what you want to do, a high quality USB webcam, where as the FireWire is for transferring raw video data from tapes to your harddrive. I'm not sure about streaming via FireWire, but as I said, the USB function is for doing just what you are saying here, and it is quite high quality.

    I'm not sure how much you're looking to spend but this is the lowest level camera in the series and it's a $400 camcorder, so, thats a price point for you. I do more digital video type stuff rather than need it for a webcam so I'm probably upgrading to one of the new series Sony MiniDV cameras because they have slightly better resolution, but mostly because I need external audio (the TRV-250 only alllows for using the onboard stereo mic :( )

    if you have anymore questions, i'm happy to answer them to the best of my knowledge, I love DV stuff!
  • BlackadderBlackadder
    edited February 2004
    Yeah I was looking at the Sony TRV-250 because of the USB Stream capability. What is the quality like if you use it as a webcam?
  • CammanCamman NEW! England Icrontian
    edited February 2004
    I used to stream all my video exclusively through the USB because I didnt get a FireWire card and the quality is pretty damn good, I think. All the video on my site currently was transferred and captured via USB because I havent filmed and posted anything since I got my FireWire card, the quality is quite good, MUCH better than a "web cam". I also have a USB webcam and the quality is just horrendous compared to this.

    As it should be, the web cam cost me $50, the camera cost me $400
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