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Using Web Cams for Broadcast, ie) Zoom / Google Duo, etc.
It seems like webcams are being used a lot these days for broadcast. And I was wondering what the best capture method might be, including the best software to use. I hear some shows send go pros to their guests to hook up and use rather than webcams but that is not a viable method each and every time. One possible way I’ve looked into doing it – is to set my computer display to 4k – record the screen using Screenflow – putting the browser at full screen mode – and using Google Duo – it seems a little better than Zoom. Then exporting a ProRes422 HQ from Screenflow – bringing that into Topaz Video Enhance AI to deblock and denoise it.. and to sweeten as best as possible. And it gives fairly good results… However, flipping thru the dial – there’s a plethora of shows out there that seem to have a better way of doing it. Their webcams have a better frame rate and video quality. So I’m just wondering what their methods might be – or how you would go about it. Does anyone have any advice for me – on capturing the absolute best quality from a webcam? Keeping in mind – these people may be in big cities with great high speed internet – or they can also be in rural areas with dodgy internet – and thus – are connecting thru their phones. I appreciate any advice the Creative Cow Community can provide. Thanks a bunch!
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6 Replies
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I know Vmix uses something called Vmix call and they use a proprietary connection to the camera on the other side. Vmix is a big boy tool but it is solid for this. I have tried a plugin for Skype but not everyone can log into Skype especially corporate clients who swear by Microsoft teams because of it’s proposed security, but it’s got as many holes as Wisconsin Swiss cheese!
I’ve done your method as well…Screenflow and record oversized but also had frame rate issues.
Nothing is perfect yet especially at an entry level price.
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Thanks so much for taking the time to reply Rich – I’ll check out Vmix. I’m really curious as to how people are doing this nowadays – since it seems so prevalent on so many shows.
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Unfortunately, just realized Vmix is only available for Windows. So I won’t be able to give it a spin. I’m running a mac here. Thanks though.
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You can’t believe how many users are begging for a Mac version!
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We’ve been using Riverside.FM which is excellent. It’s very easy to use so an interviewee doesn’t need to possess any technical skills outside of setting up their own video and audio equipment. Riverside.FM operates very similarly to a Zoom session but it records each participant locally through each person’s Chrome browser and simultaneously uploads that local file to a cloud location. It records at the quality level of each participants camera. If someone has a 4k webcam, then that person will be recorded at 4k. It also records 48k audio.
To make recordings even better, you could send a real camera to an interviewee. We’ve done Riverside.FM recordings with people who have a DSLR camera instead of a webcam and the results are great. We’ve also sent lav mics out.
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I’ve seen where they use iPhones to record using Filmic Pro and a separate laptop for streaming/directing. You also need dual audio and the best lighting. Lighting will make all the difference no matter how you record it.
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