Most Linux distributions come with a default application for WebCam, it can vary from one distribution to another, in addition, the characteristics of each application can be basic or very extensive depending on the approach. I am not very fond of use of the WebCam, but on several occasions I find myself obliged to use it, looking for an application that would help me improve the quality of the image that it transmitted. I met QtCAM.
In summary and as a preview, I can say that QtCAM is a lightweight application, with various features, that are worth trying.
QtCAM
What is QtCAM?
It is a free and open source tool that allows us to capture and view videos broadcast by our WebCam using multiple image settings, color effects, and recording settings. In addition, it allows us to capture photos of what is transmitted by WebCam.
This powerful and practical tool is made in QT, has an easy-to-use interface, with compactness for various multimedia formats.
In practice, QtCAM allows recording, previewing, image adaptation, compression and various processes that allow our videos to be of the quality we want.
It is worth noting that QtCAM allows the use of up to 6 cameras in simultaneous transmission. There are several WebCam that are compatible with this software, you can see a list of compatible cameras Click here.
How to install QtCAM
Users of the various Linux distributions can install QtCAM from its source code which they can download from here.
Install QtCAM on Arch Linux and Derivatives
Arch Linux and derivative users can install this excellent WebCAM application using AUR.
yaourt -S qtcam-git
Install QtCAM on Ubuntu and Derivatives
To install on Ubuntu 16.04, you need to run the following command in terminal:
$ sudo apt-add-repository ppa: qtcam / xenial $ sudo apt-get update $ sudo apt-get install qtcam
To install on Ubuntu 15.10, you need to run the following command in terminal:
$ sudo apt-add-repository ppa: qtcam / wily $ sudo apt-get update $ sudo apt-get install qtcam
To install on Ubuntu 14.04, you need to run the following command in terminal:
$ sudo apt-add-repository ppa: qtcam / trusty $ sudo apt-get update $ sudo apt-get install qtcam
To install on Ubuntu 12.04, you need to run the following command in terminal:
$ sudo apt-add-repository ppa: qtcam / precise $ sudo apt-get update $ sudo apt-get install qtcam
Conclusions about QtCAM: «The practical application for WebCam»
Although I am not usually a user of these applications, I can confess that QtCAM covers all the functionalities that I require for me. It allows me to use both the integrated WebCAM of my laptop and an external one, its excellent multi-camera capacity helps me in the emission of videos where I have to present different shots of what I am doing.
The lighting modification process has helped me considerably, since in summer my office is much brighter than normal, so this tool has allowed me to improve the quality of my videos.
As it is done with QT, it integrates perfectly with the KDE Neon installation that I have, and where the whole multimedia issue goes best.
I recommend trying and using this tool, and I would also love to know about someone else related to this topic, which is not the one I like the most, but lately it is the one I need the most.