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Webcam upgrade - is it worth it? (earnings increase)
I have a question for you bbs - I'm currently working SM and using a webcam that streams using the hd encoder, but the quality isn't as good as logitech c920 that seems to be the most recommended webcam here (I'm using logitech c270 which is a grade worse)
So my question for those of you who have upgraded webcams / were in a similar situation - did your earnings raise substantially (enough to justify the cost)?
I would assume it's worth it, but I keep seeing top girls on SM who have really choppy video stream, so maybe that's not the most important thing here.
I'm only on SM for a couple of months until I hit my income goal and don't want to ball out on the best equipment since I won't need it for long.
Thanks in advance
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Re: Webcam upgrade - is it worth it? (earnings increase)
It's like $70. If you have choppy video with what you have now...Yeeaaahhhhh totally worth it.
You can totally sell if/when when you stop.
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Re: Webcam upgrade - is it worth it? (earnings increase)
They have choppy video stream because of their internet, not because of the logitech. I found the Logitech c920 for only $70, so I'd say it's worth it if you can easily spend that money.
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Re: Webcam upgrade - is it worth it? (earnings increase)
As has been mentioned, their stream is choppy because of their Internet (or maybe problems with their computer or the encoder), not because of their webcam. I did see an increase in income when I upgraded from a ~$30 720p cam to the c920, and really, it's only $70. If going without that $70 means going without food or something then no, the c920 isn't worth it but if not then it's worth the investment. If you have good regulars you might even be able to get them to buy it for you or send an Amazon giftcard for the amount (careful with this on SM though--that's best discussed over Twitter or other non-SM contact methods.)
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Re: Webcam upgrade - is it worth it? (earnings increase)
yes, the choppy streams are due to internet connectivity issues rather than their webcam. The c920 is an excellent investment. It'll give you one less thing to troubleshoot if your set-up starts going wonky. My stream is crystal clear. :)
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Re: Webcam upgrade - is it worth it? (earnings increase)
Investing in better webcam equipment is an important part of being in business as a webcam model.
computers last about 5 years or so, and webcams and video cameras pretty much last your whole career the same with lighting. the minute you can buy the top of the line of what you can afford then go for it.
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Re: Webcam upgrade - is it worth it? (earnings increase)
The best thing you can invest in is your equipment, lighting and webcams in particular. It is what your livelihood is built on, and keeping up with the latest technology will more than pay for itself x
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Re: Webcam upgrade - is it worth it? (earnings increase)
Thanks gals, I just ordered it. Hope it will make a difference xx
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Re: Webcam upgrade - is it worth it? (earnings increase)
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Re: Webcam upgrade - is it worth it? (earnings increase)
Upgrading is ALWAYS worth it. No matter what.
First reason - better quality, better picture = better customers with more money. Many guys are REALLY picky about the quality of the cams AND video content they watch.
Second and last reason - MONEY MONEY MONEY MONEY MONEY. :)
But you have to have the speed of the Internet Speed that you need to back it up. If you have a choppy stream, then you need to upgrade that as well. Call your provider and price it - and upgrade it if you can.. again - better quality, more money.
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Re: Webcam upgrade - is it worth it? (earnings increase)
i upgraded to an logitech orbit camera once - I dont remember which one but it sucked - really bad - I hated that camera - I went back to my 9000 -
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Re: Webcam upgrade - is it worth it? (earnings increase)
Yeah the orbit, is not great. Stick with the logitech 9000, c910 or c920.
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Re: Webcam upgrade - is it worth it? (earnings increase)
I actually did upgrade from the c270 to the c920 and noticed a difference but still not crystal clear due to my 1mb upload speed. I'm getting better internet in a week so I can update here too if I remember
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Re: Webcam upgrade - is it worth it? (earnings increase)
is anyone using the SM recommended bcc950
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Re: Webcam upgrade - is it worth it? (earnings increase)
Update:
Meh.
Honestly didn't notice much of a difference in earnings, even though my stream looks better.
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Re: Webcam upgrade - is it worth it? (earnings increase)
I upgraded to a DSLR and noticed a big difference in earnings, (more pvts, more often), even though I didn't know all the settings on my cam at first and it was in manual focus all the time, now it's continuous auto and I use a dongle that takes the cpu load away. A few boys thought I was a video stream and not a real person.
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Re: Webcam upgrade - is it worth it? (earnings increase)
I upgraded to the logitech c920 and it's silly how much better it is. My customers comment on it, and it's all in HD which means amazing quality video.
Naively assuming you pay taxes, it's a work expense.
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Re: Webcam upgrade - is it worth it? (earnings increase)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Nikki_Fox
is anyone using the SM recommended bcc950
I've noticed a lot of models on SM using this camera. I am thinking of getting it or their newer conference camera.
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Re: Webcam upgrade - is it worth it? (earnings increase)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
hyori
I upgraded to a DSLR and noticed a big difference in earnings, (more pvts, more often), even though I didn't know all the settings on my cam at first and it was in manual focus all the time, now it's continuous auto and I use a dongle that takes the cpu load away. A few boys thought I was a video stream and not a real person.
I have a Nikon DSLR camera - how do you use it as a cam??
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Re: Webcam upgrade - is it worth it? (earnings increase)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Nikki_Fox
I have a Nikon DSLR camera - how do you use it as a cam??
You need a video capture card or dongle that will convert your HDMI output to something like USB3. I use the Magewell XI100USB to HDMI http://www.magewell.com/hardware/don...s.html?lang=en because it is the simplest one. It is expensive for a capture device at around $300 but worth every penny for the reliability. I've tried other cards but they were just too buggy and drove me crazy with all the adjustments. This one you just plug and play. Literally, it turns any HDMI output into a webcam rather than an USB device so it makes things SO easy for camming. It also takes the streaming load off the cpu so you don't get any latency and your SM ratings stay the same even when you splitcam. Only the roundtrip comes down when you do like 5 sites at once.
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Re: Webcam upgrade - is it worth it? (earnings increase)
I have been thinking about this. I made the jump and bought the c920 about a month ago; I did notice a huge difference from the 650 I'd been using (and a 650 who was kind of myopic after many crashes against the floor.
I'm not fascinated with my quality. I cam from a futon, I try to keep the camera as close to me as possible, and I still feel I'm out of focus. Everything has a weird yellowish color that is exacerbated by SM. The software is crap.
I have a nikkon dslr too but I'm terrified of fucking breaking it. I'm so clumsy and it's really not mine but mu hubby's --he has not problem with me using it but he'll be PISSED if I break it.
I keep wondering if I should upgrade my lights before trying to incorporate a better camera. My lighting is shit, basically all the lamps in the house crowded around me --and still my stream looks dark to me. I can't really afford better lights right now, but sometimes I wonder if it's the camera?
sorry to go Off-topic but I want my cam to look better and I don't know what would be the smartest move.
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Re: Webcam upgrade - is it worth it? (earnings increase)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Tigrillo
I have been thinking about this. I made the jump and bought the c920 about a month ago; I did notice a huge difference from the 650 I'd been using (and a 650 who was kind of myopic after many crashes against the floor.
I'm not fascinated with my quality. I cam from a futon, I try to keep the camera as close to me as possible, and I still feel I'm out of focus. Everything has a weird yellowish color that is exacerbated by SM. The software is crap.
I have a nikkon dslr too but I'm terrified of fucking breaking it. I'm so clumsy and it's really not mine but mu hubby's --he has not problem with me using it but he'll be PISSED if I break it.
I keep wondering if I should upgrade my lights before trying to incorporate a better camera. My lighting is shit, basically all the lamps in the house crowded around me --and still my stream looks dark to me. I can't really afford better lights right now, but sometimes I wonder if it's the camera?
sorry to go Off-topic but I want my cam to look better and I don't know what would be the smartest move.
YEs C920 needs lots of lightning,that's why is looking crap.I thought the same when i bought it,and then i added some more powerful lights.
On topic: I have had a c920 for more than 1 year and i also want to buy now a handy cam and some lightning system with umbrellas and all stuff.
Can't wait! I was pleased with this c920..and still am,but i want soemthing even better :D
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Re: Webcam upgrade - is it worth it? (earnings increase)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Tigrillo
I have been thinking about this. I made the jump and bought the c920 about a month ago; I did notice a huge difference from the 650 I'd been using (and a 650 who was kind of myopic after many crashes against the floor.
I'm not fascinated with my quality. I cam from a futon, I try to keep the camera as close to me as possible, and I still feel I'm out of focus. Everything has a weird yellowish color that is exacerbated by SM. The software is crap.
I have a nikkon dslr too but I'm terrified of fucking breaking it. I'm so clumsy and it's really not mine but mu hubby's --he has not problem with me using it but he'll be PISSED if I break it.
I keep wondering if I should upgrade my lights before trying to incorporate a better camera. My lighting is shit, basically all the lamps in the house crowded around me --and still my stream looks dark to me. I can't really afford better lights right now, but sometimes I wonder if it's the camera?
sorry to go Off-topic but I want my cam to look better and I don't know what would be the smartest move.
Ah I forgot to add,u just need other light bulbs,more powerful.And that's it..
Also,did u "play" with the webcam settings? U should first click on "restore to defaults" button,from the "advanced settings",and then uncheck the right sound,auto focus and right light.Also uncheck the "auto" button at gain and exposure and white ballance.
After that ,set the exposure level at some point where the webcam is not looking with those moving horizontal lines on screen (idk how to explain but u will see when they dissapear).
Then,set the gain level as u want to obtain a nice, bright and clear image (it should look natural,not too bright,not too dark).
One tip: if the exposure and gain level are too high set,it definately means u need better lights.I also need (usually should not be higher than 50%. 50% means when you set too much in the right).
Then adjust your white ballance and play with contrast and colors at the end.
This should help,I hope.
Sorry for bad english (is not my native language), i tried to explain as better as i could.