Can someone help me with Linux approved webcams that can zoom?

Support & Help Requests
1

I need a webcam that can zoom to about 30 yards and is Linux approved.

I live on a ranch with a big front yard.

I would like one with the best reviews.

Thanks.

2

To post on the Ubuntu Community Hub, you need to read posts for at least 15 minutes to gain Trust Level 1. After that, you’ll be able to create new topics. More info: Ubuntu Community Hub FAQ.

For a Linux-compatible webcam with zoom, here are top options:

Logitech Brio 4K – High-quality, digital zoom, works well on Linux.

NexiGo N60 1080P – Budget-friendly, adjustable FOV, digital zoom.

Angetube 1080P – Streaming-focused, manual focus for some zoom.

MOKOSE 4K – Compact, manual zoom lens.

SVPRO 5-50mm – Adjustable optical zoom for precise control.

Check Amazon reviews and use Guvcview for more settings on Linux.

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3

You might also want to consider what was mentioned on Reddit:

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4

Thanks Philippe.

I would like a camera that can zoom to about 30 yards if possible.

I live on a horse ranch with a big front yard.

1 Like
5

I found out that my camera can zoom.

Can someone help me record my webcam zooming in?

So I can post it.

6

fixit7, many of your posts to ask help, not concerning Ubuntu mate, and most missing details to help you.
To allow us to help you better and quickly, you need to share all details about your concerning, with pictures of possible. Search on internet to learn how to explain an issue.
For your camera, which camera and with what app?

7

I do the best I can Philippe.

I mean this kindly. If answering my posts bothers you, I would suggest not answering.

Guvcview using a

Microsoft Corp. LifeCam HD-5000

8

I like help others. I consider helping you to allow you to better describe your problems.

Any way,

The Microsoft LifeCam HD-5000 does not have built-in optical zoom, but you can achieve digital zoom using software. Since Guvcview does not provide a direct zoom option, you have a few alternative approaches:

  1. Use v4l2-ctl (if supported by the camera)

First, check if your camera supports zoom controls:

v4l2-ctl --all

If you see a zoom-related option, you can adjust it with:

v4l2-ctl --set-ctrl=zoom_absolute=200

(Change 200 to your desired zoom level.)

  1. Use ffmpeg with scale (cropping & resizing)

If your goal is to zoom into a specific area, you can use ffmpeg to process the video stream:

ffmpeg -i /dev/video0 -vf "crop=640:360:100:100,scale=1280:720" -f v4l2 /dev/video1

Then, open /dev/video1 in Guvcview instead of /dev/video0.

  1. Use obs-studio for real-time zoom

Install OBS:

sudo apt install obs-studio

Add your webcam as a source, then use the scale & crop feature to zoom in.

Use OBS Virtual Camera to stream the zoomed video to Guvcview.

  1. Use cheese (GNOME webcam tool)

If Guvcview doesn't allow zooming, you can try cheese, which has a built-in digital zoom:

sudo apt install cheese
cheese

Use the effects option to zoom in digitally.

Let me know if you need help with any of these methods!

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Guvcview allows some zooming.

But I will check out v4l2.