[Cbsupport] Web cameras for Linux

[Alastair Poole]

Hi Kylie,

Webcams and Linux are a strange thing.  There are two kernel and 
userspace APIs - V4L1 and V4L2 and therefore drivers use either of 
these.  Many programs don't support both userspace APIs at all or 
properly. 

With V4L2 colour conversion is now done outside of the kernel so it's up 
to the application to do correct colour conversions.  Essentially you 
won't find many cameras which will work with all applications.  The only 
program with any semi-sane functionality is gnomemeeting (Ekiga), 
however I don't think anyone wants to speak to other geeks (as that is 
all you can talk to easily).

I have a V4L2 camera that I am happy to give away to whoever wants it.  
It will work with Linux but like almost all other cameras, it won't work 
with all applications.

The main reason we have no video for Skype on Linux is the fragmentation 
of the Video4Linux project (they are already talking about V4L3).  So 
don't expect any fun for a long time, also they are out of resources and 
time.  Webcams and Linux really don't go together very well I'm afraid 
to say.  If you are interested in discussing the problems of Linux and 
video devices you can try speaking to mchebab on the freenode IRC 
network (head of the Video4Linux Project).

Anyway I hope this helps a bit.

regards,

Alastair

Kylie Davies wrote:
> Hi folks, 
>
> I'm wondering if anyone has had any recent experience with buying a web
> camera for Linux? 
>
> If so what camera did you get, where and approximately how much did it
> cost? Maybe you just know of a camera that will work. 
>
> Please send answers to this list, the person who wants to know is on
> it. :)
>
> Thanks!
>
> Kylie 
>
>
>