Arch Linux

arash28134

Member

Registered: 2024-03-19

Posts: 30

[SOLVED] Webcam outputs low res image and fps

When I use my webcam in programs like obs or guvcview, the output is very low quality (160x120) specially when considering that it supports up to 720p (which is what's written in its manual and the image quality when tested in Windows). The fps is also very low, in guvcview it's 10/1 while it should be 30.

$ v4l2-ctl --list-devices
C270 HD WEBCAM (usb-0000:00:14.0-6.3):
	/dev/video0
	/dev/video1
	/dev/media0

Last edited by arash28134 (2024-08-24 08:14:04)

---

All men's miseries derive from not being able to sit in a quiet room alone. - Blaise Pascal

mpan

Member

Registered: 2012-08-01

Posts: 1,345

Website

Re: [SOLVED] Webcam outputs low res image and fps

The camera starts with some default settings. It has to be configured first.

If using Guvcview, in “Video Controls” tab there are options to set resolution, framerate, and frame format. Pay attention to the last one: for 720p you probably want MJPEG or H.264, not raw RGB/YUVU frames. The latter may require too much bandwidth.

---

Sometimes I seem a bit harsh — don’t get offended too easily!

arash28134

Member

Registered: 2024-03-19

Posts: 30

Re: [SOLVED] Webcam outputs low res image and fps

The camera starts with some default settings. It has to be configured first.

If using Guvcview, in “Video Controls” tab there are options to set resolution, framerate, and frame format. Pay attention to the last one: for 720p you probably want MJPEG or H.264, not raw RGB/YUVU frames. The latter may require too much bandwidth.

Neither MJPEG nor H.264 are available as frame formats in both obs and guvcview. the only available options are: YUYV 4:2:2, BGR3 (Emulated), YU12 (Emulated), YV12 (Emulated); from which they all output the mentioned resolution.

---

All men's miseries derive from not being able to sit in a quiet room alone. - Blaise Pascal

arash28134

Member

Registered: 2024-03-19

Posts: 30

Re: [SOLVED] Webcam outputs low res image and fps

running v4l2-ctl --info --list-formats, the format wasn't available there either. I realized the problem was hardware-related. again tested in windows and realized yes, same quality there. the problem was actually from a cheap USB Hub I was using that  I assume wasn't providing enough power to the webcam. I wasn't surprised anyway.

Now I'm using MJPG with no issues.

Last edited by arash28134 (2024-08-24 08:15:15)

---

All men's miseries derive from not being able to sit in a quiet room alone. - Blaise Pascal