First, remember to use iPhone applications

To use your iPhone as a webcam, you need to install an application on your iPhone (which must be running to work) and a companion application on your PC or Mac Windows.The configuration is quite simple, but there is an even simpler alternative: native applications.

If you want to use a webcam to make Skype calls, chat with your colleagues on Zoom or Slack, or simply chat with your friends via WhatsApp, download the corresponding iPhone app instead.These applications are specially designed for a mobile experience and therefore work perfectly on the small screen.

If you want to have your hands free when you use your iPhone in this way, invest in a mobile phone.cheap tripod.You can buy tripods for smartphones to adapt any existing photo equipment you have.Or, you can get into a gorillapod you can fix it on almost any surface.

The main drawback of this solution is that you will be dependent on the microphone and the speaker of your iPhone.Wireless headphones, as AirPods are the best way to get around this problem.The sound quality is passable, and you will be much easier to understand with a microphone so close to your face.

Of course, you sometimes have to sit in front of a computer.For that, nothing replaces a dedicated webcam.Fortunately, you can also create it with your iPhone.

How to use your iPhone as a webcam

To use your iPhone as a webcam, you need to install an application on your phone and software on your computer.Unfortunately, your iPhone does not support this feature as soon as it leaves the packaging, and you must therefore use third -party software to make it work.

After trying several applications and read many criticisms, we recommend two: Epoccam (Windows and Mac), and Ivcam (Windows only).These are two premium products with generous free options, which allows you to try before buying.Windows versions support Windows 10, Windows 8 and Windows 7.

Epoccam for Mac and PC has three iPhone applications.The free version site has limits, the high definition version costs $ 7.99, and the $ 19.99.is intended for professionals who wish to use several cameras.The free version is limited to a resolution of 640 x 480 and includes a watermark on the image of the camera.

Ivcam works practically identically, but it is only available for Windows.The iPhone application site and the support software can be downloaded for free.The free version of IVCAM supports HD resolutions, but also includes a watermark on the video stream you can pay to delete.You can buy IVCAM for $ 9.99 on the developer's website or via an in-app purchase of $ 9.99.

In both cases, you can use a wireless connection or USB.You can choose a front or rear camera, use different lenses, and even activate the flash of your device to better illuminate the scene.If you decide that you like one or the other of these applications and want to unlock the full version, they are both excellent value for money (less than $ 10) compared to a webcam.

There is also an application called Icam ($ 4.99).Unfortunately, you can't try it before buying it.It also rests on UPNP for wireless connection, which may not be compatible with all routers.Another solution is NDI camera | HX Camera is a free application for video producers.However, it is a little more complicated than most people would not want it.

Whatever the application you choose, you will have to leave it open and operate on the screen of your iPhone while you use it as webcam.After installing your application and configuring your iPhone, you will have to go to the settings of your videoconferencing application.Select the virtual webcam as a webcam entrance device.

Tips for using an iPhone as webcam

A wired connection will always be more efficient than a wireless connection.If you want the most reliable webcam solution, drop the wireless and opt for a USB connection.The two applications we have chosen support a solid USB connection like the rock.Unless you walk in the house while chatting, Wi-Fi has little meaning here.

If you want to use your iPhone as a webcam, you will also need a way to keep it motionless.The best solution is a smartphone tripod, or a tripod support if you already have a tripod to use.

The Gorillapods are perfect for this because you can mount them practically anywhere.The Joby Giptight One site is a solid small tripod support for smartphones that sets itself and detaches almost instantly.The Cliptight Pro 2 site (illustrated below) comes with a Gorillapod of appropriate size in the box.If you are short of ideas, you can also make your own smartphone tripod medium using the following clips to classify.

Both applications allow you to use the rear camera, which you should absolutely do.Not only can you use the flash if necessary, but the back -oriented cameras of an iPhone are far superior to the selfie camera.If your iPhone is equipped with several goals, you can also choose between them.However, we recommend that you stick to the normal broad objective (and not ultra-large or telephoto) to obtain a more flattering length.

You can use Epoccam and Ivcam to capture sound, but you should probably not.The headphones are suitable, but an adequate office microphone will be ten times more efficient.You can also adjust your desktop lamp before jumping on a call to be sure not to look like a zombie.

Using your iPhone as a vacuum webcam its battery.If you do not use a USB connection (which loads your phone while you discuss), be sure to connect it to a power outlet.If the battery of your iPhone is exhausted while you are in communication, it will be the same for your video.