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Nowadays, the majority of laptops come equipped with an integrated webcam that allows for live streaming, video calls, and self-portrait photography. However, the best Linux camera apps are distributions lack a built-in camera software, unlike Mac or Windows. As a result, you require a third-party camera app on your computer to effectively use your webcam. Linux offers a variety of choices in this area. Sadly, not every one of them is as good or has the essential webcam functions.
Numerous free and the best Linux camera apps are available for the Linux operating system. Ubuntu needs a powerful camera and video recorder like Kamoso or a surveillance camera like Motion. Modern laptops and notebooks include hardware for a webcam that can take pictures or record videos. A USB camera or cameras can also be connected over a network.
Best Linux Camera Apps Comparison Table
These tiny cameras enable users to videoconference with coworkers and clients, send video emails around the world, and even broadcast a TV-like channel over the internet. Users may also chat in real-time with friends and family. Other people utilize a camera as a component of a security system, utilizing motion detection to get warnings for image and video intrusions inside and outside of a structure or residence.
| Feature | Kamoso | HasciiCam | QtCAM | Webcamoid | Motion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| User Interface | User-friendly | Terminal-based | User-friendly | User-friendly | Command-line & Web UI |
| Capture Photos | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Record Videos | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Streaming | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Customization | Limited | No | Limited | Extensive | Extensive |
| Platform | Linux | Linux | Linux | Linux, Windows, macOS | Linux |
| Documentation | Available | Limited | Available | Available | Available |
| Download Link | Download Now | Download Now | – | Download Now | Download Now |
Here is the list of Best Linux Camera Apps
The GNU General Public License is what the top Linux camera apps are required to use in order to be distributed. Linux is a software program that is relied on by both experienced professionals and novice users alike. One of these programs is considered to be the finest Linux camera apps available. Users of Linux have access to a wide choice of software for IP cameras, security cameras, and CCTV cameras. It can be challenging for a user to identify the alternative that most successfully satisfies their requirements.
Kamoso
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Video Recording | Capture video from your webcam with various settings. |
| Photo Capture | Take photos using your webcam. |
| Filters and Effects | Apply real-time filters, effects, and adjustments to video and images. |
| User-Friendly Interface | Easy-to-use interface for quick webcam access and recording. |
| Integration | Seamlessly integrates with KDE Plasma desktop environment. |
| Open Source | Kamoso is open-source software, allowing customization and community support. |
| Download Now |
The KDE community created the Linux webcam application Kamoso, which runs on Qt. It is a free tool that enables you to record videos and take screenshots using your camera. Programming in the C++ language is used to create Kamoso. Its capacity to quickly and simply capture photographs is one of its characteristics. It is licensed as open-source. Any user may easily operate this program thanks to its very user-friendly graphical interface. So, if you want one of the best Linux camera apps, we highly recommend these apps.
The Good
- Simple and user-friendly interface.
- Basic webcam functionality for capturing photos and videos.
- Integration with KDE Plasma desktop environment.
The Bad
- Limited advanced features compared to other webcam software.
HasciiCam
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| ASCII Art Conversion | Convert webcam captures into ASCII art images. |
| Terminal-Based Interface | Utilizes the terminal for webcam functionality and ASCII rendering. |
| Customization | Adjust settings for webcam capture, resolution, and ASCII output. |
| Niche Appeal | Appeals to users interested in retro and artistic ASCII creations. |
| Lightweight | Minimal resource usage, suitable for low-end systems and terminal enthusiasts. |
| Open Source | HasciiCam is open-source software, allowing customization and community support. |
| Download Now |
A special command-line tool called HasciiCam enables users to upload video in plain text to the internet. The camera images are transformed to ASCII letters and then included in an HTML website using the refresh tag. As an alternative, recorded videos can be stored as text files or displayed in a HasciiCam window. Still, it is one of the best Linux camera apps that you can consider.
Any device compatible with Video4Linux is supported by HasciiCam. It is necessary to specify a supported size when utilizing a USB webcam. The minimum or maximum detected size should function additionally, a size of 160120 typically produces satisfactory results. Unsupported sizes will produce unexpected results.
The Good
- Unique and fun concept of creating ASCII art from webcam input.
- Provides a creative way to use your webcam.
- Lightweight and terminal-based.
The Bad
- Limited functionality beyond generating ASCII art.
QtCAM
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Webcam Control | Access and control your webcam for video and image capture. |
| Settings Customization | Adjust webcam settings such as resolution, frame rate, and exposure. |
| Video and Photo Capture | Record videos and take photos with your webcam. |
| Multi-Platform Support | Available on multiple platforms, including Linux and Windows. |
| User Interface | Provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface for webcam management. |
| Open Source | QtCAM is open-source software, allowing customization and community support. |
Open source Linux webcam software from e-con is called QtCAM. An easier user interface is provided by this Qt Ubuntu camera software program for recording and viewing video from devices that are supported by the Linux UVC driver. Any device that is V4L2 compliant could also use it. Built on the Qt Quick interface are the QtCAM application controls.
Users were able to stream videos from up to 6 cameras at once. This Open Source Webcam Software was first released with compatibility for all of e-USB con’s cameras, and the most recent upgrade (v4.0.1) added support for third party cameras. So, if you want one of the best Linux camera apps, we highly recommend this apps.
The Good
- Offers various settings and controls for webcam configuration.
- Supports multiple camera devices.
- Provides a range of image adjustment options.
The Bad
- User interface may be less intuitive for beginners.
- Advanced features may require more technical knowledge.
Webcamoid
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Extensive Webcam Control | Offers comprehensive control over webcam settings and functionality. |
| Filters and Effects | Apply real-time filters, effects, and overlays to webcam video and images. |
| Multiple Webcam Support | Access and manage multiple webcams simultaneously. |
| Recording and Streaming | Record videos, capture images, and live stream using your webcam. |
| Customization | Customize UI, shortcuts, and hotkeys for personalized usage. |
| Download Now |
A free and best Linux camera apps is called Webcamoid. You can use your webcam to take images and make films. The program provides unique settings for each webcam if your setup includes several webcams, making it simple to handle all of your webcams at once. Multiple recording formats are supported by Webcamoid.
When you want to feed a video recording to other programs, the functionality for a virtual webcam is also included. You may add various effects to your photos and movies using Webcamoid if you’re like that sort of thing. Additionally, the software supports plugins, allowing you to supplement its functionality as necessary.
The Good
- Comprehensive webcam software with a wide range of features.
- Supports image and video capture, effects, and streaming.
- Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, Linux).
The Bad
- Extensive feature set may be overwhelming for some users.
Motion
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Surveillance System | Turn your webcam into a motion-detection surveillance system. |
| Motion Detection | Detect and capture video when motion is detected in the camera’s field of view. |
| Customization | Configure motion sensitivity, recording settings, and alerts. |
| Notifications | Receive email notifications and alerts when motion is detected. |
| Remote Access | View camera feeds remotely through a web browser or mobile app. |
| Download Now |
Webcams are the main focus of the security program Motion. Its main function is to watch film and look for both subtle and noticeable changes. Along with network cameras, Motion offers compatibility for Video4Linux webcam devices. For the numerous devices that can connect to it, this webcam software can handle a number of different kinds of streams that are clearly differentiated.
Linux users who desire comprehensive control over their system’s security will find the Motion security monitoring application to be excellent due to its high level of configurability and its dozens of settings, features, and other customization choices. Thus, these apps is one of the best Linux camera apps available right now.
The Good
- Specializes in motion detection and surveillance purposes.
- Can turn a webcam into a security camera.
- Provides alerts and recording based on detected movement.
The Bad
- Primarily focused on security applications.
BlueCherry
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Video Surveillance | Provides a comprehensive video surveillance solution using webcams. |
| Motion Detection | Detect and record video when motion is detected. |
| Multi-Camera Support | Manage and monitor multiple cameras simultaneously. |
| Alerts and Notifications | Receive email notifications and alerts based on motion events. |
| Remote Access | Access camera feeds and controls remotely through a web interface. |
| Download Now |
The best Linux camera apps are supported by the Linux video surveillance program Bluecherry. The Bluecherry software supports ONVIF, uses GPU for motion detection, and has a small memory footprint. This indicates that multiple streams can be supported on a less expensive server with a supported GPU. BlueCherry provides a number of functions, including production/import management.
Purchasing and receiving, order-to-cash management, extensive reporting, and more. It was created to assist fashion and footwear firms in planning, managing, and optimizing supply chain and distribution activities. Through charts, graphs, and summary reports, business analytics provide users with actionable insight into problems, trends, and opportunities.
The Good
- Robust surveillance software with webcam support.
- Offers features like motion detection, recording, and remote access.
- Suitable for building a comprehensive security camera system.
The Bad
- Primarily designed for surveillance, may lack features for casual webcam use.
How to Choose a Best Linux Camera App?
There are a lot of Linux camera apps, and each one has its own pros and cons. Here are some things to think about when looking for the best Linux camera app:
- Features: Some camera apps have more features than others, like the ability to take time-lapse pictures, record videos, or change the exposure and white balance.
- Ease of use: For new users, some camera apps are easier to use than others.
- Compatibility: Make sure that the camera app works with both your version of Linux and your webcam.
Questions and Answers
Some of the best camera apps for Linux include Cheese, Guvcview, OBS Studio, and Webcamoid. These apps offer various features for capturing photos, recording videos, and streaming content.
Camera apps can be installed on Linux using package managers like APT (for Debian-based systems) or Yum (for Red Hat-based systems). For example, to install Cheese, you can use the command: sudo apt-get install cheese.
Yes, many camera apps on Linux, such as Cheese and Guvcview, support video conferencing through applications like Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet. You can configure these apps to use your webcam for video calls.