How to Record Using a Webcam

Do you need to record a message to send to colleagues, friends or relatives? Or do you want to upload or broadcast a video on the Internet? You can record yourself in a variety of ways on your PC or Mac. This article will show you how to record using Debut Video Capture or Windows Movie Maker software on PC, or use QuickTime on Mac.

Use Windows Movie Maker to Record from Webcam

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Check your webcam's USB connection port if you are using an external camera. Point the camera towards you, and position it as close as possible to get the best sound quality.

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Adjust input volume to maximum level. Remember to turn off the Mute function.

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Run the Windows Movie Maker software. At the "Home" menu, click to select "Webcam Video".

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Start recording by pressing the "Red/Record" button. If you want to save the video, press the "Blue/Stop" button. Name the file then Save it to the "My Videos" folder.

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The video you just recorded will automatically appear on the video timeline. You can preview the video by clicking the "Play" button. In this section, you can edit the video. You can add a background or anything you like to make your video more creative.

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Save the movie by clicking "Save Movie", then choose the format and file size you want.

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The dialog box will appear in the final step of saving the video.

Use QuickTime on Mac to Record from Webcam

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Open QuickTime software. In the File folder, select "New Movie Recording".

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Adjust the camera's view on the screen. Press the red button to start recording, and press the Stop button when finished.

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Export files or share. You can export your footage to iTunes, iMovie, or other websites. You can also share on social networks.

Use Debut Video Capture on PC to Record from Webcam

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Download the software at Debut Video Capture address .

Click on the Download link on the website above. Select "Run" when asked if you want to Run or Save the file.

Click "I agree" in the End User License Agreements section. Uncheck "Related Software" on the next screen then select "Next".

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Wait for the Debut software to connect to the webcam. Then, if you want to record a video with sound, the software will ask you to adjust the audio settings. Once completed, you will see the main Debut interface and everything is ready for you to record.

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Select the video format you want. Debut allows you to record in the following formats: avi, wmv, asf, mpg, 3gp, mp4, mov and flv. You can set a different encoder for each format.

If you choose MPEG4 (mpg4) format, Debut features pre-installed encoders for portable devices such as iPods, PSPs, Xbox 360s, etc.

If you record to make a DVD, select .mpg (MPEG2) format and the encoder will be set to DVD quality by default.

To change the encryption settings, click on the small icon next to the dialog box to open the settings dialog box.

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Adjust brightness and contrast if necessary. Click on the sun icon in the small toolbar (adjust the video effect). In this dialog box, you can add captions to the video.

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Select the output folder where the footage will be saved. Click the Settings button on the main toolbar. Then, select the Output tab in the settings dialog box. You can set the save directory and edit the file name. Click OK when finished.

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