Setting up a streaming webcam

Stream cameras need good light more than expensive optics.

Steps

1. Mount the camera at eye level, slightly above your monitor.
2. Aim a soft key light (lamp with a diffuser is fine) at your face from a 45° angle.
3. Set the resolution in your broadcasting software to 1080p30 — higher rates create more bandwidth pressure than they're worth.
4. Use a chroma key only if you have proper lighting; otherwise crop tightly.

Tip: Improve light before improving the camera. A $30 lamp helps more than a $300 webcam.