Camgirlwiki.com:Best_webcams

[advCamGirl]

Hey there,

I read https://www.camgirlwiki.com/wiki/Best_webcams and have a bit of an unconventional question:
* can IP cameras be used at adult webcam sites, and if so, which ones, and does it need to use any particular software to be compatible with the adult webcam sites ?
* I also wonder whether any adult webcam sites allow or are geared towards the use of own broadcasting software. I'm mainly thinking of ZoneMinder: this software would allow web-based access, so in theory, one could post a link to the camera, and so be independant of the adult webcam site. The advantage of this is that the bandwith of the adult webcam site isn't shared over many users, and so video would be better (higher framerate and/or resolution)
* A final benefit is that in establishments were many girls are, IP cams are handier as they only require a powerline and ethernet cable (and not a laptop nor USB or Firewire cable)

The Ip cameras I'm thinking about are cheap PTZ, ethernet cable connected cameras, capable of only 640x480 resolution. (say Senkama, Tenda C30, Avue, Trendnet, D-Link, TrendNET, SHIELDeye, ... These can be bought for under 100 US dollar.

Besides ZoneMinder (see xav976.free.fr/zm/#mozTocId697063 ), there's also DynDNS.org (paying), dlinkddns.com and Axis Dynamic DNS Service or . These last should also allow broadcasting over the web, yet only work with either dlink or Axis IP cameras.

Perhaps you can post something about it at the camgirlwiki ?

 

[Sevrin]

On MFC, you must use the MFC software, or the web broadcasting software. Each model needs to log in using a computer to broadcast and she also needs a keyboard and a mouse in order to navigate the software interface and chat with members. The same goes for other cam sites. There would be no benefit from using an IP camera as you describe it, but any camera you can connect to your computer could be use to capture video, as long as it shows up as a system camera on the computer, or is recognized by software such as Manycam.

 

[AmberCutie]

Perhaps you can post something about it at the camgirlwiki ?

Cam Girl Wiki was created to assist or inform girls about being/becoming a cam girl on one of the established cam sites, not about becoming an independent performer. Thus, the information posted there is more in the general sense of what one would need to get started on an established cam site.

 

[weirdbr]

* I also wonder whether any adult webcam sites allow or are geared towards the use of own broadcasting software. I'm mainly thinking of ZoneMinder: this software would allow web-based access, so in theory, one could post a link to the camera, and so be independant of the adult webcam site. The advantage of this is that the bandwith of the adult webcam site isn't shared over many users, and so video would be better (higher framerate and/or resolution)

There's a few issues here:
- zoneminder is built as a CCTV control/recording system and as such wasn't built to scale to various simultaneous users of the same feed; while this can work, I wouldn't be surprised to see it fail horribly either; plus, I am not sure it supports RTMP to push the video feed to an external site.
- You are assuming that the quality of the video is being limited by the site's bandwidth but that's rarely the case - streaming sites (as well as large static content sites) buy bandwidth in bulk from transit providers at really low prices (when compared to the retail end user market); on MFC's case, the quality is not that great because they chose to - there's no technical limitation that prevents them from supporting higher quality streams. On the case of other sites that do support HD, if you see a model with not great video quality, it's because they have insufficient upstream bandwidth to send the higher quality feed to the site for relaying to the user(s) , at which point the site's own software will reduce the quality to achieve a more 'pleasant' result (because lower quality frames are much better than dropped frames).
- and if we ignore the previous two - it sounds like you are thinking of self-hosting the zoneminder instance, which brings its own set of problems: you will need to keep the whole stack updated, deal with the constant security threats (script kiddies trying to use the latest exploits they found, jealous people trying to DoS and/or hack into your system, etc, etc). Plus, there's the cost of running this system until it all becomes profitable which can be non-trivial.

 

[advCamGirl]

Each model needs to log in using a computer to broadcast and she also needs a keyboard and a mouse in order to navigate the software interface and chat with members. The same goes for other cam sites. There would be no benefit from using an IP camera as you describe it

Hmm, is this really necessary ? I always found that a laptop is rather a hassle, since it limits the freedom of movement, and looking at a screen/typing also isn't very sexy, so the experience for the user is reduced. Girls can respond auditively as well btw; a screen/laptop? is still handy to follow the chat conversation, but it can also be placed somewhere in the room.

Cam Girl Wiki was created to assist or inform girls about being/becoming a cam girl on one of the established cam sites, not about becoming an independent performer

As described in my post, a "hybrid" solution can be done, making use of the chatrooms of webcam sites, but redirecting people via a link after joining the chat room. So, it's not just for independant performers.

On the case of other sites that do support HD

The idea would be to use regular 640x480 resolution (no HD), but with a PTZ camera and good quality lens, quality would still be better than most 640x480, and better shot (closeup). The bandwith upload problem mentioned btw would also not be problematic with larger establishments (as their internet connection would be better).

 

[AmberCutie]

Cam Girl Wiki was created to assist or inform girls about being/becoming a cam girl on one of the established cam sites, not about becoming an independent performer

As described in my post, a "hybrid" solution can be done, making use of the chatrooms of webcam sites, but redirecting people via a link after joining the chat room. So, it's not just for independant performers.

I was just telling you why I wasn't adding your subject matter to the wiki.

 

[TacoBelle]

It sounds like the OP needs to do a bit more research on camsites before going any further. Yes, most camsites require you to have a computer (PC or Mac). I don't know of any that allow you to cam from your phone/iPad/etc. And yes, a mouse and keyboard (or even on-screen keyboard, if you're really adamant about not using a physical one) are necessities. You have to use the keyboard to log into the software/website, and you have to use the mouse to select the programs/change settings/etc. I highly suggest going to many different websites and reading through their "how to become a model" information. These would hopefully explain better how the system works.

 

[Sansa]

Hmm, is this really necessary ? I always found that a laptop is rather a hassle, since it limits the freedom of movement, and looking at a screen/typing also isn't very sexy, so the experience for the user is reduced. Girls can respond auditively as well btw; a screen/laptop? is still handy to follow the chat conversation, but it can also be placed somewhere in the room.

Regarding your points, since the member is on the other side of a computer screen, I always thought that the model being in front of a computer screen as well was a large part of the appeal. It's a very intimate setting by default because you get a glimpse of the model's life. Maybe I'm wrong, but figured this was why some porn stars do well on camsites too (or why people would want to visit).

Also, if you want to interact with the members, you will have to be in front of the computer anyway to see what they're saying. Most models do not just sit at their computers and type, it works for some, but talking out loud is a much more effective. I've noticed that most models who set up their cams so that there's a lot of space behind them have no problem with mobility if that's what they need.

And a personal story, when I started I was put my cam on my tripod which was a few feet back from the screen. This showed more of my body, a good thing, right? The problem was that I was never close to the camera, and people actually DO like that and think it's really sexy. Or even if they're talking to someone, they want to be face to face and see the model like she's actually there nearby, not across the room. Once I changed this and put the cam right on top of my laptop, there was an immediate amount of positive response.

As described in my post, a "hybrid" solution can be done, making use of the chatrooms of webcam sites, but redirecting people via a link after joining the chat room. So, it's not just for independant performers.

What your suggesting is honestly something that most girls would not be into using. Some maybe, but that's better as a thread like this one. The Wiki, as Amber mentioned, exists for the sole purpose of helping someone get started as a camgirl, the absolute basics. When I started out, the wiki was perfect. If it were changed with hundreds of extra pages for every last issue, that would have been so overwhelming, and this is coming from someone who loves reading and researching. But in the case that someone wants more detailed information on a subject, there are thousands of threads here.

The idea would be to use regular 640x480 resolution (no HD), but with a PTZ camera and good quality lens, quality would still be better than most 640x480, and better shot (closeup). The bandwith upload problem mentioned btw would also not be problematic with larger establishments (as their internet connection would be better).

If someone can use HD, they absolutely should. Whenever I have to turn HD off (usually if MFC is having issues), I always notice a pretty significant drop in the room count.

Also pretty sure that IP cams are easily hacked. Definitely NOT something a camgirl is going to want, especially if she's trying to stay safe.

 

[Sevrin]

Also pretty sure that IP cams are easily hacked. Definitely NOT something a camgirl is going to want, especially if she's trying to stay safe.

That thing about IP cams being hacked was because many people who installed them either never bothered to change the default passwords, or put any password at all. With a properly constructed password, IP cams can be secure as anything else connected to the internet that's password protected.

Anyway, the OP doesn't seem to understand how cam models work in real life, and let himself get carried away with technology for its own sake.

 

[advCamGirl]

If someone can use HD, they absolutely should. Whenever I have to turn HD off (usually if MFC is having issues), I always notice a pretty significant drop in the room count.

Part of the idea was that due to the use of a PTZ camera, the action can be better shot (also more close-up) due to magnification possibility. Perfectly shot action in 640x480 can be much better quality as badly shot action in HD. Besides the way on how it's recorded, it also depends on the camera itself; pixels aren't all that important, the lens, ... used also determines the quality. A stationary camera (similar to the "tripod" camera you mention) can also be used (as it's PTZ, so also offers moving of the camera remotely, for example by someone else operating the camera) and would help in increasing the freedom of movement aspect. I btw didn't mean just having sufficient space (which can be resolved ie by having sufficient space behind them in the room), rather I was referring to the fact that a model best has both hands free, necessary for the erotic action.

The reason why HD probably won't be used in establishments with many girls is that the bandwith required for HD is very high in comparison to 640x480. in addition, the camera's that provide HD (720p and above) are also way more costly. The bandwith requirements will definitely be an issue for establishments as they require to share a single internet connection over many users (girls).

Yes, most camsites require you to have a computer (PC or Mac)

The mentioned software is for Linux distributions, which will be the preferred platform. Also, I assume that using it will reduce the safety problems (activating camera remotely, and attacks of hackers) as its much more secure (better blocking off of ports, ...) It's also faster, so more economical for establishments to use.

Anyway, the OP doesn't seem to understand how cam models work in real life, and let himself get carried away with technology for its own sake.

A bit of a harsh statement to make, but I agree I might be overthinking this, and it's probably getting to cumbersome for most regular webcam girls to use.

 

[advCamGirl]

I just wanted to post one last bit of info after having done some more research.
First of all, I'm not sure about whether its useful to select an IP camera anymore. IP camera's are more costly, and I'm not sure whether they'll work with the software mentioned below, and even if they work, the PTZ-abilities may not work. Rather than an IP camera, a webcam combined with a Raspberry Pi or ACME Aria G25 SoM would all ready be sufficient. Besides these, some other single board computers like Arduino could also be used btw (see http://www.intorobotics.com/3-possible- ... id-device/ ). By using a single board computer, the cost of the whole is kept very low, and the device is also relatively small, and a laptop isn't necessary anymore (which costs by far the most in the setup).

For the webcam model: only those listed as uvc devices can be selected:
http://www.ideasonboard.org/uvc/

Next for the software:
it seems that ZoneMinder isn't really needed. Rather, some streaming tools exist under linux that can be used instead, allowing immediate starting of the video stream from the command line from the girl's PC. It can then be seen in any browser, simply by typing in the IP, say for example 194.66.82.11 together with the port (ie :8081). See http://www.lavrsen.dk/foswiki/bin/view/ ... x12x131356

The streaming tools that can be used include
* MJPG-streamer
* FFmpeg (See http://www.moreno.marzolla.name/softwar ... am-server/ )
* vlc player (see https://wiki.debian.org/Webcam ; Note that Motion is also mentioned but this also relies on FFmpeg I believe, motion itself just adds motion detection functionality to that)

Info on how to use MPJG-streamer in practice (setting up a webserver in the process) can be found here: http://wolfpaulus.com/jounal/embedded/r ... pi_webcam/

Info on how to set up FFmpeg can be found at
http://www.moreno.marzolla.name/softwar ... am-server/

Info on how to set up vlc player can be found at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZeJxyXrC8U

 

[ramblin]

It's been mostly covered, but running a streaming site from a home connection would only be suitable for private sessions or perhaps small groups. Most cameras are limited to somewhere between 1 and 10 simultaneous connections, with the highest I've seen being 80. At higher numbers upload bandwidth also becomes a concern. AT&T UVerse, for example, would max out at two 600kbps streams. Comcast's "Performance" plan would max out at 10 streams. Many ISPs also have data usage charges above the normal monthly fee.