USB Camera - Video call anywhere

USB Camera

App Overview

USB Camera is an Android app that connects external USB webcams and video capture devices to phones and tablets through a USB-OTG connection. It allows users to take photos, record videos, and use their Android devices as IP cameras for remote viewing.

The app supports UVC webcams, HDMI capture cards, and compatible EasyCap devices. Its streaming options include RTSP and HTTP servers, as well as RTMP, RTMPS, and SRT protocols for live broadcasting. Multiple media servers can receive streams simultaneously, and HEVC streaming is available on compatible hardware.

Additional functions include picture-in-picture viewing, side-by-side (SBS) display for VR headsets and FPV goggles, motion detection, and loop recording. Video recordings can include timestamps, GPS coordinates, speed, and other overlays. Automatic FTP uploads are also supported.

The Pro edition removes advertisements and unlocks additional options in General Settings.

Key Features

• External USB Camera Support: Connect compatible UVC webcams, HDMI capture cards, and EasyCap devices through USB-OTG.

• Photo and Video Capture: Take snapshots and record footage from connected USB video equipment.

• Network Streaming: Access camera feeds through built-in RTSP and HTTP servers.

• Live Broadcasting: Stream video and audio using RTMP, RTMPS, and SRT, including simultaneous connections to multiple media servers.

• Picture-in-Picture: Display the camera feed in a floating window while using other applications.

• VR and FPV Viewing: Use side-by-side display mode with compatible VR headsets and FPV goggles.

• Loop Recording: Divide continuous recordings into smaller files and automatically overwrite older footage when storage space is limited.

• Motion Detection: Start video recording when movement is detected.

• Recording Overlays: Add timestamps, GPS coordinates, speed, and other information to recorded footage.

• Background Recording: Continue capturing video when the app runs in the background.

• Audio Mixing: Combine sound from a USB audio input with audio from the Android device's built-in microphone.

• FTP Uploads: Automatically transfer recorded video files to an FTP server.

How to Use USB Camera

1. Connect the Camera: Attach a compatible USB webcam or video capture device to your Android phone or tablet using a USB-OTG cable.

2. Select the Device: Open USB Camera and grant the required permissions. If the camera is not detected automatically, tap the USB icon in the toolbar to select it manually.

3. Adjust Capture Settings: Select an available resolution, video format, audio source, and other parameters supported by the connected hardware.

4. Capture Photos or Videos: Use the on-screen controls to take snapshots or start recording. Enable motion detection or loop recording if required.

5. Set Up Streaming: Choose RTSP, RTMP, RTMPS, or SRT and enter the connection details for the destination server.

6. Select a Display Mode: Enable picture-in-picture or SBS mode depending on your viewing requirements.

Compatible Devices and Requirements

USB Camera supports several types of external video equipment. Compatibility depends on the device chipset, power requirements, and available video formats.

UVC Webcams

The app supports compatible USB Video Class (UVC) webcams, including models with built-in microphones and devices using separate USB audio inputs.

Depending on the hardware, available video formats include H.264, H.265, HEVC, MJPG, YUY2, P010, and NV12.

UVC Video Capture Devices

Compatible USB video capture devices can receive audio and video signals from external sources. Supported equipment includes HDMI capture cards with resolutions of up to 4K. Both progressive and interlaced video signals are supported.

EasyCap Devices

Supported EasyCap chipsets include UTV007, HTV600, HTV800, STK1160, EM2860, and SMI2021, along with other specified chipset combinations.

Connection and System Requirements

An Android device with USB-OTG support and a suitable OTG cable are required. Some webcams and capture cards draw more power than a phone or tablet can provide, so a powered USB hub may be necessary. Certain Elgato Cam Link and ezcap models also require additional power.

HEVC recording and streaming require Android 5.0 or later, together with compatible hardware and system-level codec support.

Tips for Using USB Camera

• Check the capture device's maximum resolution and supported video formats before configuring recording settings.

• Enable file splitting and loop recording for extended recording sessions or dash camera use.

• Use a powered USB hub if the connected equipment requires more power than the Android device can supply.

• If an EasyCap image freezes or displays incorrectly, try switching between PAL, NTSC, and SECAM.

• Install the companion IP Camera app if you need two-way audio during remote camera sessions.

FAQs

1. Can I connect a regular USB webcam to USB Camera?

Yes. The app supports compatible UVC webcams connected through USB-OTG. Depending on the webcam, audio can come from its built-in microphone or a separate USB audio input.

2. Why is my USB camera not detected?

Check that your Android device supports USB-OTG and that the cable and camera are properly connected. Some devices also require additional power. You can open the device selection menu using the USB icon in the toolbar.

3. Can USB Camera stream to multiple servers simultaneously?

Yes. The app supports simultaneous broadcasting to multiple media servers through RTMP, RTMPS, and SRT. RTSP and HTTP streaming are also available through its built-in servers.

4. Does USB Camera support two-way audio?

Two-way audio requires the companion IP Camera app. It is available on Google Play.

5. How can I fix a frozen image when using an EasyCap device?

Try changing the video standard between PAL, NTSC, and SECAM. The correct setting depends on the capture device and the video signal source.

6. Why does USB Camera request camera permission on Android 9 and later?

According to the developer, Android 9 and later require camera permission to provide full access to USB video devices. The permission is not used to access the phone's built-in camera.

Additional Information

USB Camera uses a dedicated userspace driver to communicate with supported USB video devices instead of relying on kernel-level drivers. This allows compatible external cameras to work without requiring separate kernel driver installations.

The developer also provides video tutorials covering hardware connections and advanced functions, including HDMI capture cards, UVC H.264 devices, RTSP and RTMP streaming, picture-in-picture, VR and FPV viewing, and lock-screen video playback.