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Webcam for 3d printer
Top 5 Best Cameras For 3D Printers 2022 (In All Price Ranges)
Ever wondered at what point it all went wrong? No, we’re not just being philosophical about our lives — we mean in the unrecognizable mess that was supposed to be your latest 3D printing project. Without watching every second, it can be difficult to diagnose the problem.
Most 3D prints take hours, so monitoring them from start to finish is a huge time commitment, and your time is too valuable to spend it camped over your printer’s extruder. The best substitute is to use a camera that is compatible with your 3D printer. That way, you can step away for as long as you like, and still keep an eye on your latest creation.
3D printing should be exciting, but wasting filament on bad prints is frustrating. Using a camera to capture the process helps you make amendments where necessary, whilst adding to the fun. Not only do they record the whole process to help with monitoring any issues, but you can also create cool time-lapses to upload so your friends can watch the magic unfold. You can even use cameras for your 3D printer for remote monitoring from potentially the other side of the globe!
Therefore, for this guide, we have taken our pick of the best cameras for 3D printers.
3D printer cameras are not to be confused with 3D cameras, which record 3D footage. We also have a ranking of the best 3D cameras.
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Best Cameras For Monitoring a 3D Printer
Logitech HD Pro C920 – Best Time Lapse Camera For 3D Printing
- Price: Check price on Amazon here
The clarity of the HD Pro C920 makes it a popular camera in the 3D printing world. There are many 1080p cameras around, but many come out with laggier footage due to low frame rates. Thankfully, this camera offers 1080p resolution and shoots consistently 30 fps in full HD. It also boasts plenty of features that more expensive brands don’t always provide, such as still quality images via its 15MP camera.
A common downside to cameras for 3D printing is that they can be difficult to mount. A camera that falls on its side, or is lopsided and misses the action, is no good, but mounting is one of this Logitech camera’s strengths. It features a built-in tripod screw, which makes it perfect for mounting on different printers, and it is also compatible with other mounting options.
The HD Pro C920 is one of the best cameras for time-lapse videos of your 3D prints, and with its 778-degree field view, you can be sure everything is in shot.
Being a lightweight camera with motion detection technology allows it to start when the print gets going. No one wants to have to skip forward when watching the footage back, so it is great that it can be left on standby.
Wyze Cam – Best Affordable Camera for 3D Printing
- Price: Check price on Amazon here
Some of your most ambitious and thrilling 3D printing projects will take all night. When this is the case, you want a camera that can pick up every tiny detail, and still provide crystal clear images.
For any night filming in the dark, the Wyze Cam offers night vision technology. It shoots at 1080p at 30 fps to show every detail of that 3D print in progress.
Being able to operate a camera for 3D printing via voice command is great when you have your hands full. The Wyze Cam is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant which will make it easy to find out how much longer it is going to take before the print is finished.
The included app makes remote 3D print monitoring a breeze: if over-extrusion is causing problems early on, you can stop the print to save time and money whilst preventing a drooping mess from forming. The app can even be shared with family and friends if there is a project that you need someone else to keep an eye on.
Getting close up to the footage while keeping the camera at a safe distance from the hot filament is easier thanks to its 8x digital zoom. Long printing videos can take up a lot of memory, so it is great that the Wyze Cam can record to the cloud, as well as be used with an SD card.
Instead of wasting precious seconds of footage, it can be set to start recording when it senses motion. An excellent and affordable option, the Wyze Cam 3D printer camera is a great option for any budget.
Microsoft Lifecam HD-3000 – Best 3D Printer Camera For Beginners
- Price: Check price on Amazon here
At first, the 3D printing world can be intimidating, so it is good to find an easy-to-use and budget-friendly 3D printer camera.
For a camera that is so compact, the HD-3000 records great quality, smooth video. The 720p resolution might not be as impressive as some of the other options, but this is a camera known for being reliable.
Its wide-angle record will help to capture every part of the build area, even monitoring large build volumes that go right to your print bed’s edges. This, and 4x zoom, make it ideal for cinematic style recording.
Dull images are fine if you’re recording the printing of a cube, but hopefully your creations will be more exciting.
Microsoft has included TrueColor technology to enhance the brightness. This makes it capable of keeping vibrant picture quality in different lighting.
Part of what makes 3D printing so fun is the social element. The HD-3000 features built-in social media sharing, so your time-lapses can be shared instantly with the click of a button. It’s easy to use, makes sharing your printing successes as easy as ever, and it’s easy on the wallet — what’s not to love?
GoPro Hero 8 – Best Picture Quality
- Price: Check price on Amazon here
Ok, GoPro cameras don’t need any introduction, but they are ideal cameras for 3D printing. The Hero 8 shoots 4K video at 60 fps, making it one of the best cameras for 3D printing if you’re looking for resolution and picture quality.
Even when shooting at the highest setting of 60 fps, it uses HyperSmooth technology to keep the image stable.
It can be difficult to get the whole image in a shot when setting a camera up and close to the 3D printer.
Thankfully, the wide-angle lens that is synonymous with GoPro makes it perfect for close-ups. Capturing every detail seems to be the name of their game.
Being able to monitor your print from afar is a huge plus point, as standing around for hours at the mercy of a recording takes something away from the fun. The live HD streaming of the Hero 8 makes it a great option for anyone who wants clear images from their smartphone or tablet, and fancies live streaming their print to any interested fans or friends.
Raspberry Pi Camera Module V2
- Price: Check price on Amazon here
The Raspberry Pi 3D printing camera is astonishingly compact — it weighs just 3 grams! It is about the size of a credit card at 25 x 24 x 9mm, making it perfect for mounting into the printer’s bed.
The V2 offers the same quality pictures and video as many standalone cameras, with 1080p quality at 30 fps. This is all in full HD which makes its popularity within the 3D printing community unsurprising.
Because it is widely used to monitor 3D printing, there is plenty of online support for using the Raspberry Pi Camera Module V2. An active community helps to take a lot of the guesswork away so you can get the most out of the camera, and if you run into any issues, you can get help from others who have been in your position.
It connects via a ribbon cable which is usually included and has a fixed focus for clear pictures. If you want to just take stills, the camera packs 8 megapixels for high-quality photos.
Everyone wants to create cool videos that can move with the print bed as it works its magic. The V2 allows you to keep the print central to the image, capturing every moment without anything falling out of the shot, and it’s so light that it won’t affect your printer’s stability.
There are two main ways of monitoring a 3D print; using a camera, or 3D printing software like OctoPrint. Here is how we separate the best from the ones worth avoiding:
Software Compatibility
Raspberry Pi is one of the best hardware solutions since it makes it easy to control a 3D printer.
A Raspberry Pi 3D printer camera will make it easier to use software like OctoPrint where you can control the printer remotely.
Resolution
Sure, you’re not going to be shooting the next Hollywood blockbuster on a 3D printer camera, but you still want quality images if recording a time-lapse. Look for 1080P or even 4K resolution if possible.
Community Support
Many of the best cameras for 3D printing are not specifically designed to be used in this way. Purchasing a camera that is popular within the 3D printing community will help when it comes to troubleshooting any issues with setup.
Best Camera for 3D Printer (2022) - 7 Options to Consider
When your 3D models have started to print, you don’t need to sit close by to watch the entire 3D print. You can go about your business as you watch the printing from a camera. Here are the best cameras for watching your 3D prints.
In this Guide
How to Monitor Your 3D Prints
Generally, high quality 3D models take a couple of hours to print.
As the models print, you may want to go about your business. However, you still want to be able to watch the creation from wherever you are.
You can watch your 3D prints through by using a camera, software (OctoPrint), or both.
In this guide, we’ll focus on the best cameras you can use to monitor your 3D prints.
Installing a camera on your 3D printer is one of the ways you can keep an eye on the printing, just in case things go south. Should your models not print as expected, you can review the camera footage to find out what when wrong and at what time.
Apart from watching your prints, the 3D printer cameras can be used to document the printing process. You can even create cool time-lapse videos of your prints. These videos are easy to make after setting up the camera properly.
How to Choose a Camera for Your 3D Printer
Not just any camera would be suitable for monitoring your 3D prints. When looking for a camera to attach to your printer, you want to check the following:
i) Compatibility with a Raspberry PI
Raspberry PI is a popular hardware solution for monitoring and controlling 3D printers.
When looking for a camera, get one that can plug-and-plat with a Raspberry PI and your preferred software, for example, OctoPrint.
ii) Popularity
Look for a camera that is recommended by other 3D printing professionals. The camera should have suitable printable setup mounts and brackets for different 3D printers/
iii) Community Support
Majority of cameras are not specially designed for working with 3D printing software. As a result, most manufacturers don’t offer setup and installation support with regards to 3D printers. This is what you want a camera that is used widely and recommended by the 3D printing community.
Here are the best cameras for 3D printers.
Best Cameras for 3D Printers
Check Price on Amazon
The best camera for 3D printer that can you buy is the Logitech HD Pro C920. This webcam shoots and streams in full HD at 30 fps. The camera features five-element glass lenses that provide crystal-clear footage. The camera has a built-in standard tripod screw and also supports other mounting options.
The Logitech C920 is excellent for recording time-lapse videos. Its 15MP camera produces high-quality still images.
Features
| Manufacturer | Logitech |
| Connection Type | USB |
| Video Resolution | 1080p at 30 fps |
| Focus | Variable with autofocus |
| Price | Check on Amazon |
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2. Wyze Cam
Check Price on Amazon
The Wyze Cam is wireless, shoots great images and can livestream from anywhere. This camera shoots videos at 1080p Full HD and has night vision. The camera works with Alexa and Google Assistant. Therefore, you can use your voice to find out whether your 3D printer has finished printing.
You can get the Wyze Cam app on your phone or tablet to watch the progress of your printing from anywhere.
You can also add an SD card for continuous recording or you can record in the cloud for $2 / month.
Features
| Manufacturer | WYZE |
| Connection Type | USB |
| Video Resolution | 1080p at 30 fps |
| Focus | 8x digital zoom |
| Price | Check on Amazon |
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3. GoPro HERO 7
Check Price on Amazon
Another excellent camera for 3D printers is the GoPro Hero 7. This model has a 12MP sensor, a wide-angle lens, and shoots 4K videos at 60fps. The camera features HyperSmooth technology, which helps in stabilizing videos, even when shooting at 60fps.
The camera has 12MP, is waterproof and has a fixed focus range of 0.3 to 1.5m
Features
| Manufacturer | GoPro |
| Connection Type | USB |
| Video Resolution | 4K |
| Focus | Variable with autofocus |
| Price | Check on Amazon |
Check Price on Amazon
The Raspberry PI Camera Module V2 is specially designed for a Raspberry Pi.
The camera measures 25 x 24 x 9 mm and weighs just 3 grams. You won’t find a smaller camera for 3D printers than this.
This camera offers good resolution and can take full HD videos (1080p) at 30 fps (frames per second).
The Raspberry Pi camera is popular in the 3D printing community. There are even 3D printed mounts and stands for the camera which can be directly mounted on various 3D printers’ beds, to give you real-time footage of your print’s progress.
Features
| Manufacturer | Raspberry Pi |
| Connection Type | Ribbon cable (compatible with a Raspberry Pi, usually included when you buy it) |
| Video Resolution | 1080p at 30 fps |
| Focus | Fixed |
| Price | Check on Amazon |
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5. Logitech C270
Check Price on Amazon
Also on the list of the best cameras for 3D printers is the Logitech C270.
This entry-level webcam shoots at 720p resolution and 30 fps. While the camera has an autofocus, you can also manually adjust the focus.
The Logitech C270 comes with a built-in mount that is, unfortunately, not versatile. Most 3D printing professionals replace the mount with a 3D printed setup that is more flexible.
There are hundreds of printable mounts and mods for the Logitech C270 at Thingiverse.
Features
| Manufacturer | Logitech |
| Connection Type | USB |
| Video Resolution | 720p at 30 fps |
| Focus | Fixed, but can be adjusted to manual |
| Price | Check on Amazon |
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6. PlayStation Eye
Check Price on Amazon
While the PlayStation Eye is specifically designed for use with the PlayStation 3, it can also be used to monitor 3D prints. The camera can not only take videos but also has other features such as a microphone with background noise reduction and motion control.
This cheap camera works with Raspberry Pi and can stream at 640 x 480p resolution. While the resolution is not the best, the camera works great for monitoring prints.
Features
| Manufacturer | Sony |
| Connection Type | USB |
| Video Resolution | 480p at 75 fps |
| Focus | Fixed |
| Price | Check on Amazon |
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7. LifeCam HD-3000
Check Price on Amazon
The LifeCam HD-3000 can shoot videos at 720p at 30fps. The camera captures videos at widescreen (16:9) and comes with a built-in stand that makes positioning it next to the printer easy. The camera’s lenses have a maximum optical zoom of 4X.
The LifeCam is a solid camera for monitoring 3D prints.
Features
| Manufacturer | Microsoft |
| Connection Type | USB |
| Video Resolution | 720p at 30 fps |
| Focus | Fixed, from 0.3 to 1.5 m |
| Price | Check on Amazon |
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8. Old Smartphone
If you don’t want to buy a new camera for monitoring your 3D printer, you can use an old smartphone. You’ll only need to install a webcam app in it. We recommend the IP Webcam (free) for Android or the IP Cam ($1.99) for iOS devices.
Best Files for 3D Printers Webcam・Cults
Logitech C920 Camholder for Anycubic Mega
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Logitech c920 HD Pro Webcam blind
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Camera Mount
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InuWebcam flexible arm
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Ultimaker 2 v2 camera holder
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E-Darts Button Cover / Webcam - Cover ;-)
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Camera mount Anet A8 Mikuni camera eye
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nine0002 Bumper X210Free
LulzBot Mini bed USB camera mount v2.1 Extruder head for Lulzbot
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Webcam Stand ELP USB ELP-USBFHD01M-L28
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Soporte para Sony PlayStation В© Eye (PsEye) para RepRap Prusa 2
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nine0002 Galaxy S4 Camera Mount for Qidi Tech/Flashforge PrintersFree
Cover for Logitech Streamcam
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iPhone compatible mount for Macbook, iMac
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Cover for webcam
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CR-6 SE X2 Creality CR6 Portal Camera Mount Bracket
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Ender 3 S1 X-Axis Camera Mount
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Graber i3 webcam mount
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Cr-10s Top Down Camera Mount
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nine0002 Logitech C922 Webcam Privacy slideFree
Laptop camera cover
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Cover for Logitech C920 webcam
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Snapmaker 2.0 webcam mount
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Webcam Tripod Mount
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Logitech C920 Antispyware Cap
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iPhone Holder with Continuity Camera
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Case Cam for old laptop display webcams
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Raspberry Pi Camera V2 Teaching Technical Mount
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Raspberry Pi Camera V2 Mount - Technology Teaching
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Retrofitting a stereo microscope with a modern HD digital camera
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Clamp for extrusion webcam 8020 (Rostock)
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Logitech 9 Webcam Corner Mount0003
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Casts for laptop webcam
2.
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Laptop webcam cover
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Neo-pixel Bluetooth ring light for Logitech webcams
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Webcam C270 with EF Mount Adapter
3.34 €
Adapter for gopro camera support to webcam
1 €
Creality CR6-SE Yi Home Camera Mount
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Round Webcam Cover
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iPhone webcam (easy/no support)
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nine0002 Qidi Tech X-One Logitech C270 Camera MountFree
PS3 Eye Monitor Clip (Asus)
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Ender 3 V2 Z-Axis Camera Mount
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Webcamholder
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Simple Webcam Stand
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Logitech Pro 9000 Basic Clip
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New York webcam - 3D printer work online
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Watch the webcam work of the 3D printer in the city York
About webcam "3D printer operation" in New York City
Technology has long been confidently stepping into the future and offering people a variety of interesting opportunities in terms of using intelligence and the environment. For example, the most interesting technology is the 3D printer, which provides the ability to print tangible objects. It remains only to load the cartridge, set the object and wait until it prints the necessary elements. But it should be understood that each technology requires special attention and skill in use, so it is better to entrust it to specialists.
Therefore, today we invite you to observe such specialists who live in New York. Now you have a unique opportunity to observe the active operation of such a printer and specialists who are trying to monitor stable operation. The camera is aimed strictly at the printer, so you will observe exactly how various details, shapes and other interesting objects appear out of thin air. And the specialists who use this printer will slowly carry out all the necessary manipulations, which will surely provide excellent results in the future. In fact, the procedure for printing a 3D object has a certain relaxation, and just not everyone has seen what such a printer is capable of, so we suggest not to waste time and start watching it as soon as possible. Now your collection will be replenished with a rather unusual live camera option. As far as you can judge, you have never had anything like this, so you should not miss the opportunity to have a good time and enjoy every moment of this spectacle. It remains only to wish you a good mood and note that the printer works exclusively during the daytime, at night the light from the room disappears and nothing is visible.
