Solved New Computer Build - Webcam really grainy

j2kp0t · Mar 14, 2023

I just built a new computer (see specs) and all the equipment should be capable of producing a nice crisp picture via my webcam, but everything is really grainy. And that's even before I've done anything with it, no recording or streaming or anything, just pointing it at the world. From my components, I feel like I should be getting a crisp 1080p. Any ideas?

PerpetualCycle · Mar 14, 2023

Is it a new webcam? What brand and model? Low light?

j2kp0t · Mar 14, 2023

It's built into this:

Dell 24 Video Conferencing Monitor - C2422HE with POP-UP 5MP IR Camera Dual 5W Integrated Speakers and a Dedicated Microsoft Teams Butto

PenPusher · Mar 17, 2023

It's a 5MP webcam... extract from review here Dell C2422HE Review – Premium Conferencing Monitor with USB-C and Webcam
"5MP pop-up camera does a decent job for what it is, but front cams on mobile phones are capable of better clarity"

j2kp0t · Mar 17, 2023

I guess I'm more clueless than I thought. How can a webcam with good specs be worse than a camera with worse ones?

PenPusher · Mar 17, 2023

What user adjustments are there on/in the dell software?
I must admit buying Webcams can be tricky.. Lots of glossy advertising photos don't tell you real world results.
Even my Logitech 930e varies quite a bit!! depending on time of day, lighting conditions... etc

Have you removed the film from the Webcam?... easy to overlook! been there done that

j2kp0t · Mar 17, 2023

Yeah, I removed the film :) though I have forgotten it in the past. As far as I can tell all the camera settings are set to their ideals. I borrowed a ring light to see whether it would have any effect, but it didn't.

PenPusher · Mar 17, 2023

How long have owned the Monitor?

bfunke · Mar 17, 2023

Are you using a generic windows driver or did you download from manufacturere?

Support for Dell 24 Video Conferencing Monitor I C2422HE | Drivers & Downloads | Dell US

Winuser · Mar 17, 2023

If you decide to buy a new camera, this is a great camera at a reasonable price. https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerC...9Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

spapakons · Mar 17, 2023

bfunke said:
Are you using a generic windows driver or did you download from manufacturere?

Support for Dell 24 Video Conferencing Monitor I C2422HE | Drivers & Downloads | Dell US

I was about to post the same. Incorrect drivers often produce weird effects in cameras, such as upside-down picture, grainy picture, weird colors etc.

j2kp0t · Mar 17, 2023

PenPusher said:
How long have owned the Monitor?

Brand new. The only not-new part of the build is the mouse and keyboard.

j2kp0t · Mar 17, 2023

spapakons said:
I was about to post the same. Incorrect drivers often produce weird effects in cameras, such as upside-down picture, grainy picture, weird colors etc.

bfunke said:
Are you using a generic windows driver or did you download from manufacturere?

Support for Dell 24 Video Conferencing Monitor I C2422HE | Drivers & Downloads | Dell US

tried them both, with no luck

badrobot · Mar 17, 2023

You can't expect too much from a pop-up camera. It is not the selling point of the monitor.
A good video capture requires a good camera and a good lighting.

spapakons · Mar 17, 2023

Go to Device Manager and right-click on the camera, select Update drivers. Then select the second option (manual), then again the second (select drivers) and finally select the manufacturer's drivers to make sure these are used, not anything else from Windows Update. If you have downloaded the official drivers and extracted to a folder, click "I have disk" and browse to the folder.

Fabler2 · Mar 17, 2023

Might be something to check in the camera app

j2kp0t · Mar 17, 2023

Fabler2 said:
Might be something to check in the camera app

View attachment 55617

The app settings only take me to Windows 11's settings for camera privacy. I can't find this screen anywhere.

j2kp0t · Mar 17, 2023

spapakons said:
Go to Device Manager and right-click on the camera, select Update drivers. Then select the second option (manual), then again the second (select drivers) and finally select the manufacturer's drivers to make sure these are used, not anything else from Windows Update. If you have downloaded the official drivers and extracted to a folder, click "I have disk" and browse to the folder.

I have verified the correct drivers are installed.