[tito]

I've tried EpocCam Pro [1] which is good at the basics. The biggest challenge with these "phone as webcam" setups is getting a good mounting system. A tripod is hard to get in the right spot, and stacks of books are fail. Neither EpocCam or this software solution mention mounting which makes me think they're all not putting themselves in their user's shoes. My sense is the team that wins here get the "basics" right of this -- flawless connection to computer, good awareness of Do Not Disturb/it's a phone, and suggestions for mounting. Very practical. Phone camera is way better than webcam so the rest takes care of itself.

[1] https://www.kinoni.com/

[gingerlime]

I tried EpocCam but it wasn’t great and the free version has limited resolution.

Now using Iriun webcam which looks a bit dodgy but actually works well over wifi. Completely free.

There’s also an app called Camo which probably is the best technically, but I dislike the recurring yearly price. One-off price seems reasonable but why do I have to keep paying assuming I’m happy with the app and require no upgrades? There’s no hosting...

I got a ~17eur stand on amazon called Lamocall or something and it’s really great! (Sorry for lack of links but I’m on mobile atm). Overall I’m happy to make use of my wife’s old iPhone 6 and get a better web cam quality.

The main nuisance though is that you cannot stop and start the app from the computer like a normal webcam. So it’s always on or I have to reach out. Since I’m using the better-quality back camera of the phone, the screen is facing away so it’s very awkward...

[michaelmior]

They're not cheap, but I hear the Mountie[0] works well for physically mounting your phone (or iPad) to your laptop screen.

[0] https://tenonedesign.com/mountie.php

[michaelmior]

Update: I have since decided to purchase a Mountie and I haven't used it much yet, but I'm pretty happy.

[sitkack]

3d print an edison bulb that can clamp on to the phone, then you can use an adjustable Ikea lamp at the camera mount. Might jiggle a bit though depending on your setup.

[dzhiurgis]

I've recently found a mount for iPhone XS Max - it's the paper ring from duck tape... Works very well for facetiming between bubs and paps.

[dharma1]

there are a ton of phone mounts on amazon, it depends on where you need the phone. the desk clamp+goose neck ones are quite versatile, sometimes a simple phone stand like this is ok https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07DHH95V1/