Top 15 Ubuntu Wabcam Recorder

Oliva Eve
2024-03-28 17:08:53 • Filed to: Recorder Software List

No matter which OS you are using, there will always be a need for some tools that can help you in recording the screen. The screen recorders will be used by a lot of users who are either creating guides or tutorials for their online audience or some students are just want to record the online lectures.

The screen recording tool will also be needed by the gamers so they can stream their gaming sessions. If you are a Linux user and searching for an effective tool to record webcam on Ubuntu, there are some very user-friendly and intuitive options to choose from.

As Windows and macOS are quite popular among the basic user base, it can be a bit of a hassle to find one that perfectly fits your requirement when it comes to having a screen recording tool on Linux. Our team has compiled a few options for you to choose from and let's dive in without wasting any further time.

1. Webcamoid

Webcamoid is one of the many web suite applications available currently, that enables you to capture video media using your PC’s camera. You can record and opt for streaming the video on the internet.

Also, Webcamoid, which is often called the “The ultimate Webcam suite” is a full-featured and versatile open-source webcam suite for multiple platforms like Windows, Linux, and Mac. It's very helpful Ubuntu video camera recorder software for the management of your webcams systematically. If you many different webcams, it will help you in the monitoring of each one of them and help in the modification in their settings too.

webcamoid

It also comes with 60+ effects and other special effects. You can use these effects while you snap pictures. You can also use them when you opt to record videos using webcams. It even supports virtual webcams that may have been installed already on your system.

Furthermore, the application allows both the capturing of a picture using your webcam and also a recording of the video simultaneously. There’s an option called "Sources" and what it does is that it helps in switching from the initial camera to any device that is compatible and that you can opt for accessing.

Pros

  1. Platform independent
  2. You can utilize custom network as well as local files for capturing.
  3. Various formats for recording.
  4. You are provided with Virtual webcam support to feed other programs.
  5. Capture images, opt for recording videos using the webcam.
  6. Helps in the management of various webcams.
  7. Customization is available when it comes to controls for the webcams.
  8. You can put funny effects.
  9. Translated to various different languages.
  10. Written in mostly Qt and C++

Cons

  1. Currently cannot be used on Androids
  2. Camera blinking issue while changing a format

2. Kazam

It's the screen and webcam recording tool for Linux that you can opt for capturing your screen's content/media. You are able to record any video that your video player plays and this also supports video formats such as VP8/WebM.

You may also opt for sound recording input device supported by PulseAudio. Moreover, it helps with the provision of a good-to- use interface. You can opt to capture screenshots as well as screencasts. It helps in recording desktop video along with various audio streams at one time.

kazam

This is done with the use of control. Kazam has features that allow you to either record a part or an entire screen area depending upon what you need. You may put Kazam hotkeys in use for the same. These will allow you to start, pause, resume, and more.

Pros

  1. Simple user platform and efficient to use.
  2. You can opt for recording the webcam video
  3. Play videos without any lagging.
  4. This comes equipped with shortcut keys.
  5. It has keyboard shortcuts, which are powerful enough to pause and resume any recording
  6. You can opt for broadcasting on live YouTube

Cons

  1. Not many options are there for configuration settings change
  2. No provision of support for webcam recording

3. Cheese

Cheese is an official part of GNOME. This tool or program is used to take images, videos, etc. from the webcam you have. With the use of the Burst mode, you are able to take multiple photos in one go i.e. one after the other continuously.

Then, you are able to apply different kind of effects so you can add your own touch to the media and personalize it. It puts GStreamer to use for the application of different kind of graphical effects to your videos, photos, and more.

At present Cheese can be used to record various kinds of media like videos, images, etc. There is a provision of a timer as well that you can use before shooting along with taking images in burst mode.

cheese

When you opt to use a burst mode, you can opt for setting photos, which you must be taking, and the duration as well. Using Version 2.28, you are now able to also switch between different webcams.

The application has been equipped with a built-in sharing option and different effects that one may opt to apply to your images. Moreover, your camera must be connected with Cheese and has to be compatible with Video4Linux (V4L) or the Gstreamer Framework as well as Video4Linux2 (V4L2).

Pros

  1. Videos or related media gets saved in the WebM format.
  2. You are able to capture photos in the JPEG (.jpg) format and share them.
  3. Burst mode is given
  4. Exports files, if needed, directly to F-Spot, and then it puts them on Flickr as well
  5. Application of 35 effects to photos, videos, etc. is available.

Cons

  1. No support to webcams that older.
  2. Requires compatibility to Gstreamer Framework.

4. OBS Studio

OBS Studio is a free and open-source software suite, which you may opt to record webcam stream on Linux. You may also use it for live streaming that is given in C++, C, Qt, etc. This software allows one to opt for multiple sources and then to create a mix of these so they can opt for broadcasting it further.

Moreover, you are able to transmit data in OBS studio, which is put in practice using RTMP i.e. Real-Time Messaging Protocol. This, further, could be shared with the support of RTMP, which then also includes different presets to stream, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, etc.

obs webcam recorder

Since this free screen video recorder for Ubuntu is not that heavy-to-use program, anyone from the non-commercial or commercial sector could be used that further makes sure that the high overall performance is good. The mixer panel further helps various users for muting of the audio. With virtual faders, it helps in volume adjusting, and application of the effects, which is done via pressing of the cogwheel that is right next to the button “mute”.

Pros

  1. Equipped with configuration option
  2. Equipped with audio mixer and settings panel
  3. Various filters in video sources
  4. Custom backgrounds are available
  5. You are able to scroll and move data.
  6. You can easily get connected to different service providers for streaming.
  7. No record limit.

Cons

  1. You can't network with different devices
  2. The user interface isn't really attractive
  3. Non-tech people may find the learning curve to be very steep

5. Recordmydesktop

Divided into 2 parts i.e. a simple command-line tool and an interface, Recordmydesktop is an easy to utilize session recorder for desktop for GNU or Linux. With a simple command-line, it helps in performing simple things such as you are able to capture and then opt to encode. Also, with its user interface, this is quite an impressive tool.

record my desltop

When it comes to the command-line tool, it has been written in C. whereas when it comes to the two frontends, they have been written in python with PyGTK (i.e. gtk-recordMyDesktop) and pyQt4 (i.e. qt-recordMyDesktop).

Pros

  1. It's not complex for putting it to use
  2. Lightweight
  3. Given with a support to opt to record the single window
  4. Options are given for modifying video output

Cons

  1. No feature for webcam recording
  2. No options are given for formats for alternative video output
  3. This is not been developed actively

6. ZoneMinder

This Linux security camera solution called ZoneMinder is all-in-one and provides you with complete surveillance that further lets you to capture, analyze, record, monitor the security cameras/CCTV. ZoneMinder is controlled by users with the help of a web-based interface. This lets three modes to operate:-

  • monitoring (i.e. without opting to record)
  • recording after you detect any movement
  • permanent recording

This Ubuntu webcam recorder supports various cameras, specifically the ones that are compatible with ONVIF standards. Recording gets begun when there is a detection of any change between frames of the camera by the application.

zone minder

Pros

  1. Single and/or multi-camera, which includes commercial and/or home CCTV and involves theft prevention as well as monitoring of the child or family or your home
  2. Usable on an old version of PC that may have a hard drive, which is large

Cons

  1. There is difficulty when it comes to configuration
  2. Very limited support to languages apart from English
  3. Security loopholes are found, which means cameras’ unauthorized remote control as well as basic authentication.

7. Kerberos.io

The video surveillance software, Kerberos makes use of computer vision algorithms to detect modifications. It comes in two variables; one is Kerberos Open Source and the second is Kerberos Enterprise.

You can deploy Kerberos to about any Linux OS or Docker or/and cluster like Kubernetes. Both of these Kerberos versions come with a web interface (i.e. front-end) as well as a video processing engine (i.e. back-end).

kerberos

The front-end lets you for the modifications to particular settings and you are able to opt for watching recordings in an interface that is very easy-to-use.

Pros

  1. It's a stable surveillance system and has a feature-rich output of video.
  2. You are able to access and then configure using a smartphone, laptop, or/and tablet and also keep a check on your property i.e. 24/7.
  3. You are able to get notifications i.e. real-time once you attach one and/or more cameras to your Kerberos.cloud

Cons

  1. Written in C++ language

8. Ekiga

This open free Voice over IP i.e. VOIP, Ekiga is an IP Telephony as well as Video-Conferencing application made specifically for Linux and similar Unices. This is licensed, specifically, under the GNU and/or GPL.

Also, allows you to hold a call, transfer it, or even to forward it. It also allows you to opt for instant messaging. Moreover, it comes with an advanced support, which is for NAT traversal. Also, it supports echo cancellation.

ekiga webcam recorder

Ekiga Ubuntu webcam recorder comes equipped with an interface that is based on the contact list. You are able to monitor your contacts and also view your call history as well as the as dial-pad, chat window, address book, etc. Ekiga isn’t compatible with Skype. Moreover, this is designed for the KDE desktop and/or GNOME desktop.

Pros

  1. Free calls (i.e. Audio, video) via internet.
  2. Instant Messaging is there i.e. Free with Presence support via the internet.
  3. High Definition Sound is provided (wideband)
  4. Video Quality that is given is up to DVD quality
  5. Standard Telephony features are given and support like Call Transfer, Hold, Forwarding, DTMF, etc. is there.
  6. Multi-platform: Linux and Windows
  7. Wide interoperability

Cons

  1. Transmission options, which are not secured, are provided. Moreover, you are able to listen to voice packets via subjects that are unauthorized and may sniff IP packets i.e. over the LAN.
  2. No support is there when it comes to high-quality codecs.
  3. No wizard available for the addition of a new SIP account.

9. Kamoso

This Qt-based software, Kamoso, helps to opt for capturing pictures, videos, etc. with the help of a webcam. The software allows you to take one-click captures as well as videos.

This media is allowed to be integrated or shared on your social networks. Built under an open-source license, the software gives you the 3 seconds timer/heads up option, which you could use for posing while clicking pictures.

Pros

  1. Burst mode keeps on taking images i.e. one by one rapidly.
  2. Direct image upload/sharing to Facebook is given.
  3. You are able to upload views on YouTube.
  4. Internationalization support is given

Cons

  1. Only written in the language C++.

10. Simple Screen Recorder

The Qt-based screencast software, SimpleScreenRecorder is made for, basically, Linux operating systems. They can be opted for capturing any of your video-audio i.e. not just a part but of complete PC screen. You may also opt for it for recording applications, which involve video games.

simple screen recorder

This Ubuntu webcam recorder, furthermore, synchronizes the video or/and the audio that has been captured. This is how it reduces the video frame rate if your computer is very slow. Users can opt to pause and then opt to resume the reqd. recording. This is done by opting to click a button or via the hotkey.

SimpleScreenRecorder allows you output video, audio, etc. into different formats. These outputs can also be customized. You can opt to set resolution, frame rate, etc. even before starting to record. Moreover, you are able to witness a preview while you opt to record.

Pros

  1. Graphical user interface (i.e. Qt-based).
  2. Puts into use the libav and/or ffmpeg libraries to encode, and hence, this supports various codecs as well as file formats
  3. Sensible default settings
  4. Sufficient options you have to opt to fine-tune your output video

Cons

  1. The given animations or transitions set is limited.
  2. No provision of Keystrokes recording.
  3. The learning curve that is given is steep.
  4. Not impressive user interface is given
  5. No support is given for people who want to opt for webcam recording

11. VokoscreenNG

The open-source tool called Vokoscreen (once famously known as a great Linux webcam recorder software), which helps in screencasting was made again with the use of  GStreamer and Qt and named VokoscreenNG.

This "New Generation" tool called VokoscreenNG comprises many updates that were missing from the previous tool. However, even with lesser updates, the previous tool had a good base of users.

vokoscreen

And hence, it wasn't that tough to create a fantastic user base with this new generation tool. Not only just this records the overall screen but it is great for recording a particular part of the screen. And hence, no cropping or so required that will save a lot of time for a content creator and more other professionals who use it. Here is a list of its pros and cons:

Pros

  • It's equipped with a time duration setting feature.
  • This tool allows good support to Alsa and Pulseaudio.
  • This tool allows you to customize as per your need and use whatever work mode you require.
  • User-friendly interface 
  • Allows you with the recording of your video with the mic as well as sound.
  • You can record just audio with the given audio feature if you wish.

Cons

  • Audio can sometimes go out of synchronization
  • You can't use this tool without PPA

12. HasciiCam

Set off using the command line, Hasciicam helps in capturing videos from the TV card and also allows you for sharing the ASCII video, which is live, on the web.

It then helps in formatting using the refresh tag whatever output is there to the HTML page and in rendering the videos into ASCII. You must define while you use the USB webcam what size is supported such as 160x120 performs better than many other sizes. So ensure that you specify the same as per your need.

Furthermore, Hasciicam Ubuntu webcam recorder software takes the help of Video4Linux API to grab video. It also brings the YUV422 plane and to get hold of the grayscale frame, makes use of a luminance component. After that, Hasciicam with the use of an AA-lib engine sets off the rendering of every frame into ASCII.

Pros

  • Allows cam streaming i.e. live.
  • Command-line adjustments.
  • You are able to customize the refresh rate.
  • It comes with a live-mode.
  • Provides you with a fantastic .plan
  • You are able to draw useful symbols.

Cons

  • Configuration options aren't good enough

13. Motion

If you have also recently shifted to working from home, there are various tools that you will need to get just right.

One of them that have significant importance is a screen recording tool that will help you in keeping the necessary meetings and lectures saved. Motion is the software application that you will need to record from multiple sources, effortlessly. It is an open-source tool that is available free of cost.

The installation process is also quite simple and intuitive where all you will need to do is follow the onscreen instruction to complete the setup process successfully. The salient features offered by the Motion Ubuntu record screen and webcam application include recording multiple sources in one place along with the live streaming of the webcam. 

Pros

  1. The application will track motion detection.
  2. A simple and intuitive dashboard.
  3. Motion will also keep taking screenshots on fixed intervals.
  4. It’s an open-source platform.
  5. Advanced noise control.
  6. Direct control of pan/tilt/zoom if the camera offers.

Cons

  1. The tech support isn’t very expansive.
  2. The installation and setup can be a bit of a task for some users.

14. Green Recorder

It is one of the widely used best Ubuntu webcam video recording software that you download for your Linux system and developers have now updated the application to some very useful and practical features.

The basic function offered by the tool is to record high-quality desktop videos that you can share with your online audience. When it comes to supported formats, the tool offers multiple formats in which you can export the final footage and you will also get to record the system sounds.

green webcam recorder

The interface that you will get here is also highly intuitive and you will not find any hassle to complete the installation process. Once you will launch the application, you will get a dashboard that will give you a wide range of features to choose from. Users will also be able to pick the audio source from where they want to record the audio. 

Pros

  1. Green Recorder will allow you to record videos in GIF format.
  2. Once set, the preferences will be saved for future projects.
  3. Through Xorg, Green Recorder is now equipped with better FFmpeg detection.
  4. The updated UI is more easily accessible.
  5. Right below the footage, the UI now offers a play button to watch the footage.

Cons

  1. Very limited features.
  2. Users may face multiple bugs.

15. Gifine

If you are a social media enthusiast, the most loved video format that you can share related to a small tutorial is GIF. Many creators are in search of an advanced tool that can offer multiple formats to you so that you are able to attach the footage wherever you want.

The application will also give you the option to record Ubuntu record video from webcam and add it somewhere in the corner of your screen recording. It's a very small add-on but you will be able to establish a better connection with your audience.

gifine webcam recorder

There is one thing that you need to keep in mind before you make up your mind to settle for one recording application is that Gifine has a bit lengthy process when it comes to installation and complete setup. The application will also let you record the footage in MP4 format so that you can get the details and are able to do some tweaks and post-processing.

Pros

  1. There will be an inbuilt editor.
  2. The output formats are MP4, as well as GIF.
  3. A wide range of features.
  4. The interface will also allow you to set a custom frame rate.
  5. The application will give you a full demo to learn all the features.

Cons

  1. The dashboard can be a bit complex.
  2. The installation and setup process is quite long.

FAQs About Ubuntu Webcam Recording

1. How do I access my webcam on Ubuntu?

To do this, at first, you will need an app such as Cheese to be installed on your system. If you already have it, it's great but if you don't, you must opt to install it. For this, opt for the following:

sudo apt-get install cheese

Once you are done, you must be able to get this installed. Now, you have to run the app and opt for the webcam. It's that simple to access your webcam on ubuntu.

2. How do I know if my webcam is working Ubuntu? 

You must find out if the webcam of your system supports Ubuntu and if it functions or not. If it does, you will that Cheese will be able to turn it on automatically. To do the same, you must opt for the following steps:

  • Get started with the Ubuntu Software Center and once done with that, you must opt for the installation of the webcam app that is Cheese.
  • After this, opt to Press the keys, "Alt-F2," and then, in the input box, opt to type "cheese"
  • Now, at this point, tap "Enter."
  • Once done with the above steps, opt to Select the icon that says, "Photo Mode", and now, opt for the selection of the button that says, "Take a Photo". At this point, snapshot must be seen in the application's lower panel.

3. What is Ubuntu cheese? 

Cheese is a webcam app, which lets you capture videos, images, and more with the help of your webcam. This is a GNOME Desktop program, which further allows you to share media with other people too as per how you want that. Moreover, it allows you to add some effects to your media before sharing it via F-Spot or on Flickr, or more. It enhances the overall look. Also, you can set-up your webcam’s resolution.

Conclusion

The pandemic has taught us quite many things and one of them is having the right set of tools readily available so that we can get the work done. A screen recorder may not seem a very significant application to keep but there will be times when you will wish to record the screen so that you can use it as a reference point.

Linux is the operating used by a majority of professionals including developers. The tools that we have discussed above for recording webcam on Ubuntu will give you the best experience to share your screen with your audience, colleagues, or friends.