Adobe Connect and Elgato Facecam is a no go

Report · Jan 29, 2024

I have not able to get Elgato's Facecam to work with Connect 12.5. The error log entries below show some really weird reference to D:\Jenkins\... directory. Adobe Support said this wasn't helpful information and they wanted to do a live test. I had to return the camera due to a deadline, so we didn't get a chance to work on it.

So.... my advice. Steer clear of the Facecam for Connect. I loved the Elgato Camera Hub and look of the camera image and REALLY wanted this to work. (It looked good in Zoom, so this is likely a Connect issue.)

As you see below, the Logitech Procam C920 connects. I just dislike the way Logitech handles the camera settings (and they aren't stored IN the camera like the Elgato). I find Logitech hardware tends to be good but their software and drivers are generally wonky. If you make good hardware AND good software, you can dominate a market.

(error) : D:\Jenkins\workspace\ConnectCefApp\master\ConnectCefApp\AppCode\Connect\Platform\Win\Camera.cpp 246 CCamera::initialize Could not find a suitable capture prop

[2024-01-24 10:30:14.357811] [0x000028dc] (info) : Selected camera : Elgato Facecam
[2024-01-24 10:30:14.357811] [0x000028dc] (info) : Camera Initialize with resolution 640x480 and FPS 20
[2024-01-24 10:30:14.357811] [0x000028dc] (error) : D:\Jenkins\workspace\ConnectCefApp\master\ConnectCefApp\AppCode\Connect\Platform\Win\Camera.cpp 246 CCamera::initialize Could not find a suitable capture prop
[2024-01-24 10:30:41.568025] [0x00004d54] (info) : JS :
.....
ConnectVideoManager : ConnectVideoManager updateVideoUI() Triggering UI updates - heavy operation
[2024-01-24 10:30:41.635044] [0x000028dc] (info) : Selected camera : Elgato Facecam
[2024-01-24 10:30:41.635044] [0x000028dc] (info) : Camera Initialize with resolution 640x480 and FPS 20
[2024-01-24 10:30:41.635044] [0x000028dc] (error) : D:\Jenkins\workspace\ConnectCefApp\master\ConnectCefApp\AppCode\Connect\Platform\Win\Camera.cpp 246 CCamera::initialize Could not find a suitable capture prop
[2024-01-24 10:31:57.536794] [0x00004d54] (info) : JS :
.....
ConnectVideoManager : ConnectVideoManager updateVideoUI() Triggering UI updates - heavy operation
[2024-01-24 10:32:03.818744] [0x000028dc] (info) : Selected camera : HD Pro Webcam C920
[2024-01-24 10:32:03.818744] [0x000028dc] (info) : Camera Initialize with resolution 640x480 and FPS 20
[2024-01-24 10:32:03.818744] [0x000028dc] (info) : Selected camera mode 640x480 fps:20
[2024-01-24 10:32:12.254909] [0x00004d54] (info) : JS :
.....
ConnectVideoManager : ConnectVideoManager updateVideoUI() Triggering UI updates - heavy operation

Report · Jan 29, 2024

The logs look like they are showing the Elgato cam may not support the 640X480 resolution. Try setting the quality of the web cam pod to HD. You may need to make the pod larger to get Connect to actually set an HD resolution in the stream, as it scales down as the image gets smaller.

Report · Jan 29, 2024

Thanks Jorma,

I should have come here first instead of Adobe support... sigh. I didn't think to try to rearrange the size of the webcam POD. I did change the settings to HD (720) but didn't change the POD size.... Adobe could help by determining if that error could be corrected by a pod size change and show that instead of the generic hardware error.

Good to know if I try to use my Sony a6700 as a webcam. I've read some have good results from the Sigma's 16mm F1.4 APS-C lens (strong value). It would be nice to have some natural bokeh, but wow... that rig is major overkill for a Connect session.

I have an old Sony a6300 sitting around. Maybe that with the Elgato capture card would be as effective with a dummy battery?

Report · Jan 29, 2024

If you can dictate the resolution output of the Elgato to the lower resolution, it may work too. 😉

The Sony is surely overkill for Connect, but if you have the hardware it's nice to put it to use.

Report · Jan 29, 2024

I should try the a6700 since it can be a webcam directly from the hardware (won't need to buy the Elgato catpure card for the 6300). If it works at 720p and rearranging the pod window isn't too impactful on my screen share then I have options.

I have a feeling I am the one who is driving this. My students could care less if I have a creamy bokeh behind me.... 😉

Report · Jan 30, 2024

Too often we are our own worst critic when it comes to what we present on camera. 😄

Hopefully going direct works better with a6700 direct. I suppose the worst case scenario is just to go back to the Logitech.