Overview
Your webcam video quality is one of the most important aspects of a high-quality presentation. This article covers our tips for getting the most out of your camera setup.
Table of contents
Camera types
Built-in webcam
If your computer has a built-in webcam, that's great! You’re ready to use mmhmm.
External webcam
While mmhmm will work with your computer's built-in webcam, we recommend using an external HD webcam. External HD webcams will have higher image quality and have the added benefit of greater control of your recording angle.
Here are some external webcams we recommend using with mmhmm:
DSLR
It may be possible to use your DSLR camera as an external webcam. DSLRs have higher quality image sensors and allow for a greater variety of lenses, which can produce a richer image and be more suitable for some types of broadcasts.
- Click here to learn how to do this with Canon DSLRs.
- Click here for Nikon DSLRs.
- Click here for Fujifilm DSLRs.
Note: If you are having trouble with the Canon EOS software, try the following workaround (only applicable to Macs with the M1 chip).
- First, ensure mmhmm is closed.
- Open Finder and go to Applications.
- Right-click on the mmhmm icon.
- Select Get Info.
- Check the box labeled Open using Rosetta.
DSLR's whose manufacturers don't provide their own webcam software will need a capture card such as the Elgato Camlink 4K to process the camera's video feed.
- Click here to learn how to use the Elgato Camlink 4K with your DSLR and to confirm its compatibility.
Smartphones
A lot of smartphones, like the iPhone and Google Pixel, have award-winning cameras and powerful processors that produce high-quality video. You can now leverage your smartphone by using it as a webcam with mmhmm. There are many 3rd party apps that allow you to connect your smartphone to your computer. Here are some we recommend:
Green screen types and settings
You can use two types of green screens with mmhmm: virtual or physical.
The virtual green screen is included with mmhmm and requires no special setup. It automatically detects the position of your head and body in the foreground and separates it from your background, allowing you to take advantage of mmhmm's rooms, or backgrounds.
Physical green screens are usually made of green fabric and hung from a stand or frame in your physical environment. Frequently used in Hollywood and online streaming, the bright green of these backdrops makes it easier to digitally superimpose the subject in a virtual scene. While these require a bit more effort to acquire and set up, they are currently the best way to make the subject "pop" in a virtual room.
You can change select your greenscreen type in your camera settings, found in the top right corner of mmhmm.
By default, mmhmm will use the virtual green screen, but if you have a physical green screen, select "I have a green screen" in the Camera dropdown settings.
Choose green, blue, or the chroma key picker (the color wheel) to dial in the exact color.
Threshold - when using a physical green screen, you can toggle the sensitivity of mmhmm's background detection with the threshold slider.
If you are looking for a green screen, consider the Elgato Green Screen Collapsible Chroma Key Panel.
For more, see Green Screen Best Practices.
Don’t see the answer to your question? If you’re having technical difficulties or want to suggest a topic for this guide, click here to submit a request or email us at help@mmhmm.app.
