ScreenBuddy
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Webcam Test

Check that your camera works in seconds. See its live resolution and frame rate, switch devices, and grab a snapshot — all privately in your browser.

Free · No sign-up · Runs in your browser
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Keep recording and editing together. ScreenBuddy adds zoom, captions, and local MP4 or GIF export on Mac and Windows.

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How it works

01

Start the camera

Click Start and allow camera access when your browser asks.

02

Check the preview

Confirm the image looks right and read your live resolution and frame rate.

03

Switch or snapshot

Pick a different camera if you have several, or download a snapshot.

What is an online webcam test?

An online webcam test turns your camera on in the browser so you can confirm it works before a call, interview, or recording. This page shows a live preview, the active resolution, and the frame rate, and it can save a PNG snapshot. The stream never leaves the tab. Use it when you need a 10-second confidence check, not a stored recording.

How do I fix a webcam that will not turn on?

Allow camera access in the address-bar prompt, then close any app that may already own the device. On macOS open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera; on Windows open Settings → Privacy → Camera. If a second browser works, the first browser’s site permission is the problem. Hardware failure is rare compared with a held or blocked device.

What resolution should I expect?

Built-in laptop cameras often run 720p or 1080p. External webcams may offer 1080p or 4K but deliver a lower mode until lighting and USB bandwidth allow more. The readout on this page is the active track, not the marketing maximum. For a product walkthrough, 720p talking-head overlay is usually enough; sharpness of the screen matters more than the camera.

When should I record the camera with the screen?

After the preview looks right, put the camera into the walkthrough only if your face helps explain the product. ScreenBuddy on Mac and Windows records screen plus webcam, then lets you move the overlay off important controls. For a camera-free capture, use the online screen recorder. Pair with a microphone test so narration is not an afterthought.

Related: how to record screen and webcam on Mac.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this webcam test private?
Yes. The video stream stays entirely on your device and is shown only in your browser. Nothing is uploaded, recorded to a server, or stored. When you close the tab or click Stop, the camera is released.
Why is my camera not working?
The most common cause is a blocked permission — check the camera icon in your browser's address bar and allow access. Also make sure no other app (Zoom, Teams, Photo Booth) is holding the camera, since most systems only let one app use it at a time.
How do I see my webcam resolution?
Start the test and the live resolution (for example 1280×720 or 1920×1080) and frame rate appear below the preview, read directly from the camera's active video track.
Does it work on a phone?
It can run in mobile browsers that support camera access. Front/rear switching depends on which devices and controls the browser exposes, so mobile behavior varies by browser and operating system.
Why is the webcam preview black?
A black preview usually means the permission was denied, another app owns the camera, or the OS privacy toggle is off. Allow the camera in the address bar, quit Zoom/Teams/OBS/Photo Booth, then confirm System Settings (Mac) or Settings → Privacy → Camera (Windows) includes your browser.
Can I use this before a screen-and-webcam recording?
Yes. Confirm framing, lighting, and resolution here, then record the screen with an optional webcam in ScreenBuddy on Mac or Windows, or capture a quick clip with the online screen recorder.

Put your camera into a polished walkthrough

Record your screen and camera together in ScreenBuddy. Position the webcam away from important controls, trim pauses, and add captions to make the walkthrough easier to follow.

Mac & Windows. No card. Record, edit, and preview free. A one-time license is required to save or export. Media processing stays on your device. Internet is required for license activation and update checks.

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