Webcams aren't just useful for boring conference calls, there are now some great quality cameras out there that can be used for serious content creation.
If your webcam is something you use a lot, then you need some great software to go with it. These are the apps you should be using.
Windows Camera
Do you really need third-party software when there's a camera app built right into Windows 10? It's not the most feature-packed app, but if all you want is something to take some photos or capture some quick video clips, it's there, and it's free.
You can also access any resolution and frame rate that your webcam is capable of shooting at. It's a simple case of plug and play. And no download necessary.
Cyberlink YouCam 7
If you want features, and lots of them, YouCam 7 by Cyberlink is the best app around. It isn't free, but you can try all its features for 30-days first to see if you're happy. After that it costs $34.95, but the basic feature set remains free.
The major selling point of YouCam is the creative control it gives you. If you're using your webcam to record content for say, your YouTube channel, you get a ton of effects you can add in real time to your camera, as well as a pretty robust video editor.
If a webcam is your main tool for creating videos, this app will allow you to do basically everything under one roof. It can also be used to monitor webcams remotely for home surveillance while you're away. Not too shabby.
Logitech Camera
If you use a Logitech webcam, as no doubts a lot of you do, then you should be using this app. You may also not be aware it even exists!
You'll still need an additional app to actually capture images or video from the webcam, but the Logitech app allows you to control the actual camera's functions. You can change the focus, white balance, zoom and pan, simple features perhaps but ones that make the output more tailored to your needs.
And it's free, so there's absolutely nothing to lose.
Debut Video Capture
Debut is a little more complex than some of the other apps on this list, primarily because it's more than just a webcam tool. It can also be used as a screen recorder for your PC, and combine your webcam with that as an overlay.
You can record video, photos and audio, as well as change all the necessary video quality settings, color settings, add text, timestamps and much more.
It isn't free and the home edition will cost $29.99, but for the right type of user it's about unbeatable.
Webcam Toy
Why does a great app need to be on your PC? Webcam Toy is a web app that can be accessed on any computer in any browser.
It's simple, but allows you to capture images and videos while having some fun at the same time by adding some goofy effects. It's free, lightweight and doesn't need any form of install.
Check out the Webcam Toy web app
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