Slow frame rates using integrated WEBCAM

hi all,
I just purchased an inspiron 1420.... it works great... but i think the webcam is not working as it should. Dell advertises a 2MP webcam that can take video with 30fps ... however.. when i use the webcam software that comes with the laptop, i get a maximum of 7fps... even on the lowest resolution. Is there somethign wrong?? thanks!

 

Do you get 7fps when using MSN or when you are using the offline webcam program?

 

i don't know how to determine framerate on MSN.. but it seems to be the same.. very slow and laggy.. The webcam program has a feature that tells you the frame rate.

 

Hmm so its slow both on and offline; that's what I was interested in. For my webam, fps are about 30-35 with the offline webcam software, and drop down to really low fps (think stop-action animation). Try reinstalling the webcam driver . If the problems persist, there's not much you can troubleshoot as it is an integrated webcam. Consider returning it to Dell.

 

hmm.. ok thanks bc135..! ill try that.

 

val23, I'm not sure if you've gotten this fixed yet or not, but thought I'd post just in case.

The latest driver for the 1420's web-cam is http://ftp.dell.com/app/R160320.EXE (Application: Creative Labs Dell Webcam Manager, Application, Windows Vista 32-bit, Windows Vista 64-bit, Windows XP, Multi Language, Multi System, v.RC4.5, A02). I would recommend uninstalling the original software (Add & Remove Programs) then, as bc135 suggested, reinstall the software for it. It should definitely get more than 7fps.

If that does not fix the problem, or if you have other questions for me, just let me know and I'll be happy to answer them.

Larry
Dell Customer Advocate

 

I am having this exact same issue. I just bought an inspiron 1420 with the integrated webcam and only average 7 fps, in just about any lighting. I did get it to go above 7 a couple times for brief periods by changing the Video format in between various resolutions. The fps always settled back down to 7 though. I also did as suggested, by uninstalling the webcam driver package and then reinstalling from the latest available on the Dell site. Has anyone solved this yet??

Thanks,

Sinjen

 

check to make sure low light boost is not enabled if that is an option.

 

Ambient light is also important. I have a trust webcam lying around that works pretty fluently in the day, but in the evening it's VERY laggy and choppy.

 

I agree, low light destroys framerates (from 30 to 10). Also, update the drivers and disable low light boost.

 

Thanks for the replies. I have pretty much tried all that was mentioned. I understand about low light boost (it basicly lowers the shutter speed to let more light in, ruining fps) but I can't find where to either enable or disable the option. I've uninstalled all webcam drivers/software and reinstalled with the latest available from Dell. I've also tried using the cam in a VERY well lit room with the same results of 7 to 8 fps. It's really maddening. I paid extra to have the cam integrated so as to not have to carry around extra equipment. I'm thinking it was a big mistake at this point. Heck, I knew from the beginning the image quality wouldn't be great...but I at least expected acceptable frame rates. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

-Sinjen

 

what is good light to you might not be good light to a camera. Try it outside in sunlight if possible.

 

In the dell webcam centre, try turning the 'backlight compensation' option down to nothing, and waiting for the picture to change.

This increased my FPS to a fairly constant 13 in a dimly lit room. Not perfect, but almost twice as much as 7

 

Hi, I have this same problem 6 / 7 FPS Dell 1420