SkypeWebCams

Skype and Web Cameras

This page lists web cameras ("webcams") that are known to work with Skype. This may differ from the list of webcams working in general on Ubuntu, given here. For general webcam issues see here.

Instructions for contributing to the lists

Specify which version of Skype you are using. The version number of Skype may be found in the middle of the about box, from the main menu. Entries that don't specify a version usually refer to the first beta, please test using the latest beta available on the Skype Linux Beta page, or the last available stable release; Skype 2.0 (the version introducing webcam support) has been released as stable. Skype 2.0.0.72, for instance, is a Skype stable release (the latest one, at the moment I'm writing this).
To find out the device ID of your webcam, typing lsusb in a terminal window will list all USB devices on your system. Try to find the relevant line for your webcam. The ID then appears after "ID" on that line, in the form xxxx:xxxx where each "x" is an hexadecimal digit 0-9, a-f.
If your webcam is working on some applications other than Skype 2.0 beta, then it would be useful to know what particular driver your webcam is using. To find out, type lsmod | grep videodev. The driver name will appear on the line starting with "videodev".
If your webcam works with V4L2, but not with V4L (you can check this with gstreamer-properties), you may try one of these hacks.
Remember that Skype cannot access a camera video stream if another program (like Cheese or guvcview) is already viewing it. Close any such program and re-select the Skype video settings preview image before concluding that it doesn't work.

List of cameras that "just work"

Make and Model	Ubuntu Version	Device Id	Driver	Notes
A4Tech PK-130MG	9.04	09da:022b	gspca	Works out of the box with Cheese. For Skype, need some fix: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Webcam#See%20also
Alcor Micro Corp	10.04-64bit	058f:3881	uvcvideo,gspca_main	Chip set used by a variety of inexpensive Chinese cameras. Works out of the box with Cheese and Skype, 640x480 max., usb+soundjack, on Ebay.com (See image.)
BenQ Joybook S32B built-in 1.3MP	8.04	064e:a111	uvcvideo	Works out of the box Skype Version 2.0.0.72
Chicony Electronics built-in 2MP Compal	7.10	04f2:b018	uvcvideo
Creative Instant P0620	8.04	041e:4034	gspca	Works out of the box Skype Version 2.0.0.68
Creative Labs Live! Cam Sync Webcam	10.04	041e:406c	uvcvideo	Creative claims driver is in Linux Kernel. Works out of the box with Skype 2.1.0.81
DELL Inspiron 1520 Integrated Webcam	7.10	05a9:2640	uvcvideo
Dell XPS m1330 VGA Webcam	7.10	05a9:7670	uvcvideo	Skype 2.0.0.68 : Works out of the box, but Compiz must be turned off due to Intel X3100 video card
Dynex 1.3MP Webcam (DX-WEB1C)	9.10	19ff:0102	uvcvideo	Skype 2.1.0.47 : works out of the box (both video and sound)
eMPIA Technology built-in Asus EeePC	7.10	eb1a:2761	uvcvideo	Works out of the box Skype Version 2.0.0.43
EZonics EZcam II	7.10	0923:010f	gspca
Genius Eye 320	7.10, 8.04	0458:7051	uvcvideo	Skype 2.0.0.68 : Works out of the box. Frame rate drops with low light, cannot disable auto exposure.
Genius iSlim 1320	Kubuntu 9.04, 64 bit	0458:7060	uvcvideo	Skype 2.0.0.72: Works out of the box, although not configurable in Skype.
Hercules Dualpix HD720p Emotion	11.04	06f8:3012	uvcvideo	Skype 2.2.0.35: works fine (video and audio)
HP dv2000 built-in webcam	7.10	0c45:62c0	uvcvideo	Works out of the box Version 2.0.0.63 (also works in Ekiga)
HP dv6000t built-in webcam	7.10	0c45:62c0	uvcvideo	Works with Skype 2.0.0.68
HYUNDAI H103A	7.10	0ac8:301b	gspca	Version 2.0.0.27 fixes a previous crash after 50 secs of use. (see Logitech Quickcam Notebook Deluxe)
iNTEX IT-305WC (reported as Z-Star Microelectronics Corp. ZC0303 Webcam by lsusb)	8.04.1	0ac8:303b	gspca	Works out of the box, Skype 2.0.0.72, great analog microphone. Very low cost (~U$12 in India)
Lenovo Thinkpad R61 built-in Camera	7.10, 8.04		uvcvideo	Skype 2.0.0.68. Pretty much flawless. Sweet!
Lexma - Panda 10C	8.04	04f2.a13e	uvcvideo	Skype 2.0.0.72 : works out of the box. Ekiga works too after defining input sources to USB2.0 UVC VGA. Not sure if audio works.
Logitech/Acer intergrated orbicam (Acer 5670)	7.10	046d:0892	gspca
Logitech HD Pro Webcam C910	10.04	046d:0821	uvcvideo	Video and audio works out of the box (Skype 2.1.0.81-1, Cheese 2.28.1-0ubuntu1)
Logitech HD Webcam C270	10.04,9.10	046d:0825	uvcvideo	Works with Skype 2.1.0.81. After first installation, I had to log out and log in again.
Logitech HD Webcam C270	12.10	046d:0825	uvcvideo	Works with Skype 4.0.0.8. To get webcam microphone working I had to reboot, go to sound settings and select it in the input tab. Then start start a Skype test call and select the right input in the recording tab
Logitech HD Webcam C310	10.10 64bit	046d:081b	uvcvideo,usbvideo,gspca_main	Camera works out of the box with Skype 2.1.0.81, Cheese, camorama; microphone is detected, but I could not get it to work in any application
Logitech HD Webcam C310	11.10 64bit	046d:081b	uvcvideo	Camera works out of the box with Skype 2.2.0.35, microphone works perfectly in all applications
Logitech Notebook Deluxe	7.10	046d:08d8	gspca	Version 2.0.0.27 fixes a previous crash after 50 secs of use.
Logitech Quickcam 3000 for Business	8.04	046d:09a5	uvcvideo	Skype 2.0.0.72 : Works fine out of the box
Logitech Quickcam Chat for Skype	7.10	046d:092e	gspca	Works fine out of the box with 2.0.0.13. Under 2.0.0.27 I get 100% CPU utilisation. Still works & doesn't appear to crash
Logitech Quickcam Communicate Deluxe	7.10	046d:0992	uvcvideo	Skype 2.0.0.27 : Works fine out of the box
Logitech Quickcam Communicate MP	9.04	046d:09a1	uvcvideo	Skype 2.0.0.72 : Works fine out of the box
Logitech Quickcam Communicate STX	7.10	046d:08ad	gspca	Skype 2.0.0.27 : Works fine out of the box
Logitech Quickcam Communicate STX	7.10, 8.04	046d:08d7	gspca	Version 2.0.0.27 fixes a previous crash after 50 secs of use. No problems has been experienced in hardy heron with Skype 2.0.0.72:work out of the box
Logitech Quickcam Connect	8.04.2	046d:08af	gspca	Works perfectly out of the box with Skype 2.0.0.72, details here
Logitech Quickcam Deluxe for Notebooks	7.10, 9.10, 10.04	046d:09c1	uvcvideo,pwc,gspca	Video works with version 2.1.0.47. Microphone works too, though you may need to choose the Input device in System Preferences Sound. Microphone may suffer from "clicking sound" issue (see https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/linux/+bug/151890 )
Logitech Quickcam E 3500	8.04	046d:09a4	uvcvideo	Works with Skype 2.0.0.72, and microphone also
Logitech Quickcam E 3500 Plus	7.10	046d:09a4	uvcvideo	Works with Skype 2.0.0.68, and microphone also
Logitech Quickcam Express II	7.10	046d:0928	gspca	Works out of the box.
Logitech Quickcam Express Plus	7.10, 8.04	046d:092f	gspca	Works out of the box. Testing in 8.04: Skype 2.0.0.72, also works with Cheese.
Logitech Quickcam Fusion	7.10	046d:08c1	uvcvideo	Skype 2.0.0.27 : Works fine out of the box - noted below as not working - but worked perfectly for me.
Logitech Quickcam IM	11.10	046d:08a6	gspca	For kernel 3, I had to modify the above to "env LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/i386-linux-gnu/libv4l/v4l1compat.so skype"
Logitech Quickcam IM/Connect	7.04	046d:08d9	gspca	Works fine out of the box, for Ekiga or just streaming from MPlayer. Eats 100% CPU in Skype. Skype Version 2.0.0.27 fixes a previous crash after 50 secs of use.
Logitech Quickcam IM/Connect	7.10	046d:08d9	gspca	for me, with an ATI video card, Skype (2.0.0.27) video works with the Radeon driver, but not if using fglrx 7.12
Logitech Quickcam IM/Connect	7.10	046d:08d9	gspca	Works perfectly out of the box. No issues compared to what was reported for 7.04.
Logitech Quickcam IM/Connect	8.04	046d:08d9	gspca	Works perfectly out of the box, but only at 320x240 in Skype, (384x288 in VLC) I can't get close to the advertised 640x480 with any of the linux drivers
Logitech Quickcam IM/Connect	9.10	046d:08d9	gspca?	Worked perfectly out of the box for all but Skype. For Skype 2.1.0.81 to work with video though, had to go to synaptic package manager and install "libv4l-0" then edit the start menu and/or any links to launch by changing the command from "skype" to "env LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/i386-linux-gnu/libv4l/v4l1compat.so skype"
Logitech Quickcam Notebook	7.10
Logitech Quickcam Notebook Deluxe	7.10, 9.10	046d:08a9	gspca	Version 2.0.0.27 fixes a previous crash after 50 secs of use. Skype 2.1.0.81 on Ubuntu 9.10 64-bit needs to be hacked with lib32v4l-dev
Logitech Quickcam PRO 3000	7.10	046d:08b0	pwc	Skype 2.0.0.27 : Works fine out of the box
Logitech Quickcam Pro 4000	7.04
Logitech Quickcam Pro 4000	7.10	046d:08b2	pwc	Works great, but does not scale in full-screen mode due to known bug non-accelerated X11 problem.
Logitech Quickcam Pro 9000	7.10, 8.04, 9.04, 9.10, 10.04	046d:0990 also 046d:0809	uvcvideo	Works perfectly, microphone also
Logitech Quickcam Pro for Notebooks (May 2008)	8.04, 9.04	046d:0991	uvcvideo	Works out of the box w/ v2.0.0.68, also 2.0.0.72 (on my Latitude D420, it takes maybe 10 seconds to turn on).
Logitech Quickcam S5500	9.04	046d:09a1	uvcvideo	Skype 2.0.0.72 : Works fine out of the box. Brightness is sometimes wrong (black image). Can be fixed by pointing it at a bright light source when starting it apparently. Cheese and VLC work too.
Logitech Quickcam S 7500	9.04	046d:0912	uvcvideo	Works with Skype 2.0.0.72, great picture
Logitech Quickcam Ultra Vision	7.10	046d:08c9	uvcvideo
Logitech Quickcam Vision Pro (Mac)	8.04	046d:09a6	uvcvideo	Works perfectly, microphone also
Logitech Quickcam Zoom	7.10	046d:08b4	pwc	Cam works well in Skype, and microphone also
Logitech Webcam C100 (I think)	10.04	046d:0817	uvcvideo	Works with Skype 2.1.0.81, excellent video
Logitech Webcam C120	9.10	046d:080f	uvcvideo	Works with Skype 2.1.0.47, excellent just set up sound input
Logitech Webcam C120	9.10	046d:080f	uvcvideo	Works with Skype 2.1.0.47, practically plug and play; just set up a sound input. (May need to restart Skype)
Logitech Webcam C160	10.10	046d:0824	uvcvideo	Works with Skype 2.2.0.25, had to configure audio profile for microphone to work
Logitech Webcam C200	9.10, 10.04	046d:0802	uvcvideo	Works with Skype 2.1.0.47, excellent just set up sound input
Logitech Webcam C250	10.04	046d:0804	uvcvideo	Works with Skype 2.1.0.81, excellent just set up sound input
Logitech Webcam C300	9.10	046d:0805	uvcvideo	Works with Skype 2.1.0.47. After first installation, I had to log out and log in again; before that, Skype found "no device available" for "webcam"
Logitech Webcam C500	10.04, 10.10	046d:0807	uvcvideo	Works out-of-the-box with Skype 2.1.0.81 (both video and incorporated microphone).
Logitech Webcam C905	10.04	046d:080a	uvcvideo	Works out-of-the-box with Skype 2.1.0.81 (video and microphone). HD 720p, 2 MP Carl-Zeiss optics.
Logitech Webcam Pro 9000 for Business	10.04	046d:0809	uvcvideo	Skype 2.1.0.81 : Works fine out of the box
Macally IceCam2	8.04.1	04fc:05d8	uvcvideo	Works out of the box with ekiga, for Skype to work had to setup "gstfakevideo" found @ http://aur.archlinux.org/packages/gstfakevideo/gstfakevideo/ Skype 2.0.0.72, good video, audio.. Great price ($20 onsale.com)
Microsoft LifeCam Cinema	11.10 32-bit	045e:075d	uvcvideo	out-of-the-box with Skype 4.0.0.8 (video and microphone)
Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000	10.04.4 x86_64	045e:0779	uvcvideo	out-of-the-box with Skype 2.2.0.35 (video and microphone)
Microsoft LifeCam Show	8.10 x86_64	045e:0729	uvcvideo	Skype 2.0.0.72 video plus microphone
Microsoft LifeCam VX-700	10.10	045e:0770	uvcvideo	out-of-the-box with Skype 2.1.0.81
Microsoft LifeCam VX-800	10.10 x86_64	045e:0766	uvcvideo	out-of-the-box with Skype 2.1.0.81 (video and microphone)
Microsoft VX-5000	8.04.3, 8.10, 9.04	045e:0728	uvcvideo	Great cam, microphone works too. ~$30. Works also "out-of-the-box" with 2.1.0.47
Philips PCVC730K	8.04	0471:0310	pwc	Works nice out of the box
Philips SPC1000NC	8.04	0471:0329	uvcvideo	Everything works perfectly. Great cam.
Philips SPC1330NC	8.10	0471:2037	uvcvideo	Works fine with Skype 2.0.0.72 (some config to do for sound, though).
Philips SPC210NC	8.10	0471:032d	gspca_zc3xx	Works fine. Plug and play. The image quality is not the best one, but reasonable as I got the webcam for only £8 GBP
Philips SPC520NC	8.04	0471:0334	uvcvideo	Works nice out of the box
Philips SPC530NC	9.04	0471:2034	uvcvideo	Works nice out of the box with Skype 2.0.0.72, great picture (microphone is not working yet)
Philips SPC535NC	9.04	0471:2034	uvcvideo	Works flawlessly out of the box with Skype 2.1.0.47. This model is the same as the SPC530NC, but comes with a headset
Philips SPC900NC	7.10	0471:0332	pwc	Works nice out of the box with the latest driver 10.0.13, is the webcam used by one of the Skype developers
Pluscom 8MP Webcam (UC480-2)	10.04	1e4e:0100	uvcvideo	Skype 2.1.0.81 and Cheese: works out of the box. Microphone untested
Prolink PCC5020 5MP (0ac8:332d Z-Star Microelectronics Corp)	7.10 AMD64	0ac8:332d	uvcvideo	Works out of the box Skype Version 2.0.0.72 although need getlibs for AMD64 microphone untested (microphone/video works in Ekiga)
Ricoh r5u870 (laptop webcam)	7.10, 9.04	05ca:183a	r5u870	Grab the userspace tools. This driver supports many VAIO (e.g. SZ and TZ models) as well as some HP laptop webcams
Sony Corp (built-in Vaio P Series - P11Z)	9.10	054c:038b	uvcvideo	Skype 2.1.0.47 : works out of the box as does Cheese.
Sweex WC056	9.04	0ac8:3420	uvcvideo	Skype 2.0.0.72 : works out of the box. Kopete works too.
Syntek USB Camera (built-in)	10.10	174f:1404	gspca_main,uvcvideo (one driver could be from external USB Logitech 046d:092f connected before)	Works with Cheese at 1280x1024, 640x480, 352x288, 320x240, 176x144 and 160x120. Works also with aMSN. Plays nicely together with external USB laptop camera for switching cams in both applications. Works in Skype 2.2.0.35.
Tchibo Laptop Camera (Microdia)	7.10	0c45:613b	sn9c102,gspca	Works well with the ATI driver. On another computer with the Radeon driver the video crashed after a few minutes. Connection remained OK. fglrx not tested yet.
Terracam-X2	8.10	0ccd:0052	uvcvideo	Skype 2.0.0.72, Ekiga : works out of the box. Microphone works fine. For 64bit Ubuntu: the 32bit package from Skype and libraries have to be --force-install.
Thinkpad T61 built-in webcam	7.10	17ef:1004	uvcvideo	Low frame rate, but it works fine aside from that
Trust eLight Full HD Webcam	10.04.4 x86_64	145f:019f	uvcvideo	Skype 2.2.0.35, Cheese : works out of the box video and microphone
Trust Spacecam 120 (120 SpaceC@m)	9.04,9.10	0c45:600d	gspca,sn9c102	Skype 2.1.0.47 : works out of the box. lsusb reports: Microdia TwinkleCam USB camera
Trust Spotlight Webcam Pro	Kubuntu 9.10,64 bit	0c45:62c0	uvcvideo	Skype 2.1.0.81: Works out of the box. Video artefacts (ATI RadeonHD3200, fglrx) in near + far end video mode: Suspend Compositing (Settings menu or via "Shift+Alt+F12") or use radeon/radeonhd driver
Trust WB-6250X	7.10, 8.04	145f:0142	uvcvideo	Skype 2.0.0.68 : works out of the box. Can use all video modes with luvcview
Trust WB-8500X	9,04	145f:015b	uvcvideo	Skype 2.0.0.72 : works out of the box.
TrustWebcamWB-1400T	8.04	093a:2468	gspca	Skype 2.0.0.72 : works out of the box, for successive versions of Ubuntu, see below in the fiddle list.
Trust Widescreen HD Webcam (16530)	9.04	145f:0167	uvcvideo	Skype 2.0.0.72 : works out of the box. Works with Cheese, xawtv, but not with Camorama. May need to enable audio in system> preferences> sound> input.
Vimicro Z-Star	7.10, 8.04	0ac8:0321	gspca	Works out of the box. Wengophone, Skype, Cheese and Ekiga works great
Vimicro Z-Star chip, sold as A4Tech PK-35N	8.04	0ac8:303b	gspca	Works out of the box, tested with Skype and Cheese
Vimicro Z-Star USB1.1 5.2MP Webcam (sold as I-SMART X-Laser Series)	10.04	0ac8:3450	uvcvideo	Works out of the box, tested with Skype and Cheese
Z-Star Microelectronics Corp. ZC0303 Webcam	8.04.1	0ac8:303b	gspca	Chip set used by a variety of inexpensive Chinese cameras. Works out of the box, Skype 2.0.0.72

List of "fiddle to get working" cameras

Make and Model	Ubuntu Version	ID	Driver	How to make it work
A4Tech PK-333E	9.04	09da:8090	uvcvideo	Plug and play does not work. System does not recognize webcam automatically, but after manual loading driver (modprobe uvcvideo) it works well. Test with Skype 2.1.047.
Bison Cam 1.3Mpixel (ALi m5602 chip)	10.04	0402:5602	gspca_main	Cheese Works out the box! Skype 2.1.0.81: fine after running Skype like this from the command prompt: "env LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/i386-linux-gnu/libv4l/v4l1compat.so skype" without the double quotes. If you don't have that library already installed, install it with "apt-get install libv4l-0" first. Other Webcams with this chip should work in a similar way!
Cisco Unified Video Advantage (CUVA)	9.10	046d:08c7	uvcvideo	`lsusb` reports "Logitech, Inc. QuickCam OEM Cisco VT Camera II" `env LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/i386-linux-gnu/libv4l/v4l1compat.so /usr/bin/skype`
Creative Labs Live! IM Webcam (VF0350)	9.10	041e:4067	gspca_main, gspca_ov519	This camera was added to Karmic kernel 2.6.31-18-generic via gspca support. Skype version 2.1.0.47. Need to set the environment variable before running; LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/i386-linux-gnu/libv4l/v4l1compat.so skype Basically, you need to set that environment variable before running any application that uses this webcam.
Creative Live! Cam Notebook	8.04	041e:4068	ov51x_jpeg	Was able to get working using ov51x-jpeg driver at: http://www.rastageeks.org/ov51x-jpeg/index.php/Ov51xJpegHackedSource and gstfakevideo: http://code.google.com/p/gstfakevideo/ with gstfakevideo v4lsrc device=/dev/video1 ! ffmpegcolorspace
Creative Live! Cam Notebook	9.10	041e:4068	gspca_main	Tested with Skype 2.1.0.47 Beta on Karmic. Had to invoke from terminal with following command (note that package libv4l1 must be installed): LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/i386-linux-gnu/libv4l/v4l1compat.so skype
Creative Live! Cam Notebook	9.10 64bit	041e:4068	gspca	Works right away in Cheese. To get Skype video, run "env LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/i386-linux-gnu/libv4l/v4l1compat.so skype" at the command line (NOTE the i386!!!)
Creative Live! Cam Notebook	9.10 Alpha4	041e:4068	gspca_zc3xx,gspca_ov519	Tested with Skype 2.0.0.72 on Karmic. Good quality video. Had to edit launcher to following command (note that package libv4l-0:i386 must be installed): env LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/i386-linux-gnu/libv4l/v4l1compat.so skype
Creative Live! Cam Notebook Pro [0250]	7.10	041e:4051	gspca	With Skype 2.0.0.43 and latest ATI fglrx driver. Camera mostly works, but non-accelerated X11 output currently doesn't scale video output (known Skype issue). Colors are all messed up (adding "options gspca force_rgb=1" fixed the color problem for Camorama, but not Skype).
Creative Live! Cam Notebook Pro [0250]	9.10, 10.04	041e:4051	gspca_main	Tested with Skype 2.1.0.81 Beta. Had to invoke from terminal with following command (note that package libv4l-0:i386 must be installed): LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/i386-linux-gnu/libv4l/v4l1compat.so skype
Creative Live! Cam Notebook Pro [0400]	7.10	041e:4061	ov51x_jpeg	With Skype 2.0.0.68 and ATI fglrx driver. You should setup ov51x-jpeg-1.5.7 and "sudo modprobe ov51x-jpeg forceblock=1" or "sudo gedit /etc/modprobe.d/options" add there "options ov51x-jpeg forceblock=1". ov51x-jpeg-1.5.7 can be found here: http://www.rastageeks.org/downloads/ov51x-jpeg/ov51x-jpeg-1.5.7.tar.gz
Creative Live! Cam Notebook Pro [0400]	8.10, 11.10	041e:4061	gspca_main,ov51x_jpeg	I installed the webcam driver using Easycam2. Webcam was then recognized and working, but still not usable in Skype. Then typed "sudo gedit /etc/modprobe.d/options" in a terminal and added the line "options ov51x-jpeg forceblock=1". Rebooted and video-chat in Skype 2.0.0.72 is working just fine (though device is listed as "OV519 USB Camera" in Skype now). On 11.10 64-Bit 2.2.0.35 (32-Bit) install libv4l-0:i386 and start Skype with LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/i386-linux-gnu/libv4l/v4l1compat.so skype
Creative Live! Cam Optia	7.10	041e:4057	uvcvideo	Works fine after installing the uvc driver
Creative Live! Cam Video IM	9.10	041e:4053	gspca_zc3xx	Skype 2.1.0.47: Works fine after editing Skype launcher to run like this: "env LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/i386-linux-gnu/libv4l/v4l1compat.so skype" without the double quotes. If you don't have that library already installed, install it with "apt-get install libv4l-0:i386" first.
Creative Live! Vista Cam IM	7.10, 11.10	041e:4052	ov51x_jpeg, 11.10:gspca_main	Works fine with Skype 2.0.0.72 on Hardy (64 bit) after setting up the ov51x-jpeg driver (instructions here) and "sudo modprobe ov51x-jpeg forceblock=1 led=2" and "sudo gedit /etc/modprobe.d/options" add there "options ov51x-jpeg forceblock=1 led=2". The ov51x-jpeg drivers can be found here: http://www.rastageeks.org/. On 11.10 64-Bit with Skype 2.2.0.35 (32-Bit) install libv4l-0:i386 and start Skype with LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/i386-linux-gnu/libv4l/v4l1compat.so skype
Creative Webcam Instant	9.04	041e:4034	gspca	Skype 2.0.0.72: Works fine after editing Skype launcher to run like this: "env LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/i386-linux-gnu/libv4l/v4l1compat.so skype" without the double quotes. If you don't have that library already installed, install it with "apt-get install libv4l-0:i386" first. The same trick also works for Camorama, and mplayer. Cheese works out the box!
Creative Webcam PD1110	9.10	041e:401c	gspca_main	Skype 2.1.0.81: Works fine after editing Skype launcher to run like this: "env LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/libv4l/v4l1compat.so skype" without the double quotes. If you don't have that library already installed, install it with "apt-get install libv4l-0:i386" first.
Dell Vostro 1400 built-in webcam	7.10	05a9:2640	uvcvideo	Works fine after installing the uvc driver
Genius Look 312P	10.04	0ac8:301b	gspca	Skype 2.1.0.81: Works with "env LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/i386-linux-gnu/libv4l/v4l1compat.so skype"
Hercules Webcam Classic	9.10	05a9:4519	gspca_ov519	Tested with Skype 2.1.0.47 Beta. Install package libv4l-0:i386 and edit Skype launcher to: env LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/i386-linux-gnu/libv4l/v4l1compat.so skype
Labtec Notebook Webcam	10.04	046d:08aa	gspca_main	Skype 2.1.0.81 works with "LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/libv4l/v4l2convert.so skype". Cheese and guvcview works out of the box.
Labtec webcam 2200	11.04	093a:2626	gspca_main	Skype 2.2.0.35 Beta works with "LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/libv4l/v4l2convert.so skype". Cheese NOT tested.
Leadership webcam 300	7.04	093a:2460	gspca	Using Skype 2.0.0.27. Had to upgrade gspca driver to latest version to work. Also added options to /etc/modprobe.d/options to improve color. Options were: gamma=3, OffRed=32, OffBlue=0, OffGreen=32.
Logitech QuickCam Chat	12.04 32-bit	046d:092c	gspca_main	Skype 4.0.0.8 works with "env LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/i386-linux-gnu/libv4l/v4l1compat.so skype".
Logitech Quickcam Communicate	10.10	046d:08f5	gspca_main	Works with Skype 2.2.0.25 if you install the package libv4l-0:i386 and change the launcher to: env LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/libv4l/v4l1compat.so skype. Requires an external microphone as audio and video do not work simultanouesly
Logitech Quickcam Communicate STX	10.04	046d:08ad	gspca_main	Works with Skype 2.2.0.25 if you install the package libv4l-0:i386 and change the launcher to: env LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/libv4l/v4l1compat.so skype
Logitech Quickcam E2500	10.04	046d:089d	gspca	Skype 2.2.0.35 * Works with Skype if you install the package libv4l-0:i386 and change the launcher to: env LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/libv4l/v4l1compat.so skype
Logitech Quickcam E2500	8.04, 9.10, 10.10	046d:089d	gspca	Works on Skype 2.0.0.72 after compiling gspcav1-20071224.tar.gz with patch (originally from this thread). Works like this in xawtv, but performance in Skype can be unstable (100% CPU usage) - if you use gstfakevideo it seems to get rid of the problem. Also setting the autoexpo=0 option when loading the driver can help if the image is really dark. Detailed guide here. Karmic, Maverick: works out of the box in Skype.
Logitech Quickcam Express	7.10	046d:0870	quickcam	Works with gstfakevideo, but unstable
Logitech Quickcam Express	squeeze	046d:0870	gspca_stv06xx	Works with Skype if you install the package libv4l-0:i386 and change the launcher to: env LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/libv4l/v4l1compat.so skype
Logitech Quickcam for Notebooks	8.04	046d:08ae	gspca	Recognized in Skype, but only seeing shadows
Logitech Quickcam Messenger	7.10	046d:08da	gspca	Works but without internal microphone. Switch to an external microphone. This is the same with Ekiga. (this camera is also known as Logitech Quickcam Messenger 2)
Logitech Quickcam Messenger	8.04 - 9.10	046d:08f6, 046d:08f0	quickcam, gspca_stv06xx	Works with Skype if you install the package libv4l-0:i386 and change the launcher to: env LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/libv4l/v4l1compat.so skype
Logitech Quickcam Pro 5000	10.04	046d:08c5, 046d:08ce	uvcvideo	Works with Skype if you install the package libv4l-0:i386 and change the launcher to: env LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/libv4l/v4l1compat.so skype
Logitech Quickcam Pro for Notebooks (2007)	7.10	046d:0991	uvcvideo	Works fine after installing the uvc driver (171); microphone works great also. Tested with Skype 2.0.0.27. Also work with Ekiga and aMSN
Logitech Quickcam Web (USB)	8.04	046d:0850	quickcam	using Skype 2.0.0.72, initially fuzzy greenish test image, but is recognized; succesfully working with gstfakevideo (gstreamer hijacker); for instructions see this Skype forum thread
Logitech Webcam C200	9.10, 9.04	046d:0802	uvcvideo	When running Cairo Dock with OpenGL need to start Skype 2.1.0.47 at the command line with "export XLIB_SKIP_ARGB_VISUALS=1 && skype" and under the Startup Applications 'bash -c "export XLIB_SKIP_ARGB_VISUALS=1 && skype"' (see http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1318506). The "LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/libv4l/v4l1compat.so skype" fiddle didn't work despite libv4l-0 being installed. When not running Cairo Dock or running Cairo Dock without OpenGL, the C200 with Skype 2.1.0.47 works out of the box.
Logitech Webcam C210	11.04	046d:0819	uvcvideo	On Skype 2.2.0.25: make a test call, open pavucontrol, tab Recording, show applications, select USB 0819 as input source for Skype, it will be permanently stored in your ~/.pulse. The alternative is to remove pulseaudio, and select the microphone (USB audio) in Skype options. Did not manage to do the selection via kde settings. Video works out of the box. Sometimes I get error -100 from Skype and have to unplug/replug.
Microdia/ThinkPad Z61t	7.10 - 8.04	0c45:627b	---	Driver can be found here: http://groups.google.com/group/microdia/
Microsoft !Lifecam VX-1000	9.04	045e:00f7	gspca_main	Works with Skype if you install the package libv4l-0:i386 and change the launcher to: env LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/libv4l/v4l1compat.so skype
Microsoft !Lifecam VX-3000	7.10	045e:00f5	gspca	The camera works, but the picture has abnormal colours and Skype eats 100% CPU during the video call. Skype also may hang during or after the call. The built-in microphone doesn't work, although it is seen by ALSA.
Microsoft nx-6000	8.10	045e:00f8	uvcvideo	Camera originally worked in webcam, but not in Skype. Was able to get it working in Skype (2.0.0.72) using gstfakevideo 'gstfakevideo v4l2src device=/dev/webcam' where webcam is the new device I created (so I don't have to do sudo mv /dev/video0 /dev/video1 every time the camera is plugged in). Only oddity is preview -- works if you stop your video and then restart.
MSI Starcam 370i or Clip	7.10 - 8.04	0c45:60c0 or 0c45:60fc	msicam(modified gspca)	You need to download driver from http://pamplast.com/gspca/. Blacklist sn9c102,gspca modules so there is no conflict.
Namtai Eye Toy USB Camera (PS2)	12.04 11.10 64bit	054c:0155	gspca_main	Camera works in any application, for run it with Skype you have to launch it with: "env LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/i386-linux-gnu/libv4l/v4l1compat.so skype" Blue LED is always lit, the red led is lit when working. Microphone works too (maybe you need restart)
PCLine Webcam 300k	7.10	093a:2600	gspca	With Skype 2.0.0.27, had to build latest driver from http://mxhaard.free.fr/. Works, but poor picture quality. (Cheap camera; no microphone.)
Philips DMVC 1300K	9.10	0471:0322	gspca	With Skype 2.1.0.47. Works with Skype if you install the package libv4l-0:i386 and change the launcher to: env LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/libv4l/v4l1compat.so skype
Philips SPC220NC	7.10	093a:2463	gspca v. 20071224	Needed compiling latest gspca driver. Works with Skype 2.0.0.43 and also Ekiga, Cheese. VLC not tried
Philips SPC315NC	7.10	0471:032e	gspca	With Skype 2.0.0.27. Last month it recognized the camera, but test screen was black - this month it works. However it is slow to start.
Phillips PC Camera SIC4750/27	9.10	04fc:0561	gspca	Works with Skype if you install the package libv4l-0:i386 and change the launcher to: env LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/libv4l/v4l1compat.so skype
Sanyo au W33SA	7.10	0474:0722	uvcvideo	Works with gstfakevideo (unstable) and uvcvideo (rev 148) - use the following gstfakevideo syntax: `$ sudo mv /dev/video0 /dev/video1` `$ gstfakevideo v4l2src device=/dev/video1 ! jpegdec ! ffmpegcolorspace`
Sonix Integrated Webcam (Microdia)	10.04	0c45:63e0	uvcvideo	Detected out of the box, but works badly. Image chopped, lags of 15+ seconds. Not just with Skype, but also Cheese.
SONIX USB PCcam168 (Microdia)	7.10	045e:613c	gspca	Needed to compile latest gspca driver and blacklist sn9c120 module.
Sony Eyetoy	8.04	054c:0155	ov51x_jpeg	Skype 2.0.0.72: You should setup ov51x-jpeg (version here: 1.5.8) and "sudo modprobe ov51x-jpeg forceblock=1" or edit /etc/modprobe.d/options and add there "options ov51x-jpeg forceblock=1". Loading ov51x-jpeg without forceblock-option results in a black video stream for Skype, while it works fine using Cheese.
Trust WB-3320X USB 2.0 Webcam	9.10	093a:2621	gspca_main	Skype version 2.1.0.81 works with config.xml modified for video size and frame rate (see SkypeGarage), then install the package libv4l-0:i386 and change the launcher to: env LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/libv4l/v4l1compat.so skype Only green double preview. Works if you stop your video and then restart.
TrustWebcamWB-1400T	10.04,10.10,12.04	093a:2468	gspca / CIF Single Chip	Works with Skype if you install the package libv4l-0:i386 and change the launcher to: env LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/libv4l/v4l1compat.so skype. No microphone.
TrustWebcamWB-1400T/14382-04	9.10	093a:2460	CIF Single Chip	Works with Cheese and Skype, but can't get good colour rendering. v4l2 (in gstreamer-properties), but not V4l: lsusb 'Pixart Imaging Q-Tec Webcam 100: vid 093APid 2460
TrustWebcamWB-1400T	7.10	093a:2468	gspca v. 20071224	Needed compiling latest gspca driver. Works with Skype 2.0.0.43 and also Ekiga, Cheese and VLC (Now Work out of the box with 8.04, November 2008)
TrustWebcamWB-1400T	9.04	093a:2468	CIF Single Chip	First only green bars. After choosing v4l2 (in gstreamer-properties) and loading v4l-library before starting Skype, it works
Unbranded/SiGma Micro Micro USB Web Camera	9.10	1c4f:3000	uvcvideo	Skype 2.1.0.47: Works with Skype if you install the package libv4l-0:i386 and change the launcher to: env LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/libv4l/v4l1compat.so skype
Vimicro/ZC0305	7.10	0ac8:305b	gspca v. 20071224	(AMD64) Works with Skype 2.0.0.68
WEBCAMTEC-TC4 Techsolo Webcam TCA-4810	9.10	0ac8:303b	gspca_main	Works with Skype if you install the package libv4l-0:i386 and change the launcher to: env LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/libv4l/v4l1compat.so skype
Z-Star Microelectronics Corp. USB 2.0 Webcam	9.04	0ac8:0321	gspca_main	This camera is inbuilt in laptops Asus A8M Skype version 2.0.0.68.Install the old Medibuntu skype packages, (see this forum: http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1...kype&page=6 ), install the package libv4l-0:i386 and change the launcher to: env LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/libv4l/v4l1compat.so skype

List of non-working cameras

Make and Model	Ubuntu Version	ID	Driver	Notes
Creative VideoBlaster WebCam Go Plus [W9967CF]	8.04_a2	041e:4003	ov511,w9968cf	Camera is recognised, but "Test Camera" shows Black screen
Creative Vista	7.10	041e:405f	ov51x_jpeg	Camera generally works fine in programs such as Ekiga with the patched driver as explained here http://forum.skype.com/index.php?showtopic=100897&st=40&p=465545&#entry465545. The patch also works with Skype 2.0.0.69, but limitations arise mainly from graphics card and drivers. Fglrx for ati and others are known to have problems, specially with video overlay. On some systems, it has been said one can make it work with Skype by using gstfakevideo. The camera was successfully used with Skype via gstfakevideo on a laptop with Intel 945 graphics card under Ubuntu 7.10 using the default driver. It is important though, to test the camera in an actual call, testing the camera on the options menu may show a black screen because of graphics driver problems, not webcam related.
Intel Pocket PC Camera CS630	8.04	8086:0630	gspca	Camera is recognized, but "Test Camera" crashes Skype. If Automounting is disable via gconf-editor, then webcam works. Skype 2.0.0.72
Logitech Quickam Express	7.10	046d:0840	usbvideo	Camera is recognized and working with Camorama, but "Test Camera" button only shows black screen.
Logitech Quickam Web (USB)	7.10	046d:0850	quickcam	Camera is recognized and working with Camorama, "Test Camera" button only shows fuzzy video (maybe expects YUV encoded video?). Did not succeed in getting gstfakevideo working, yet.
Logitech Quickcam Express Pro	10.10	046d:092f	gspca_main,uvcvideo (one driver could be from built-in Syntek 174f:1404)	Works with Cheese at 320x240, but not at 352x288, 176x144 and 160x120 resulting in green and cyan stripes. Works also with aMSN. Plays nicely together with built-in laptop camera for switching cams in both applications. Is offered in Skype 2.2.0.35 as available camera, but does not work. Interferes with switching with built-in laptop camera until unplugged or restart. It used to work in older version of Ubuntu/Skype.
Logitech Quickcam for Notebooks	7.10	046d:08ae	gspca	Works in Ekiga, but is not recognized in Skype 2.0.0.27
Logitech Quickcam Fusion	7.10	046d:08ca	uvcvideo	Camera is recognized, but "Test Camera" button only shows black screen.
Logitech Quickcam Notebook Pro	7.10	046d:08b1	pwc	Camera is recognized, but "Test Camera" button only shows black screen.
Logitech QuickCam PTZ	7.10	046d:08b5	PWC	Camera is recognized, but "Test Camera" shows screen with vertical colored bars dancing all over the place. Nothing recognizable. Camera works fine in Ekiga and Camorama
Logitech QuickCam Webcam for Notebooks	8.04, 9.04		uvcvideo	Camera is not recognized. Neither Skype nor Ubuntu. Same for Cheese or Camorama.
Logitech QuickCam Webcam for Notebooks	9.10	046d:08dd	ubvideo, quickcam	Cheese picks up the camera and displays fine; webcam audio/video can be set in Ubuntu preferences as inputs, Skype detects camera, but cannot test/display.
Mediaforte MV300 (AVermedia/Omnivision)	7.10	05a9:a511	ov511(+)	Black screen in Skype, even though it works with Cheese 2.30.1. Also sold as "Creative WebCam Pro" model PD1030.
Microsoft LifeCam NX-6000	7.10	045e:00f8	uvcvideo	camera uses unsupported palette (MJPEG) only. The uvc driver does recognize the device as can be tested with luvcview.
Microsoft LiveCam VX-3000	9.04	045e:00f5	---	Camera is not recognized. Neither Skype (Test only shows black screen) nor Ubuntu. Same for Cheese or Camorama. No Device found in gstreamer-properties.
Mustek gSmart Mini	9.04	055f:c220	gspca	Camera not recognized out of box. When trying to patch and compile the source, it seems to work sometimes for a few minutes, after some persistence of plugging and unplugging the webcam from the usb connector. Ubuntu hangs on booting when the webcam were connected.
Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro	6.06	0471:0311	pwc	Camera is recognized, but "Test Camera" button only shows black screen. Camera does work in mplayer. Syslog contains lots of pwc ioctl(VIDIOC_DQBUF) / pwc ioctl(VIDIOC_QBUF) index=0
Philips SPC1000NC	8.04	0471:0332	uvcvideo	Microphone stops working when video is activated. Skype 2.0.0.68
Philips SPC210NC	7.10	0471:032d	gspca	Camera is recognized, but "Test" button shows black screen.
Philips SPC300NC	7.10	0471:0326	gspca	(AMD64) Camera is not recognized in Skype
Philips SPC315NC	10.04	0471:032e	gspca	(Intel 64) Camera is recognized in Skype, but shows a black screen (Test button doesn't do anything).
Sony EyeToy	7.10	054c:0154	ov51x_jpeg	Camera is recognized and working with, e.g., VLC, but "Test Camera" button only shows black screen.
Z-Star Microelectronics Corp. ZC0301 WebCam	7.10	0ac8:301b	gspca	Camera is recognized and working with Camorama, but "Test Camera" button only shows black screen.

Preloading v4lcompat

Some webcams require the v4lcompat driver to be preloaded. It does not ship out of the box with new versions of ubuntu. You will have to install the driver package with aptitude and then modify the Skype launcher to preload the driver. Here's how:

sudo bash apt-get install libv4l-0:i386

Now edit the skype launcher to preload the driver. If you are using xfce:

Right-click on apps menu -> Properties -> Edit menu -> Internet -> Right click on Skype -> Properties.

The command should be:

env PULSE_LATENCY_MSEC=30 LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/i386-linux-gnu/libv4l/v4l1compat.so skype

Additional notes about video on Skype

If: 1. You can see video in Cheese or other applications; but 2. You only see a white rectangle in Skype when you activate video;and 3. Testing the video under the Skype Preferences fails; but 4. the person you are calling can see video of you from your webcam, then the problem may be Cairo-Dock.

If you use Cairo-dock, you are probably using the OpenGL version. Under Preferences -> Startup Applications, Edit your Cairo-Dock to start up with the command cairo-dock -c [rather than "cairo-dock -o" for Open GL]. Restart the X server (if you do not know what this means, then reboot).

If the image is too dark in Skype, but not in applications such as Cheese or aMSN, do sudo apt-get install luvcview and sudo luvcview. Use the control at bottom left to increase brightness and the right bottom button in the middle of the bottom of the screen to exit the application.

Many variables can cause video in Skype to fail, and those variables keep changing. As of this writing (July 2010), Skype Beta is version 2.1.0.81. PulseAudio is working better with it. More people are using Compiz and even Cairo-dock, all of which is fine, but in this case the weak link in the chain is Cairo-dock using OpenGL, a.k.a. GLX-dock.

Credit for this fix goes to MedievalChips, who posted this YouTube video: Video issues with Skype on UBUNTU 10.04 Beta FIXED

(I have reposted here in text format so that search engines can find this more easily.)

You may need to modify the "Sound in" device in the "Sound devices" options menu, to point to USB device (as appropriate) instead of Default. Likewise, ensure that video input is correctly defined.

Besides checking under options > video devices and click test on the preview window in Skype 2.0, you can also try to make a test call to videoecho123.

Sometimes, the additional users created by Ubuntu are not part of the video group, and therefore can't access the webcam.

Try unplugging all other USB devices except the camera. In my case, on Gutsy Gibbon, with Logitech Wireless Mouse plugged in, Logitech QuickCam for Notebooks Deluxe worked for several seconds in gqcam, mplayer, and Ekiga, then the stream stopped and the application crashed. The webcam works well in those applications with the mouse unplugged.

Try disabling compiz if you don't see any video.

You can also open a Terminal and type LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/libv4l/v4l1compat.so skype to start Skype.

Wrong virtual sizing setting in /etc/X11/xorg.conf may cause Skype to crash when video is started.

BAD ENTRY

Section "Screen"
    SubSection "Display"
        Virtual 2304 800
    EndSubSection
EndSection

CORRECTED ENTRY

Section "Screen"
    SubSection "Display"
        Virtual 1280 800
    EndSubSection
EndSection

Graphics cards, XV, Skype and gstfakevideo

There are a couple of issues that create problems getting webcams working with Skype. The gstfakevideo driver will probably get things working, provided you have a suitable graphics card driver set up in xorg.conf

There is a highly significant thing called xv this is easily overlooked in the rush to get video working.

You need to install the gstreamer packages and try this out.

gstreamer-properties

Go to the video tab and test your camera with the default settings. If it doesn't work with the plugin "autodetect" in "Default output", change it to "X Window System (No Xv)", then try again.

If that works and "X Window System (X11/XShm/Xv)" doesn't work, then you are using an incompatible graphics driver.

With my Intel 915 card it was using the Intel driver, which doesn't support Xv; changing it to the 810 driver allowed both modes to work.

The Skype release notes state that only having a single XV port will cause video to be seen one way only (no preview,with no Xv support you get nothing). With gstfakevideo you may get the preview as well with a single XV port.

gstfakevideo v4lsrc device=/dev/video0 ! videoscale ! ffmpegcolorspace

should launch Skype with /dev/video0 as the source and your camera output in a suitable format.

This has been tested with an old Logitech QuickCam Messenger, listed above as not working The gstreamer-properties test should show if your webcam works, more importantly it will show if your video driver has XV support. In some cases this may mean installing a different graphics card.

To-do

If this page gets enough useful information, we might want the following pages to link to it, because people wanting that information might look there first:

CategoryHardware CategoryLoco

SkypeWebCams (last edited 2014-02-15 17:10:22 by 7)

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