Which symptom should you compare first?
Watch permission state, device labels, preview freeze, exposure behavior, and whether the selected camera matches the expected physical or virtual device.
Audio & Video
Online Webcam Test
Webcam test for camera permission, available devices, live preview, negotiated resolution, frame rate and local snapshot status.
Online Webcam Test
Camera accessAwaiting request
Video sourceNo device selected
Reported resolution—
Frame rate—
Preview is idle. Grant camera permission and press "Start preview".
Activity log
No camera events yet.
Awaiting request.
First confirm which camera stream reaches the browser
- Start the preview and check the device name so a built-in webcam, USB webcam, capture card, and virtual camera are not confused.
- Resolution and frame rate show what the browser actually negotiated, not necessarily the highest value printed on the box or shown in a driver utility.
- Capture a still frame to compare lens cleaning, lighting changes, resolution changes, or virtual-filter changes.
- If the preview is black, check permission, other meeting apps, operating-system privacy settings, and the selected device before judging the camera.
Browser permission reminder
Approve the camera prompt so the preview can start. If you accidentally blocked it, reset permissions in the address bar and reload.
Preview and still frame tips
Use the capture button to freeze a frame, then inspect focus, exposure, and color in the thumbnail. Repeat after adjusting lighting or resolution.
Mistakes this page helps avoid
- When a meeting app cannot open the camera, first check whether the browser can open the same device at all.
- When the image is blurry, capture the same pose before and after cleaning the lens, changing light, or waiting for autofocus.
- When the image is dark or color-shifted, stabilize the light source before blaming the camera.
- The page does not record video. The live stream and snapshot are used for the active browser test; review the privacy policy for analytics, cookies, and advertising disclosures.
Preview is live
Camera access blocked
Waiting for camera access
Ready to preview
Permission
Active device
Resolution
Frame rate
A snapshot has been captured. Compare detail, exposure, and color response with the live preview.
The preview stream is active. Capture a frame if you need to compare focus, exposure, or color after changing lighting.
Browser camera permission is blocked. Re-enable access from the address bar, then start the preview again.
Detected video device(s). Start the preview to confirm routing, negotiated resolution, and frame rate.
Webcam black screen, permission, and image quality questions
Q: Why is the preview mirrored?
A: Some cameras or systems mirror preview for video-call comfort. That does not automatically mean the image is being processed incorrectly.
Q: The preview is black or will not start. What should I check?
A: Confirm browser permission, close other apps using the camera, check OS privacy controls, reselect the device, and start preview again.
Q: Can I test multiple webcams?
A: Yes. Switch the dropdown and start preview again. Each device renegotiates resolution and frame rate.
Q: Why is the resolution or FPS lower than expected?
A: The browser negotiates with the device. Light level, USB bandwidth, drivers, capture cards, and browser policy can all affect the final stream.
Q: Does the tool record video?
A: No. It only provides live preview and an optional still snapshot.
Camera image looks blurry or washed out?
Clean the lens, test under stable front lighting, then compare text edges, skin tone, and shadow detail in a captured frame. If only one app looks wrong, check that app's selected source, virtual camera filters, and resolution settings first. If every app is black, blurry, or dark, compare another USB port, cable, camera, or computer before treating the device itself as the only cause.