The equipment you’re using can be the difference between failure and success in webcam modeling. In this quick guide I’ll make sure you know what you need to set yourself up to achieve your goals.
1. Computer
This can be a bit overwhelming if you’re not the IT guy. š If you have any doubts, just post your computer specs in the comments and I’ll let you know whether it will work well for camming.
ThisĀ is allĀ you need:
[wp-svg-icons icon=”checkbox-unchecked” wrap=”i”] Minimum Processor: 400MHz
[wp-svg-icons icon=”checkbox-unchecked” wrap=”i”] Minimum RAM: 256Mb
These requirements are quite low. So as long as your computer isn’t ancient, you’re probably good. But just to be sure…
Where Do I Find My Computer Specs?
If you’re using Windows
Right Click on My Computer
Select Properties
See Specs under System
This is what it looks like on my computer, but it might be a little different on yours.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”point-right” wrap=”i”] Notice the processor speed is 2.5 GHz. The required speed was 400MHz. 1GHz = 1000MHz so this fits the bill.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”point-right” wrap=”i”] The RAM available is 11.2GB. The required RAM was 256MB, and again 1GB = 1000MB. I have too much RAM for my own good lol.
If you’re using a Mac
Click the Apple menu
Select About This Mac
Click More Info
This will open up system information and you can see your specs.
2. Webcam
A standard USB webcam with 720p HD video streaming and a built-in microphone is good.
For more on picking out the best webcam for you, read: Will Your Webcam Quality Attract the Right Customers?
3. High Speed Internet
If you can use your phone and Internet at the same time, you’re in the 21st century with the rest of us lol. I mean, you have high speed Internet. š
You will need a good, stable connection so that you don’t end up with disconnects and a freezing video stream. The minimum upload speed recommended is 1.0Mbps.
You can test your Internet speed for free at Speedtest.net. It will look something like this:
4. Lights
You’ve probably read a ton of conflicting and complicated guides to lighting if you’ve been doing your research. Well, they’re wrong. I mean, if at some point you want to get all professional and have perfect lighting, go for it. But right now, it’s completely unnecessary to have that kind of convoluted setup.
What you need:
[wp-svg-icons icon=”checkbox-unchecked” wrap=”i”] Two lamps without shades
OR
[wp-svg-icons icon=”checkbox-unchecked” wrap=”i”] One lamp and one window with light coming through it
Of course it will depend on your space and you’ll need to experiment a bit, but follow these simple tips and you’ll be fine:
[wp-svg-icons icon=”star” wrap=”i”] Keep the lights as close to eye level as possible.
If you’re using a window, the natural light will be diffused by the time it hits you and the angle shouldn’t be an issue.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”star” wrap=”i”] Don’t use a desk lamp.
The light will be hard, which means that it will cause unnatural looking shadows on you and/or behind you.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”star” wrap=”i”] Table lamps with the shades removed are great.
With 60 watt bulbs, you’ll end up with a nice bright and even light.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”star” wrap=”i”] Position the lights at approximately 45 degree angles, one on either side of you so that when you’re looking at your computer, the lights are behind it.
You are the fabulous focal point.
So that’s your basic setup, and with these essentials in place you could theoretically become a webcam model and start making money tomorrow.
Comments, questions, feedback? Go for it! š
Talk soon.
Hi! Iām a camgirl currently but I am using a laptop and would rather have a desktop. So Iām on the hunt for one and someone is selling a 2007 iMac for an amazing price. It says ā 2GB Memory, 2GHz Processor, 128MB Graphicsā. Would this computer allow me to stream smoothly? (I use Ethernet for even faster internet)
It will probably allow you to stream, but it won’t be particularly smoothly. That 128MB graphics is silly (bad silly) even for 2007. Recommend looking for something more current.
What if I donāt have a computer?
You’ll need one. Check out this post for more info.
I have an apple I pad. Can I hook up a camera to that and use that instead of a lap top?
Even if it has the appropriate hook up for an external cam, I think you’ll find the processing power insufficient for camming.
Thank you so much for the info ! I was wondering if you have any recommended sites to start off as a Camgirl
You’re welcome! It really depends on your personality and goals but I always recommend starting at Chaturbate since it has tons of traffic and a wide variety of performers are successful over there. If you feel it isn’t quite right for you send me a message and I’ll try to help you find something more fitting.
Would you be able to use a tablet with a front facing camera until you can get a actual web cam?
Hey Rhyan,
I haven’t tried it, but I doubt a tablet would have the processing power you need. I’ve also heard of there being issues with Flash, which could cause problems even loading up the interface. But there’s nothing stopping you trying it!
Hello Cat,
There is one important thing missing in this post:
the way a model (room) sounds on the end of customers.
It is not my field of expertise, but I find that a lot of cam rooms sound too shitty to bother giving it more than 1 peek.
This much I do know: you can get excellent quality audio for a very reasonable price.
x ‘Henkie’
Hey Henkie,
You’re right, audio is very important. I don’t mention it specifically in this post because the HD webcams I recommend all come with built in quality mics. With a good cam, you should also be getting good audio and not have to worry about that. Thanks for pointing this out.
Best,
Cat
Can I do this with just my phone? I don’t have a computer or Webcam and don’t really have the money to buy them
Generally you’re going to need at least a computer/webcam to be a camgirl. However, with just your phone you might want to look into paid ‘sexting’ or even phone sex operator type gigs. To get you started check out texther.com and niteflirt.com (just off the top of my head – I recommend you do some research to find your options). Then when you get paid you can invest in the equipment you need if you want to do camming as well. Good luck!
Thanks so much for this post! I just realized thanks to your link for Speedtest.net that I only have 0.5 mbps upload. I was just about to go out and buy a camera and everything. You’ve just saved me the trouble and hassle of finding out the hard way later on. Maybe I’ll try this later on when I move out of my share house situation. Cheers!
Hey Evie! Glad to hear you found this post helpful. I will say that your slower upload speed doesn’t make a webcam modeling job impossible – just harder to rank based on the quality of your stream, which is why I say it’s the recommended minimum. If I recall I started a bit below 1.0 mbps upload myself. Cheers š