Webcam on Linux (Logitech Razer Kiyo)

I recently got a Logitec Razer Kiyo for my Zoom meetings. Currently, I need to use it on on Linux Laptop, and it works rather fine. I was skeptical that it would “just work” on Linux, but it did! There is also a software package named v4l-utils that allows you to configure the zoom (crop) level of your video, which is nice for cutting out undesirable background.

apt-get install v4l-utils

You can get a listing of attached cameras with

# v4l2-ctl --list-devices
Integrated_Webcam_HD: Integrate (usb-0000:00:14.0-5):
        /dev/video0

Razer Kiyo (usb-0000:00:14.0-6.1):
        /dev/video1

And modify digital zoom levels with

# v4l2-ctl -d /dev/video1 --list-ctrls
[snipped]...
                  zoom_absolute 0x009a090d (int)    : min=100 max=140 step=10 default=100 value=100

# v4l2-ctl -d /dev/video1 -c zoom_absolute=<zoom level>

This is what the camera looks like at different zoom levels. First, max zoom:

50% zoom:

Zero zoom:

Note: ignore the “Rotate 90 degrees” thing, which is an artifact of the screenshot taking software I was using.

It’s worth noting that my expectations of Linux hardware support is so abysmally low that just having a working webcam was a win to me. That doesn’t say much for “desktop” linux.

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