Adding a built-in webcam: webcam module compatibility

I've been looking at adding a webcam to my Acer Extensa 4420 notebook. It's already rather "stock modded" - that is, not using soldering, but fitting additional components to existing headers. I've added Bluetooth to the existing header and switch, replaced the CPU for twice the L2 cache (same speed & power rating), added HyperX RAM (same amount), replaced the DVD drive with an improved LG model (same speed & media capabilities), and replaced the hard drive (because I trashed the original -d'oh!). Now, I'm looking at the next step - adding a webcam.

From what I've referenced from an Extensa 4420 that has a webcam (came through the shop, pulled P/N's off it), I would need the following parts:
Bezel, P/N 41.4H001.001. The base bezel (back panel) already has the mounting points for the webcam on mine.
LCD cable, P/N 50.4H010.001 (previously thought to be 50.4H10.001, apparently I missed a 0)
Camera: ????? (No part number!)

Therein lies the problem. The camera had no Acer part number on it. It was labeled "Camellia_2", but a quick eBay search revealed that HP's and some other models use that as well. That brings up the question... many laptop webcams I've seen appear to be exactly the same thing with just different specs and different hardware.

Would that, then, mean that I could simply buy any webcam I want and dump it in here, given the right cable and bezel? Does anyone have this sort of experience with cam-swapping? It would help me greatly to avoid trial-and-error, but the camera will still be the last thing I buy. That'll give me the chance to try swapping-in a random webcam from a computer at the shop, and see if the theory holds true. But it'd be nice to have some input on the subject

 

Very much so since this is being looking at as an usb device, and make sure that you get the correct driver to go with it.

cheers ...

 

Pretty much just what I thought! Knew it was USB, but I wasn't sure about mounting. The holes look the same on the ones I've seen, but I just wanted to know if there's anyone that's actually done it for sure

I just bought the bezel, I'm going to grab the cable on my next paycheck (it's $30), then the webcam on the next one. So I've got a while to wait and refine my purchase

 

I really doubt that your change in the memory gave you more then 0.5% of performance.
Anyway all notebook webcams are a total crap. this is due to their size. it must be small so they can fit in a notebook. therefore lens will be always very crappy because they don't have much size. size is very important to lens and therefore image quality. you will be much better with any external webcam.
adding a camera can be even more difficult then adding bluetooth. as you must known from your previous experience, not all bluetooth internal modules work in your notebook. in fact maybe only 1 specific model will work. it's like internal webcams. the exception to this is if the webcam is connected to an internal usb interface. if it's connected by usb then all you need is to connect the webcam. also, beware of the webcam power consumption (but probably won't be a problem if it is usb 2.0). just plug and play. also beware of driver support for your OS.

 

Actually, the CPU gave me less of a performance boost than the RAM did... the RAM improved my video encode times by a few FPS, while the CPU showed slightly less improvement. Either way, thanks for belittling my upgrades.

Not the point... I will never tack an external webcam onto my laptop. I simply don't care enough about having a camera. It's really just an "all the bells and whistles" thing. If there's a port for it, I want to add it. I've found uses for the bluetooth, at least. Also, whenever I do find an opportunity to use a webcam, I don't have one with me. It's like having a camera in a cell phone - you could try to remember to always bring your camera, but when you have one in your phone, it's always with you. Quality really doesn't matter, but I'd much rather grab one that I know is "better crap" quality than just grab the one that came with the (low end) PC.

 

Hi! Any news on this?

I have bought a few second-hand HP Compac NC notebooks that I think are the best ones ever made, but for modern needs (like keeping in touch with the family w/kids) they lack a webcam.

So my mission is to install an internal webcam to a notebook that was not originally designed for it, how difficult this will be? The will surely be spatial challenges, as well as the internal (USB) wiring (or are there internal bluetooth webcams?).

One example I found is here:
Add an Integrated Webcam to the Dell Inspiron 1525 (and Vostro 1500) helping you stay protected in the digital age
but it is for a model that was designed to have a webcam, so the difficulty level is a lot lower