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Camera Selection Helper

The Camera Selection Help window provides information to help you select an appropriate camera for your laser. The information provided is specifically for the cameras sold on LightBurn's website, which are known to work well with LightBurn and have calibration presets built into the software for easier Lens Calibration.

Can I Use a Camera I Already Have?

Possibly. Interactions between cameras and computers are complex, and although a wide range of cameras are compatible with LightBurn, we can't guarantee your camera will work. If you want to try using your own camera, make sure it's a fixed-zoom USB camera.

Selecting a Camera

To select a camera, you'll need to know two things:

  1. The size of your laser's work area, in millimeters.
  2. The distance between the height from which you want to mount the camera and the surface of your laser's work area.

Diagram showing ideal mounting location

To select a camera:

  1. Enter the machine size into the Camera Selection Help window.
  2. Look through the list to find a camera with a minimum mounting height about 2 inches less than the height you intend to mount at. This leaves room for adjustment.
  3. Double-click an entry in the list to visit the product page to purchase it.

Troubleshooting

Some computers may cause complications with the use of cameras. In some cases – especially with newer computers such as M1 or newer Macs – this comes from incompatibilities between USB 3.0 ports and older USB 2.0 cameras. Try using a USB 2.0 hub or adapter between the camera and the computer.

See Camera Troubleshooting for more information.

For more help using LightBurn, please visit our forum to talk with LightBurn staff and users, or email support.