Over the years I've tried several webcams and have had bad experiences with all of them. Same goes for the software; that most recommended - Cheese - hangs if I don't do things EXACTLY by the book.

One of the problems today is that EVERYTHING has a videocam in it, perhaps not the kitchen sink just yet, but the fridge likely has. So why manufacture a webcam?

I'm assembling a setup to take videos of myself and my workbench. What's the best inexpensive solution for taking video? I DON'T want to use a mobile or tablet since I want something permanent on a tripod that runs continuously; the garbage can be edited out later. Nor do I want to spend a thousand bucks for a "proper" video camera.

Does anyone know of an optimum solution?

Could you provide more detail about what you have found unsatisfactory about the webcams you have tried and which ones you have tried? Otherwise, you may find persons recommending devices you have already found to be wanting.

Given what you've said about what you want to do, I'm inclined to think that a dedicated video camera, even a low-end sonsumer-grade one, is likely to be superior to most web cams, but that's just my uninformed opinion.

It's been so long that I can't recall any details, and I doubt that this thread will attract enough interest for there to be many recommendations. In the early days the cams were either not recognized by the OS I was using or worked unreliably.

Yes, I've concluded that a low-end video cam would likely be the best solution, but having never owned or used one I'm not sure where to begin.

I was hoping that someone who has used one could suggest a suitable make and model.

I won't give you a link, but nowadays usually they are working well, plug&play - regardless of the make and model.
For example you can try a raspberry pi with an usb camera (or something similar).

Have you defined any hardware for your setup yet?

One solution would be to use an IP camera and record the video on your linux PC or maybe a Raspberry Pi. zoneminder or motion are two solutions to use as recording software. You can check on their websites for compatible IP cameras.

You can use a USB webcam which needs to be compatible with the linux drivers. The Arch wiki looks decent https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/webcam_setup. Always new products which specifications change frequently so what works today may not tomorrow.

I don't know what type of IP cameras are available in your area but they range in price and function. There are some like that can record to a SD card on the unit itself. Some are configurable using a web configuration page and some use a cell phone app that requires you to create an account with the manufacture. They also allow you to monitor from anywhere.

Indoor webcams are about as cheap as can be these days, I'd be shocked if you could pay more than $50. They range from supplier specific standard to ones that use Open standards. Generally the open ones can be connected to nas or computer or cloud pretty easily in linux.

Thanks to all for the tips. Haven't defined hardware or anything yet 'til I decide which way to go.

> zoneminder or motion

Yes, I figured security apps and hardware might be more of a go than ordinary cams.

And true, they're now amazingly cheap. Ordered one from Aliexpress for $2.47 simply to play with. Shipping cost $3.50.