Webcam is distorted in ZOOM only after meeting starts

[Bubba1]

When I set ZOOM up for a meeting and check my audio and video, etc. everything is fine. Then the meeting starts and my video from my webcam starts to get distorted. I have tried many things, like updating camera drivers, uninstalling and reinstalling ZOOM, but nothing works. Plus, this happens on an HP and Dell laptop running Windows 10.

Would resetting laptop to factory settings help? Thanks for any input that will lead to a successful outcome.

William Burke

[Sina22 · Accepted solution]

Hi!

I had the same issue!

What seems to help is to download an older version of zoom.

I found this one for mac here

https://zoom.de.uptodown.com/mac/download/4490595

But I think you can find older versions too within the Zoom Platform, which I found in a post regarding another topic (See below). Haven't tried that, though

-----
"You can manually download old versions by manually editing the URL below with the version number you want.
 
You can find the version numbers in the Release Notes - also below.
 
https://zoom.us/client/5.8.0.1780/zoomusInstaller.pkg
 
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201361963-Release-notes-for-macOS
 "

[MacS1 · Accepted solution]

(12 hours later) I've followed Sina22's advice an reinstalled the previous version. Problem solved.

[srbh41413]

Seems you are saying that the same camera moved to different computers shows the same issue, is that right? If so, how about using the laptop's built-in camera? Does that show the same issue? What webcam is it?

[Bubba1]

Built-in laptop cameras (Dell and HP) and external cams. One is named WEBCAM     HD FULL; the other has no name, but it usually works great. Webcam 1080P Full HD Auto Focus Web Camera with Microphone Widescreen USB Computer Camera for PC Laptop Desktop Mac Streaming Video Calling Recording Video Conference Online Teaching Business Gaming

[Chris1980]

Good morning, I have the same issue I guess. I have a macbook air bought in 2020. I use the integrated HD camera. All the updates are done correctly. Since the 2 last zoom updates I have this issue with the camera. It always worked well before. I didn't change anything except doing the updates. I tried with an external camera, same issue. The only way is to disable the camera, unable it again, then it works, but the problem reappears after that too. I do not know how to solve this. I have no issue on my other devices when I use my zoom account.

[srbh41413]

Did you try asking Zoom support?

[Bubba1]

Since I am one of the free Zoom members, I don't qualify for support. I'm hoping I can find the answers here or somewhere. Here's a link to my problem. Less than a minute.  https://youtu.be/g2QP9ZXr4BU

[MacS1]

I have exactly the same problem. I use Panasonic GH5 with Lumix Webcam software and have done so since September 2020 (when the software was first made available). It worked perfectly on Zoom until the recent Zoom updates. I've updated both firmware for the camera and the webcam software to the latest version and tested it on two Lumix cameras. Both work fine when I test them in the Zoom settings section but as soon as a Zoom call starts these problems appear exactly as shown in the video. So far, I have been unable to find a solution for it (also on free Zoom account).

[MacS1 · Accepted solution]

(12 hours later) I've followed Sina22's advice an reinstalled the previous version. Problem solved.

[Linda06]

Since updating Zoom to version 5.13.3 I‘m having problems with using the webcam while being in a Zoom Meeting. I tried my internal and in addition to that an external webcam but with both devices I had major errors while being in the meeting. Testing the webcam in settings was possible but after joining the meeting the camera froze and had green and white stripes. This morning - before updating - everything went fine but after the update the webcam wouldn’t work while being in a meeting. I also tried two different laptops (windows) and had the same problem. Is it possible that this is an issue in connection with the update?

[Bubba1]

That sounds like the same problem I am having. I made a short video that shows what I've been experiencing. 

https://youtu.be/g2QP9ZXr4BU

Is yours similar?

[Chris1980]

Yes it is exactly the same issue I have.

[Linda06]

Yes this is the exact thing happening to me. Since I‘m also using Zoom for free, the support answered to my request by telling me about the support website. There is no solution for this problem right now, a colleague is having the same issue since updating Zoom to version 5.13.3

[srbh41413]

With such similarities, this really sounds like a Zoom issue to me.

[BarbaraHenslee]

I'm having the same video distortion problem. Mine occured after upgrading my account to paid and updating to the latest version of Zoom. Would be great to have a fix for this issue.

[Sina22 · Accepted solution]

Hi!

I had the same issue!

What seems to help is to download an older version of zoom.

I found this one for mac here

https://zoom.de.uptodown.com/mac/download/4490595

But I think you can find older versions too within the Zoom Platform, which I found in a post regarding another topic (See below). Haven't tried that, though

-----
"You can manually download old versions by manually editing the URL below with the version number you want.
 
You can find the version numbers in the Release Notes - also below.
 
https://zoom.us/client/5.8.0.1780/zoomusInstaller.pkg
 
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201361963-Release-notes-for-macOS
 "

[Bubba1]

Thanks, this is a great idea, to download earlier versions of Zoom Client. I'll try to search for one that will work with Windows 10, since I don't have a Mac.🙂

[MacS1 · Accepted solution]

Thank you for the tip. I reinstalled the previous version (Windows 10). Problem solved.

[Bubba1]

Thanks, Sina22! The older versions work!

[BarbaraHenslee]

Hello all, I received some help from Zoom support. They informed me that they will work on this known issue of the latest version and have a new version of the Desktop client available next week. In the meantime, we have two options:

For Windows users: Roll back to the previous version:  5.12.9. Here's the link.

https://zoom.us/client/5.12.9.10650/ZoomInstaller.exe?archType=x64

I tested it and it works. Check it out.

Best,

Barbara

[MacS1]

Thank you for the link. I did the same and it works again.