The Purpose Of The PS5 Camera
The PS5 has a number of great accessories to consider (if you can get your hands on the console itself). From mics to controllers, there are some great additions that can really enhance the player’s experience. But what’s the purpose of the PS5 camera?
The PS5 camera can enhance certain games by offering features like head tracking. It also allows you to video chat with friends as you play, use facial recognition to log into your PS5, and remove backgrounds from streams and videos. The camera is fairly easy to set up with the console.
Let’s take a look at the possible uses of the PS5 camera, as well as how to set it up and how to solve potential problems you might come across while using it.
Should You Buy the New PS5 Camera?
The question of whether you should buy the new PS5 camera depends in large part on your budget, what you’d use it for, and a few other factors. Here’s what to consider if you’re thinking about buying the new PS5 camera:
The Price
First of all, you should consider whether the camera is in your budget. The Playstation HD Camera (on Amazon) is around $60, though you may be able to find used ones at a discount on sites like Amazon or eBay.
The Games
If you don’t play any games that make use of the PS5 camera and don’t intend to, then there’s little point in you buying it. Games that can utilize the camera include Fortnite and Ghost of Tsushima.
If You’d Use it
It sounds obvious, but an important factor to consider is whether you’d actually use the PS5 camera. Although games like the ones mentioned above can utilize the camera to enhance the player’s experience, there’s no PS5 game for which the camera is mandatory — at least not yet.
That said, the camera does have some features that aren’t related to games, such as facial recognition.
What Are the Functions of the PS5 Camera?
The PS5 has a few different functions, most notably including the following.
- Facial Recognition: You can log into your PS5 using facial recognition if the camera is attached and set up for that.
- Background Removal: The camera can be used to remove the background during live streams or video recordings to help enhance the end result of the stream or video.
- Head Tracking: The camera can be used to track head movements in some games, allowing for a more immersive gaming experience.
- Video Chat: The camera can be used for picture-in-picture video chat with friends while gaming.
Can You Use the PS5 Camera as a Mic?
Yes, the PS5 camera has a built-in mic. If you’d like to use the mic but not the camera, you can configure this in the PS5’s settings. PS5 controllers also have a built-in mic, however, so the camera is usually not necessary.
How Do You Connect a PS5 Camera to Your PS5?
To connect the camera to your PS5, follow these steps:
- Make sure the PS5 console is turned on.
- Connect the camera’s USB cable to one of the USB ports on the front of the PS5 console.
- Wait for the console to automatically detect the camera and install any necessary software.
- When prompted, follow the on-screen instructions to set up the camera, including adjusting the camera’s angle and enabling or disabling any features.
After doing all of this, the camera should be ready to use. You can adjust your settings at any time by accessing them on the PS5.
Is the PS5 Camera Compatible With Other Playstation Models?
Unfortunately, the PS5 camera was configured specifically for the Playstation 5, and it won’t work with any other model. It also won’t be of any use with a non-Playstation console.
Troubleshooting Issues With the PS5 Camera
If you’ve set up your PS5 camera and it isn’t working, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try:
- Check the Cable: The first thing you should do is check the cable, especially if you’re using an extension of some sort. It’s possible that the cable has been damaged, and that’s why your camera isn’t working with the PS5.
- Check the PS5 Settings: You can also check the PS5 settings to ensure the camera is configured properly.
- Restart the PS5: The last troubleshooting step you can take is to restart the Playstation 5. If that doesn’t work, you may need to return the PS5 camera, as it might not be functional.
Common Complaints
It’s also important to be aware of some complaints users have made about the camera, which include:
- Some users have reported that the camera doesn’t provide clear and sharp images, but it should, so contact the place you got your camera if this is the case.
- Some users have reported that the camera struggles to maintain a stable connection with the PS5 console.
- Some users have reported that the camera fails to accurately track the position of the DualSense controller.
- Some users have also reported issues with the camera’s voice recognition capabilities, making it difficult to use voice commands.
If you plan to get the PS5 camera, make sure to test these features out and ensure they all work properly before you commit to keeping the camera, as retailers usually have a limited return window and you don’t want to be stuck with a PS5 camera that doesn’t work as it should. Reputable retailers should be happy to exchange the camera if there are any issues, so make sure you keep the receipt if bought in person.
All in all, the Playstation 5 camera is a great accessory to add to the console. Not only does it provide some cool features in games like Fortnite, but it can be used as a mic, facial recognition, and to remove backgrounds and video chat with your friends as you play together.
It all comes at a price though, so make sure to weigh the pros and cons of buying one before you go ahead.