Xiaomi Yi M1 Like a webcam: a complete guide to connecting and setting up

Action camera Xiaomi Yi M1 — It is a compact and powerful device that is originally designed to shoot video in a format. 4K But what many people don't realize is that it can be adapted to be used as a full-fledged webcam. This is especially true for streamers, bloggers or those who often hold video conferencing and want to get a better picture than the built-in laptop camera.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to transform Yi. M1 webcam: from official methods with proprietary software to workarounds through third-party programs. You will learn what drivers and utilities you will need, how to adjust the resolution and frame rate, and what hidden limitations this method has (for example, the inability to use the camera microphone at the same time as the video). 10/11, MacOS and Linux with some reservations.

Technical capabilities of Xiaomi Yi M1 webcam

Before you start to set up, it is important to understand what Yi is capable of. M1 It's webcam, it's got a Sony sensor. IMX377 permittingly 12,4 MP, which supports the shooting of video in 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps and 720p@120fps. However, when connecting as a webcam, not all these modes are available.

Main limitations:

• 🔴 Maximum resolution in webcam mode — 1080p (1920×1080) upon 30 FPS. 4K and 60 FPS not.
• 🔴 Autofocus works only in manual mode (configured before connecting).
• 🔴 Built-in microphone Yi M1 not transmitting sound through USB. You'll need an external microphone.
• 🟢 All popular platforms are supported: Zoom, OBS Studio, Discord, Skype, Google Meet.

For comparison: the built-in cameras of most laptops 720p@30fps, a top-end webcams (for example, Logitech Brio) — 4K@30fps. Thus, Yi M1 It is in an intermediate position, offering quality. HD, But without advanced features like autofocus or noise reduction.

How to connect Yi M1 webcam

There are three main methods of converting Xiaomi Yi M1 And each of them has its pros and cons:

1. The official Xiaomi Yi Webcam software is the easiest way, but it only works on Windows and requires the installation of drivers.
2. Regime. UVC (USB Video Class – a universal method for Windows/macOS/Linux, But you need a firmware with support. UVC.
3. Video capture (Elgato Cam Link or analogue) – allows you to use all the features of the camera, but requires additional equipment.

Let us examine each method in detail.

1. Official Xiaomi Yi Webcam software (Windows only)

It’s the easiest solution, but it only works on Windows. 7/10/11. You'll need it:

• 📥 Official Yi Webcam utility (version 1.0.3 or later).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original, as cheap cables may not provide stable power supply).
• 🔄 Camera with a charged battery (or connected to charging).

Step-by-step:

An important nuance: Yi Webcam can conflict with antivirus software (for example, Kaspersky or Avast). If the camera is not detected, temporarily disable the protection or add the utility to the exceptions.

2. Mode UVC (USB Video Class)

If you want to use Yi M1 on macOS or Linux, or the official software does not work, you can flash the camera with alternative firmware with support UVC. This protocol allows the device to emulate the webcam without additional software.

For this:

1. Download the firmware with support UVC (For example, yi-hack-allwinner).
2. Follow the firmware instructions (a microSD card will be required).
3. After firmware connect the camera to the PC – it will be defined as a standard webcam.

Warning: firmware from third-party developers can lead to loss of warranty and unstable camera performance.

3. via video capture (Elgato Cam Link or analogue)

If you want maximum quality (for streams, for example), you can use an external immersive device like the Elgato Cam Link. 4K or Magewell USB Capture HDMI. This method allows for:

• 🟢 transmit the video to 4K@30fps or 1080p@60fps (depending on the capture model).
• 🟢 Use it. HDMI-Camera output (if it is in your model).
• 🟢 Connect the microphone separately via the audio interface.

Cons:

• 🔴 Additional equipment costs (from 5 000) ₽ Cam Link).
• 🔴 Increased video latency (latency) ~100-200 miss).

To connect:

1. Connect Yi. M1 captivatingly HDMI (If your model has HDMI-output or use a Micro-HDMI adapter → HDMI.
2. Connect the capture to the PC through USB.
3. In the settings OBS Studio or other software, select capture as the source of the video.

Customize video quality and resolution

Even if you successfully connected Yi M1 As a webcam, the default quality may be far from perfect. Here's how to optimize it:

Permission and frequency of staffing:

• In the official software Yi Webcam available modes: 1920×1080 (30 FPS) — Better quality and productivity ratio. 1280×720 (60 FPS) — Suitable for dynamic streams (games, sports). 640×480 (30 FPS) — Minimum resolution for weak PCs.
• In mode. UVC or through capture, you can select additional modes (if supported by firmware).

Bitrate and compression:

By default, Yi M1 Uses strong compression to reduce the load on USB-To improve the image:

• 🔧 In camera settings → Video quality select the maximum bitrate (if you have such a setting).
• 🔧 V OBS Studio or other program disable additional compression (for example, in the encoder settings, select the encoder). NVENC (NVIDIA) or AMF (AMD) software-encoding).

3. White balance and exposure:

Automatic setup in webcam mode often works poorly.

• 🎛️ Manually set white balance (e.g., white balance, 5000K for warm lighting or 6500K day-time).
• 🎛️ Disable auto exposure and set a fixed value (for example, 1/60 for 30 FPS).
• 🎛️ Use external lighting (e.g., annular lamp) as built-in Yi stabilization M1 webcam disabled.

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If the image is "breaking" or slowing down, try reducing the resolution to 720p Or connect the camera to USB 3.0 (blue port) instead USB 2.0.

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Using Xiaomi Yi M1 And the most common mistakes that people have in webcams are the ones that they often have, and the ways that they can be fixed:

A specific problem for macOS:

On a Mac, the camera can be defined as Unknown Device.

1. Open the terminal and enter: system_profiler SPUSBDataType
2. Find it on the Yi list. M1 And remember her Vendor. ID product ID.
3. Install the driver. bcwc_drv to support cameras on the Ambarella chip (used in Yi) M1).

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If the camera stops working after Windows update, try rolling back the driver. USB-controller in Device Manager.

Comparison of Xiaomi Yi M1 webcam

To determine whether to use Yi M1 Like a webcam, compare it to popular alternatives:

Conclusion: Yi M1 It's a loss to specialized webcams in terms of convenience (no autofocus or microphone), but it's a win for price and mobility, and it's for those who already have a camera, or who are looking for a budget solution for streaming in the Internet. 1080p.

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If you need autofocus and a good microphone, consider Logitech. C920 Or Razer Kiyo. If the priority is the quality of the picture for the minimum money, Yi. M1 It's a great choice.

Optimization for streaming (OBS Studio, Streamlabs)

If you are planning to use Yi M1 For streams on Twitch or YouTube, it's important to set up the right program to capture video. OBS Studio:

Step 1: Add a video source:

1. Open up. OBS and press + Sources section.
2. Select the Video Capture Device (or Video Capture Device).
3. In the list of devices, select Yi M1 (It can be displayed as USB Video Device).

Step 2: Set up the permission and FPS:

• In the properties of the source, set: Permission / Format: 1920×1080 (or 1280×720 for 60 FPS). FPS: 30 (or 60, if you choose 720p).
• Check the box Use buffer frames to reduce lags.

Step 3: Color correction:

To make the picture look more professional:

1. Add the color correction filter to the video source.
2. Set up: Brightness: +5...+10 (if the camera darkens the image) Contrast: +10...+15 for a sharper picture. Saturation: +5 for natural flowers.

Step 4: Optimizing productivity:

• 🔧 B Settings → Select hardware coding: For NVIDIA: NVENC H.264. For AMD: AMF. For Intel: QSV.
• 🔧 Set the bitrate of 4000-6000 Kbps for 1080p 2500-3500 Kbit/s for 720p.

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If OBS "Flying out” when connecting the camera, try running the program on behalf of the administrator or updating the graphics card driver.

Alternative programs for working with Yi M1

Besides OBS Studio and standard video calling applications, there is specialized software that will help unlock the potential of Yi M1:

1. Amcap (for Windows)

Free utility for testing and setting up webcams.

• 🔹 Watch live video with exposure, white balance and other settings.
• 🔹 Save screenshots and videos directly from the camera.
• 🔹 Testing the stability of the connection.

You can download it here.

2. OBS Virtual Camera (for the first time) macOS/Windows)

If you need to use Yi M1 In programs that do not support direct work with cameras (for example, some games or instant messengers), you can create a virtual camera through the use of the camera. OBS:

1. V OBS add Yi M1 source.
2. In the Tools menu, select Virtual Camera OBS.
3. In the program settings (for example, Zoom) select OBS Virtual Camera as a source of video.

3. DroidCam (for DroidCam) Android/iOS + PC)

If you don’t have video capture, but have a smartphone, you can use Yi. M1 As a source of video for DroidCam:

1. Connect Yi. M1 smartphone-wise OTG-adapter.
2. Install DroidCam on your phone and PC.
3. In DroidCam settings, select Yi M1 video source.

This solution is suitable for owners of Android-smartphones with support OTG.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Yi M1 webcam