2nd gen webcamera module experience

Framework Laptop 16
1

So I got the 2nd gen webcamera module today (the newest one currently available) and just went through the experience of installing it on the Framework 16 and I figured I would share my experience, since I didn’t really see a post about it.

The box itself I have some feedback for.
Screenshot from 2024-08-19 17-51-47

Screenshot from 2024-08-19 17-52-09
Screenshot from 2024-08-19 17-52-09967×600 206 KB

As a framework 16 owner you can probably immediately see why the box itself sends mixed signals.
Nowhere on the box does it say that it’s Framework 16 compatible, when it has been stated that it is (the order page doesn’t mention it either).

Next I unpack it and get ready to install it. The QR code on the back of the box takes you to this guide.
You will very quickly see when following it that it does not apply to Framework 16.
It for example mentions opening the lid 180 degrees. I would not recommend that for the 16, since it does not open that far.
The Framework 16 guide for bezel replacement mentions 90 degrees instead of 180. But this is where the box link guides you, so I still think it’s a bit unfortunate.

The rest of the bezel step shows how easy it is to remove the bezel, but for the life of me I could not get it off the way showed.
Even going by the Framework 16 guide (here) I couldn’t really get it off.

The iFixit guide here gave me instant success.
I don’t know if there’s any risk of damaging the panel of doing it their way, if not careful, but it worked so I would still say it’s the better guide for bezel removal.

Then finally comes the mounting.
It was fairly straight forward. It was quite finicky with the tiny latch and the cable.

If anything they could write how far the latch should be opened, since I didn’t open it far enough on the first attempt.

There is one glaring omission in these steps however:
Instructions to remove the blue plastic lens protection from the camera lens before putting the bezel back on. It would probably also be wise to tell people to not remove the black sticker on there, since I assumed that is not something you should be removing.

I have noticed these protective film removals are missing in the Framework 16 DIY guide as well when it comes to installing the m.2 drives.

After that, everything was smooth sailing.
Bezel went back on, started the laptop and it was detected just fine (Fedora 40).

The webcamera is a step up from the previous one, and in particular skin colors are distinctly better on this one (I looked like a tomato with the previous webcam).
So I am quite happy with it so far.

Hope this proves useful for someone.

10 Likes
2

Thanks for sharing! If the website allowed me to, I would’ve bought one.

How is the audio quality on the mic?

3

Yep, I tried ordering one while it was listed as in stock, as well as something else from the marketplace, and was told they were in different warehouses, so I couldn’t. Figured I’d try ordering again if they’re ever in the same warehouse. Would rather they just quoted both shipping costs (or waived a shipping cost, but they’re not Amazon sized, so I don’t expect that), and sorted out the logistics on their end without making it my problem.

I’m glad others were able to get the updated module, and am thankful that folks are willing to go through and document the initial teething issues.

4

Just a quick comparison with a video I recorded with the previous module I am getting overall less noise with the new microphone.
I wasn’t really that bothered with the old one, since nobody really complained about the microphone in meetings etc, but it’s nice that even that is noticeably better too.

I don’t have any metrics to any of this so it’s purely subjective.

5

Fair enough. In my usage, the original mic has been barely tolerated by the receiver (possibly in part due to my linux setup I guess). This is particularly due to the noise, thanks for sharing your experience!

1 Like
6

I received my webcam 2nd gen today

Installation was quite easy

After shutting down your FW16 and unplugging all external cables

  1. Lay FW16 flat on the desk
  2. Remove bezel
  3. Unscrew the four screws holding down the display panel
  4. Gently lay down the display panel on to the input module side ( keyboard, touchpad area )
  5. Lift the latch that’s holding/clamping down the cable to the webcam module ( I used the plastic flat end of the framework screwdriver )
  6. Take out the cable ( again used the framework screwdriver plastic flat end )
  7. Unscrew the left and right screw ( there are rectangular plates being held down on the module too ) from the webcam module
  8. Take out 1st gen webcam module out
  9. place in the 2nd gen webcam module
  10. do the reverse of steps 7, 6 and 5
  11. remove blue cover from the camera
  12. do the reverse of steps 4, 3 and 2

your done

3 Likes
7

Thanks for the feedback, it is very helpful!!

3 Likes
8

Does it support Windows Hello, or something like that?

9

No, it’s a standard webcam, it doesn’t have the IR sensor or whatever Windows Hello needs.

1 Like
10

If Framework releases a Windows Hello Camera Module, they need to redesign a new Bezel to accomodate for the different and additional sensor Openings.

11

Is the difference noticeable? At least for conferences?