Guide to Webcams - Part 2 of 2
If you’re in the market for a webcam you could find yourself spoilt for choice.
From digital zooms to video conferencing, webcam technology has advanced at a fast
pace and there are many different specifications to choose from.
In this guide to webcams we’ll explain how webcams work, what you need to make them
operate and what features you should look for.
To skip to another section of this guide choose one of the quick links below:
What features should you look for?
Here are some of the characteristics you should look for on a webcam:
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Frames per second – Arguably the most important aspect of a webcam are
the number of frames per second that are recorded – which determines the
image quality. Generally the speed at which images move will be much poorer
than on a video camera or a digital camera, even if you have a high-speed
internet connection. You should pick up a webcam that records at least 30
frames per second but also bear in mind that it is not just the webcam that
determines the quality of the images – slow modems, internet traffic and more
can all be contributing factors.
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Resolution and colour – Webcam resolutions are usually between 160x120 or 320x240
pixels. Higher quality cameras can be picked up with resolutions at 640x480 or above.
Generally speaking, the higher the resolution the better the quality of image you should
expect. However, it is often a good idea to pick out a camera that will adjust to variable
lighting and conditions in order to adjust the picture as you need it.
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Digital zoom – The ability to zoom in on something specific. An optical zoom will actually
change the lens position, but a digital zoom merely increases and decreases the size of an area.
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Camera control – Some cameras will allow you to tilt and pan, and others will include a manual
focus.
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Video conferencing – Some webcams come with video conferencing capabilities such as lighting and
real-time enhancements. You will need video conferencing support from applications such as Windows Live
Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, AOL Messenger, Skype and more.
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Portable – Usually this is as simple as a clip on the webcam that means it can be hooked on to laptops.
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Microphone – Many webcams come with in-built microphones so you can enjoy live conversations as you view and chat.
What should you pay?
Webcams can be picked up for as little as £10 and they will be perfectly adequate for most
users – i.e. those who just want to chat to friends over a messenger service. Webcams with
in-built microphones are available at around £15 while for around £40 you should pick up the
‘works’ – i.e. a webcam with digital zoom, microphone, etc.
If you need a webcam for professional purposes you might wish to pay out more. There are many
high-tech webcams available with features such as automatic face tracking, remote controls and more.
The key is to think about how you plan to use the webcam and then determine how much you want to pay.
Good luck with your choice!
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