How To Choose a Webcam ?

[Aasha]

Good Afternoon,

I would like to buy a webcam for everyday use, what are the characteristics to be observed? and where can I find the features of my webcam on a laptop ? please give some Suggestion Thanks in advance

[The Edge]

Hi,

what are the characteristics to be observed?

Definition of a good image and good reactivity. We must also see in the rendering of colors and the one that has a microphone.

Where can I find the features of my webcam on a laptop?

To know the characteristics of the webcam on a laptop should already have a first time reference of the laptop in question. Indeed, this information must be indicated in the datasheet of the computer.

[Maxforu]

hello , Choosing which webcam to buy seems like a easy enough task. But in fact it can be very confusing and frustrating. Lets start from the basics:

If you have a flat panel monitor - LCD you will need a webcam that either was designed for flat panel's or includes a flat panel clip. Read the product description very carefully to see if the product includes the clip. Some do but others dont.

Price is always a major factor which is why Logitech. The worlds leader in webcams, makes about 30 different models. Decide how you are going to use the cam, are you going to be holding video conferences and want good quality ? Or do you just want to have a live cam up on a web page.

[Hardwareman]

Consider the following point

• Number of Pixels
  The number of pixels is often not the important thing when choosing a webcam. Before you spend much on a webcam, consider what you will be using it for. Not only can you use a digital video camera, but many models of digital photo cameras can be used as a webcam. For instance, I have a Fuji digital camera that I have used many times as a webcam. If your digital camera connects to your computer with a USB cable, or a "1394" cable to get the pictures out of it, you can probably use it as a 'webcam'. In my Fuji, there is a menu for setup. One of the choices is whether to transfer pictures (just like copying files from one folder to another on your computer) or to use it as a "pc camera". In my case, I use it as 640x480. But the big advantage it has over a 'webcam' is that the "digital camera" can operate is fairly low light and very bright light, like out in direct sunshine. And it has great focus range and zoom. When I am copying 8mm movies from film to the computer I always use my "digital camera". So if you already have access to a 'digital camera' you might want to try using it for a while until you decide what you really want in a 'webcamera'.
  
  
• Light Sensitivity
  Most webcameras can not be used outside in the day because the sun is too bright for them. Also, they can not be used in the evening, or even inside unless you have lots of lights on. They do not have an iris so there is not much you can do about this except turn on more lights. Or when outside, hope for lots of clouds and a big shade tree.
  
  
• Power for the camera
  Almost all webcams get their power from your computer over the USB cable. (Using my Fuji digital camera it goes through a set of 4 AA alkaline battery in about 2 hours when using it as a "pc camera".)
  
  
• Focus
  For general use on the internet, live conversations or video email, you probably will never need to adjust the focus. Most webcameras have permenant fixed focus. If you want to show close ups (like I show circuitboards and test fixtures) then I need manual focus.
  
  
• Speed
  One difference in the very very cheap webcameras and 'more expensive' ones (like $35 or more) is that the cheapest ones can only do 15 pictures per second. That is usually enough for "video instant messaging" or casual conversation between hearing people. But with sign language, you probably will see a big difference in getting a webcam that can do 30 frames per second (if your video email or your 'video instant messaging' service can go that fast). If you are stuck with dial-up internet access right now, then the faster camera will probably not make any difference.
  
  
• Stand / support
  Where and how do you want to use your camera ? For business trips I use a Logitech "notebook" camera. It clips onto the LCD display of my laptop. However, at home in my laboratory, I use a regulary "ball shaped" webcam that can sit on top of the CRT monitor. But I usually have that camera clipped into a flexible microphone stand on my desk. (It is called a 'gooseneck stand' and it is a little over a foot high.) I can aim the camera anywhere. It is great to aim the camera straight down onto my workbench to show what I am doing.
  
  
• Ruggedness
  If you webcamera is going to be on top of your CRT monitor or in a stand on your desk all the time than this is not a factor. But if you want to toss it in a bag to bring with you to a friends house or on business trips you want to keep in mind that lenses can get scratched very easily. For occasional trips, just wrap it in a soft rag. The logitech "notebook" camera comes with a small padded bag. The ball-shaped cameras have the lens recessed 1/2 an inch or so so that the lens is sort of protected.
  
  
• Indicator Light
  Almost every webcam I have seen has a light on it to show when it is active. This is very helpful to let you know that the computer software is working (at least partially). Also, it is nice that the light reminds you that you have left your computer running and who-knows-who might be watching you change clothes.

[RoninBlade]

Choosing a Webcam Solution
Choosing the right Webcam solution depends on many variables, including determining the application and the prospective audience. A webcast of a live concert has completely different requirements than an office Webcam. Available bandwidth, indoor/outdoor camera placement, power sources, lighting conditions, operating systems, budget, etc. are all important factors in determining the appropriate solution.

Rule of Thumb: Garbage in = garbage out. That is, the quality of your final broadcast image is only as good as the quality of the image produced by your camera. A poor quality camera will produce poor quality webcasts. Similarly, the quality of the capture device, encoder, and webcaster has a great effect on the final distributed video quality.

The following questions will help determine the best system for your needs:

• Who is the prospective audience? For example, do you need to reach a large general public audience or is it for private administration only?
• What are you trying to show? Certain camera subjects have an intrinsically larger audience if they are being used for entertainment value. Or the camera may be purposed for security or just to see who is ringing the doorbell at your home while you are at work.
• Is the camera outdoors or indoors? Outdoor systems have to be weather proof and have to consider the sun position.
• What power is available?
• What bandwidth is available?
• How close is the subject to the camera location? How large is the subject area? This will help determine the type of lens, or if a fixed or robotic camera is needed.
• Is archiving necessary? Archiving can provide an up-to-the-minute time lapse of a construction project or a visual record of an intruder from a strategically placed camera.