A webcam is a small device thatcan perform different functions. Depending on the needs of the person chooses a particular model. Consider the main characteristics and how to choose a webcam and what features of the device to pay attention in the first place.
Features of technology
Skype program is impossible without such a device on your computer as a webcam. In addition, it is unlimited opportunities and communication with family and friends, who are now not near.
But before choosing a camera for a computer,It is worth getting acquainted with the characteristics of a particular model. After all, the video should be of high quality, and the picture should not go slower than the sound. In this case, the device should have high performance and good parameters.
If necessary, the webcam can be used not only for communication, but also for video or photography.
Main characteristics
Before choosing a webcam with or without a microphone, you should familiarize yourself with its characteristics and features of each model.
What features to pay attention in the first place?
- Matrix (maybe with CMOS or CDD technology, experts note that the second type has the best quality, but is in a high price category).
- Resolution (similar to what digital cameras have, the most popular resolution is 0.3 Mpr, although now there are newer ones with higher resolution, where the picture is much better).
- Sensitivity to light (devices with higher parameters allow video recording in the dark, such models come with infrared illumination).
- The number of frames (in order for the video and sound to go without freezing, a sufficient number of frames per second can be no more than 20).
- Connection (almost all devices are available without a USB port, but there are options with connecting to USB2, they are characterized by high speed).
- Focal length (a function that is available only in expensive models).
- The possibility of photographing (there are many models, even in the budget, but may differ in quality, which is somewhat inferior to analogs in digital cameras).
- Microphone (for this you will need to install additional drivers in order to record sound).
Kinds
There are several types of devices, the characteristics of which are necessary before choosing a webcam and making a purchase.
| Full HD and higher webcams | Матрица с возможностью воспринимать рисунок в The quality format of Full HD and higher gives the possibility of obtaining a clear and realistic image, a variety of colors and sharpness at height. Differs in stability, an opportunity to focus separate objects, are equipped with infrared illumination and supersensitive microphones. |
| Webcams with microphone | The sound quality depends on the sensitivity of the microphone, which is built into the camera, automatic tuning of sounds and stereo quality are important. |
| Autofocus webcams | When recording images in motion, there should be a high-quality focus capable of catching the smallest movement and transmitting in sufficient quality. Then this video is easier to handle. |
| Headset webcams included | Excellent marketing move “two in one”, but often in this combination, the headphones are of low quality, so when choosing, it is necessary to check the performance of the headset. |
| Lockable webcams | A necessary feature that protects the glass on the camera from sunlight and protects it from damage and scratches. |
| USB webcams | From this connection depends on the speed of information transfer. |
| Windows webcams | The largest operating system, which has many functions of post-processing video and photo without installing additional equipment. |
| Tracking webcams | Necessary option for video surveillance indoors, but in this case, the camera shoots video from a single angle, without the possibility of rotation, and most often without sound |
Additional Features
Any devices, regardless of model,may have additional characteristics. Before you choose a webcam, you should familiarize yourself with the functionality, both basic and optional, of the selected model.
Webcam average and low cost focusfixed at a maximum distance of 2 m from the lens. It can be configured both manually and automatically. Video bloggers point out that autofocus is a great option to make shooting more dynamic.
If using the device you plan tovideo conferencing, then audio blowing is worth choosing with stereo sound support. If the camera does not have a built-in microphone, then any headset to the computer is useful.
Most models of webcams are attached to the computer with clothespins. It is important here that the bracket fixing the device on the monitor is made of high quality and from durable materials.
Selection rules
When choosing the right device is worth considering many factors. Experts recommend that before choosing a webcam, pay priority attention to the following nuances:
- the purpose, that is, the purpose of use (only having defined the purpose for which the device is needed, can its characteristics be evaluated by selected parameters);
- appearance and fastening (the most suitable option for a flat monitor is a device with a clothespin);
- cord length (for a computer it is necessary to choose models with a long cord; a variant with a shortened cable will be suitable for a laptop);
- high resolution (before choosing a webcam for skype it is worth assessing the quality of the image and video transmission, the higher the resolution, the better the picture);
- Pay attention to the ability to customize the camera (the more opportunities to configure different functionality, the better);
- microphone is better to choose noise reduction;
- with infrequent use of the camera and only inHome use suitable options from the average price category, for conferences online it is worth looking at the more expensive counterparts.
Manufacturers and prices
To answer the question how to choose a good webcamera, it is worth getting acquainted with the manufacturers that are represented on the market. At the moment, such companies as Logitech, Genius, Creative stand out in this niche. They have the largest variety of models.
Price range is also diverse.It all depends not so much on the manufacturer’s company as on the main and additional functionality of the device. The price range varies from 200 to 10 thousand rubles. Before you choose a webcam for a computer, you should not be guided by the price, but by the characteristics of the device, because not always the most expensive option will be better and more convenient to use.
