A webcam is a small device that can perform various functions. Depending on the needs, a person chooses a particular model. Consider the main characteristics and how to choose a webcam and what features of the device to pay attention to in the first place.
Features of technology
Skype is not possible without such a device on the computer as a webcam. In addition, these are unlimited opportunities and communication with relatives and friends who are now not nearby.
But before you choose a camera for your computer, you should familiarize yourself with the characteristics of a particular model. After all, the video image should be of high quality, and the picture should not go slower than the sound. At the same time, the device must have high performance and good parameters.
If necessary, the webcam can be used not only for communication, but also for video or photography.
Key Features
Before choosing a webcamwith or without a microphone, you should familiarize yourself with its characteristics and the features of each model.
Which features should I look out for first?
- Matrix (can be 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 that of digital cameras, the most popular resolution is 0.3 Mpx, although now there are newer ones with higher resolution, where the picture comes out much better).
- Light sensitivity (devices with higher settings allow video recording in the dark, these models come with infrared illumination).
- Number of frames (in order for 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 produced without a USB port, but there are also options with a USB2 connection, they are characterized by high speed).
- Focal length (a feature only available on high-end models).
- The ability to take pictures (available in many models, even in budget ones, but may differ in quality, which is somewhat inferior to analogues in digital cameras).
- Microphone (this will require additional drivers to be installed in order to record sound).
Views
There are several types of devices that you need to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of before choosing a webcam and making a purchase.
| Full HD webcams and above | Full HD and higher quality image sensor provides clear and realistic images, a variety of colors and high sharpness. It features stability, the ability to focus individual objects, equipped with infrared illumination and ultra-sensitive microphones. |
| Webcams with microphone | The quality of sound reproduction depends on the sensitivity of the microphone built into the camera, automatic sound adjustment and stereo quality are important. |
| Autofocus webcams | When recording a picture in motion, there must be a high-quality focus that can catch the smallest movement and transmit it in sufficient quality. Then such a video is easier to process. |
| Webcams with headset included | An excellent two-in-one marketing ploy, but often in this combination the headphones are of poor quality, so when choosing, you need to check the headset for performance. |
| Reclosable webcams | An essential feature that protects the glass on the camera from sunlight and prevents damage and scratches. |
| USB webcams | The speed of information transfer depends on this connection. |
| Webcams for Windows | Greatestan operating system that has many video and photo post-processing functions without installing additional hardware. |
| Tracking webcams | Required option for indoor video surveillance, but in this case, the camera shoots video from one angle, without the possibility of rotation and most often without sound |
Additional features
Any device, regardless of model, may have additional features. Before choosing a webcam, you should familiarize yourself with the functionality, both basic and additional, of the selected model.
For mid-priced and lower-priced webcams, focus is fixed up to a maximum distance of 2m from the lens. It can be configured both manually and automatically. Vloggers note that autofocus is a great option to make shooting more dynamic.
If you plan to use the device to conduct video conferences, then you should choose an audio device with stereo sound support. If the camera does not have a built-in microphone, then any headset for the computer will come in handy.
Most webcam models are attached to the computer with a clothespin. It is important here that the bracket that secures the device to the monitor is made of high quality and durable materials.
Selection rules
There are many factors to consider when choosing the right device. Experts recommend that before choosing a webcam, pay the highest priorityattention to the following nuances:
- purpose, that is, the purpose of use (only having decided what the device is for, you can evaluate its characteristics according to the selected parameters);
- appearance and mounting (the most suitable option for a flat monitor is a device with a clothespin);
- cord length (for a computer, you need to choose models with a long cord, for a laptop, the option with a shortened cable is suitable);
- high resolution (before choosing a webcam for Skype, you should evaluate 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 options to configure different functionality, the better);
- microphone is better to choose with noise reduction function;
- if you use the camera infrequently and only at home, options from the middle price category are suitable, for online conferences you should look at more expensive analogues.
Producers and prices
To answer the question of how to choose a good webcam, you should familiarize yourself with the manufacturers that are on the market. At the moment, such companies as Logitech, Genius, Creative stand out noticeably in this niche. They have the most variety of models.
The price category is also diverse. It all depends not so much on the manufacturer's company, but on the main and additional functionality of the device. The price range varies from 200 to 10 thousand rubles.rubles. Before choosing a webcam for a computer, you should be guided not 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.
