Choosing the right webcam is easy and doesn't take much time. You just need to be clear about their characteristics.
To begin with, you can choose the type of webcam mount: they are desktop and clip-on. Everything is clear with desktop cameras, clip-on cameras can be attached to flat monitors or laptops.
Next, decide if you need a built-in microphone. This, of course, is convenient, but if you use a separate microphone, then you should not overpay for an unnecessary function. Another detail that needs attention is the length of the cord. For laptops, a webcam with a cord of no more than a meter is enough; for a desktop PC, it should be at least 1.5 meters.
Almost all video devices are compatible with Windows computers. Very often, the system independently determines and installs the programs necessary for operation when using the webcam for the first time. Choosing a device for users of other operating systems will be more difficult: you need to check the compatibility of the new device driver with the OS.
The main technical parameters that affect the choice of webcameras:
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Permission. This parameter determines how high quality will be
choice of webcam transmitted picture. When studying the characteristics, pay attention to the working resolution, and not to the maximum, which is most often indicated in the descriptions of the model. It is the working resolution that determines the size of the transmitted image. The optimal resolution for today is 0.3 megapixels, and the spread of this parameter is from 0.1 megapixels to 2 megapixels.
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Cropping (fps) is the number of frames transmitted from the camera in one second. For a normal, stable picture, this value should be at least 30. Some expensive models offer cameras that produce 90 frames per second. For our channels, this is too much: too wide a band needs a channel to transmit such a signal. So 30fps is the best choice.
- Webcams also differ in matrices: CMOS and CCD. Cameras based on CCD-matrices give a better picture and less noise, but are more expensive.
These are all characteristics that determine the quality of the transmitted picture.
It remains to choose the price you are willing to pay for this device. Decide on the price last. First, choose those cameras that will suit you in terms of all technical characteristics, and then pay attention to the prices. Keep in mind that high cost does not mean better quality: it is possible to buy a great webcam for little money or getbad image, but spend a decent amount of money.
The choice of a webcam can be influenced by the presence of various additional functions: automatic adjustment to lighting is a very useful feature that will allow you to transmit the clearest picture in any light. There are other features such as the ability to take photos, control brightness and contrast, shoot videos, adjust white balance, change frame rate, etc. All these settings are needed by advanced users, it makes no sense to use them for simple communication, and they increase the cost significantly.
Choosing a webcam for Skype is no different from the above process. Skype is just one of the programs that transfers a picture to another network user and does not impose special requirements.
