Although many laptops ship with webcams, there are still plenty of reasons to buy an external one. Whether you need it for business meetings, training webinars, video podcasts, or chatting with your family, getting the right high-quality webcam matters. Take these important factors and features into account to find the best one for your needs.
Webcam Essentials You Need to Look For
Here are some basic features you need to look for when shopping for a new webcam:
Resolution
A webcam with a high resolution is a must. The lower the resolution, the grainier the image looks on the screen. Most modern webcams support only high-definition video capture. Look for a video capture resolution of at least 720p or higher. A 1080p webcam is better, and these are becoming more common and more affordable.
Frame Rate
A high frame rate is also important. Webcams without high frame rates produce images that stutter and periodically freeze on the screen. Frame rate is measured in frames per second, so look for fps on the webcam packaging. A minimum of 15 fps is necessary to stream video.
Lens
The type of lens the webcam has affects its performance. Some entry-level models have plastic lenses. However, it’s wise to stick with a glass lens, which improves performance without significantly raising the price.
A frame rate of 30 fps or higher is recommended. A frame rate of 60 fps is ideal, but it’s not as common in lower price ranges.
Still Images
Look for a webcam that takes still images that are at least two megapixels. Most current models take images much higher, and 15-megapixel captures are common.
Microphone
A built-in microphone is another standard feature. It’s not difficult to find a webcam with two or more built in. Microphone quality has improved over the years. Omni-directional ones, which record from every direction around the camera, can be found in most mid-range and high-end webcams.
Other Webcam Bells and Whistles
The following features aren’t essential, but these are nice features to have.
Motion Sense
Motion sensing can turn a webcam into a security system, and some models come with this feature built in to the device. If yours doesn’t, you may be able to download software for it. Check the manufacturer’s website to make sure.
Auto-Focus
Auto-focus is another feature to look for. Most people don’t sit perfectly still while filming. A webcam should refocus, at least a little, to where you’re sitting in relation to it.
Special Effects
Depending on the type of video chatting you do, you may want to include special effects. Many webcams come packaged with these abilities. If the one you want doesn’t, the manufacturer website may provide special effects software for download.
High-Def vs. Ultra HD Considerations
Most webcams capture high-definition videos. If you plan to post clips to social-networking sites, low-quality videos can affect viewers negatively. It’s not difficult to find a quality webcam that records at 720p for a reasonable price. So, even if you want one for occasional video chatting, get an HD camera.
For more professional work, such as uploading videos to YouTube or streaming on Twitch, invest a bit more for a full HD 1080p camera. These are fairly common, and the price won’t break the bank.
If you need the absolute best quality, research webcams that record at resolutions above 1080p, up to 4k Ultra HD.
Most webcams are affordable, but you tend to pay for what you get, so be sure to weigh your feature needs and budget needs carefully.
Only people with monitors that support these resolutions benefit from the increased picture clarity. These cameras should be reserved for special cases or if you make a living from creating online content.
Webcam System Requirements
Not every webcam works with every computer or operating system. Make a note of your computer and operating system, then check the requirements for the webcam that caught your eye. Mac and Linux users need to take special care here. Most webcam manufacturers make sure their cameras work on all current Windows versions. However, finding a camera for Mac or Linux (including Chromebooks) might be challenging.
Most webcams have minimum processor speed, memory, and hard drive requirements. If your computer is new, it should meet or exceed these. If you plan to work with high-definition video on an older system, you may run into compatibility problems.
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