How to Buy a Webcam
Determine how much you're willing to spend., Select the brand carefully., Evaluate the light sensitivity., Consider your needs., Evaluate your video viewing needs.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Determine how much you're willing to spend.
Webcams vary in price, ranging from $25 to $150.
Weigh the pros and cons carefully.
Higher-end, feature-rich models usually have much better quality for audio and picture than low-end models. -
Step 2: Select the brand carefully.
Before buying a webcam, take into consideration the various features.
Look at the megapixels.
The average resolution for standard video should be at least 640 pixels by 480 pixels.
For high definition (HD) video, you should buy a webcam with 1,600 pixels by 1,200 pixels.
Having more megapixels means that the webcam is more likely to deliver optimal picture quality.
Consider the frames per second (fps) when buying a webcam.
A lower fps rate may create a choppy video and out-of-sync audio.
Typically, you want your webcam to perform at 30 or more fps.
Think about the webcam design when you buy a webcam.
If you like to take videos, you'll need pan, tilt and zoom capabilities.
If you want to be able to hear audio, make sure your webcam comes with a headset or a built-in microphone. , Some webcams offer exceptional low-light sensitivity, while others do not.
Look for a webcam that can handle low light.
Consider whether you need software for surveillance, video editing or conferencing, email or stop motion.
Determine whether you want the warranty.
If you're buying a webcam for travel, you may need the warranty to cover damage that occurs during transit.
Most new models come with a 1- to 3-year warranty. , You'll need a webcam that supports your computer and lifestyle.
If you're mobile, you'll need a portable laptop webcam that's compact.
If you're a Mac user, you'll need a Mac-compatible webcam that supports Mac operating systems and applications. , If you don't have an HD monitor, you will not see the video in HD, even if you buy a webcam with HD features.
Most webcams on the market are HD capable, but you can adjust the settings to record in a lower resolution or switch from widescreen to standard. -
Step 3: Evaluate the light sensitivity.
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Step 4: Consider your needs.
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Step 5: Evaluate your video viewing needs.
Detailed Guide
Webcams vary in price, ranging from $25 to $150.
Weigh the pros and cons carefully.
Higher-end, feature-rich models usually have much better quality for audio and picture than low-end models.
Before buying a webcam, take into consideration the various features.
Look at the megapixels.
The average resolution for standard video should be at least 640 pixels by 480 pixels.
For high definition (HD) video, you should buy a webcam with 1,600 pixels by 1,200 pixels.
Having more megapixels means that the webcam is more likely to deliver optimal picture quality.
Consider the frames per second (fps) when buying a webcam.
A lower fps rate may create a choppy video and out-of-sync audio.
Typically, you want your webcam to perform at 30 or more fps.
Think about the webcam design when you buy a webcam.
If you like to take videos, you'll need pan, tilt and zoom capabilities.
If you want to be able to hear audio, make sure your webcam comes with a headset or a built-in microphone. , Some webcams offer exceptional low-light sensitivity, while others do not.
Look for a webcam that can handle low light.
Consider whether you need software for surveillance, video editing or conferencing, email or stop motion.
Determine whether you want the warranty.
If you're buying a webcam for travel, you may need the warranty to cover damage that occurs during transit.
Most new models come with a 1- to 3-year warranty. , You'll need a webcam that supports your computer and lifestyle.
If you're mobile, you'll need a portable laptop webcam that's compact.
If you're a Mac user, you'll need a Mac-compatible webcam that supports Mac operating systems and applications. , If you don't have an HD monitor, you will not see the video in HD, even if you buy a webcam with HD features.
Most webcams on the market are HD capable, but you can adjust the settings to record in a lower resolution or switch from widescreen to standard.
About the Author
Jeffrey Murray
Creates helpful guides on lifestyle to inspire and educate readers.
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