How to choose a webcam

When choosing a webcam, you need to pay attention first of all to the purpose of its use. So, for communication on Skype, less high-quality models will be required than, say, for organizing monitoring of the workplace.

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1. Camera matrix
2. Shooting speed
3. Webcam connection
4. Additional functions
5. Summary

How to choose a webcam: parameters to pay attention to

When choosing a webcam for a PC, you should be guided by the following criteria:

1. Matrix type;

2. Matrix resolution;

3. Matrix photosensitivity;

4. Frames per second;

5. Connection interface;

6. Operating system support;

7. Built-in microphone;

8. Additional functionality.

But these parameters must be taken into account only if you need a really high-quality webcam – for example, for recording a video with subsequent publication. Anyone, even the cheapest one, is enough for simple Skype communication. Unless it is desirable that it has a built-in microphone.

Matrix type

The vast majority of modern webcams come with a CMOS sensor – the standard for photographic equipment. Devices equipped with it are distinguished by a low price. However, due to the peculiarities of the webcam, they provide not as high-quality images as, for example, cameras with a CMOS sensor.

If you need a really high-quality image from a webcam, it is recommended to choose models equipped with a CCD matrix. However, they are somewhat more expensive.

Matrix resolution

Due to the peculiarities of the webcam, it makes no sense to talk about the physical resolution of the sensor of such devices. Instead, a concept such as the resolution of the video being shot is applied. It means the size of the frame, which is measured in the number of dots horizontally and vertically.

The higher the frame resolution, the better the picture is.

1. 320 × 240 pixels is the minimum resolution for webcams. Allows you to communicate on Skype, and no more;

2. 640 x 480 pixels (0.3 MP) is the standard resolution of most webcams. With it, you can arrange videoconferences and record simple videos;

3. 1280 × 960 pixels (1 MP) and higher – high resolution that allows you not only to chat on Skype, but also to take high-quality photos or video.

It is worth considering that many manufacturers go for marketing gimmicks and indicate not native, but interpolated (increased by software) resolution. In this case, the image quality will still be low, despite the impressive numbers on the box.

Light sensitivity

There are two ways to measure the sensor's light sensitivity – in ISO equivalent and in lux. It determines how much the camera will 'make noise' if the lighting in the room is insufficient.

If you plan to shoot a lot and often in shaded or darkened rooms, you will need a matrix with a high light sensitivity – high ISO or, on the contrary, low in lux.

Shooting speed (number of frames per second)

This parameter determines the 'smoothness' of the image. So, if the number of frames per second taken by the webcam is less than 30, this leads to an unpleasant 'jerking' of objects in the frame. The optimal fps value for skype or video shooting is 40.

But it is worth remembering that the higher the sensor resolution and the number of frames per second it receives, the wider bandwidth (fast Internet) is required for the camera. For example, if you connect a 6-megapixel sensor, shooting 60 fps, to a 2-megabit channel, the image will be 'jittery' and full of artifacts – like cameras for 200 rubles.

Connection interface

The vast majority of webcams are connected to a computer via USB and even work without the user installing drivers. However, on the market, you can also find models that imply a wireless connection to a PC – Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. These cameras are quite expensive, and their purchase should be justified.

In the ultra-budget segment, you can find webcams with a microphone, which are equipped with two plugs – USB and 3.5 mm audio jack. If the 'jack' for the microphone on the rear panel is already occupied, then you should look for another model. However, this configuration has an important advantage – the microphone or camera can be disabled at the hardware level, leaving the functionality of the other.

Operating system support

The vast majority of webcams can work with any operating system – thanks to the drivers for Windows and the API system for alternatives. However, some models – often the most technically advanced ones – do not have this compatibility.

Therefore, if you are using any operating system other than Windows, it is worth checking whether the webcam will work in your environment.

Built-in microphone

Almost all modern webcams are equipped with a built-in microphone. This is convenient for video conferencing and voice communication. However, in most cases, this microphone is not very practical – it is not directional, rarely equipped with a noise reduction system and usually has low sensitivity.

Therefore, if you need really high quality sound recording, it is better to use a separate microphone. And buy a camera without it. Or with a microphone that can be disabled at the software or hardware level.

Additional functions

Among the additional software and hardware functions that can be implemented in a webcam, the most practical are:

1. Auto focus – allows you to keep an object (for example, a person's face during a video conference) in focus, even if it is moving;

2. Image stabilization – suitable for shooting on the go or actively moving objects;

3. Automatic correction of image parameters (contrast, saturation, color gamut, etc.) – provides a better 'picture';

4. LED backlight – for shooting in the dark;

5. Infrared illumination – for tracking systems;

6. Automatic swing mechanism – also used in video surveillance.

This is not a complete list of additional functions. However, the more features a camera offers, the more expensive it costs. And, before overpaying for autofocus and optical zoom, you should decide – is it really necessary?

Summary

Webcams are used in most cases to communicate over the Internet. For video filming and other purposes, they are not as good as specialized equipment. Therefore, when choosing a webcam, one should be guided by the principle of 'reasonable sufficiency' – too high resolution, frame rate and light sensitivity may simply not be needed, while they increase the cost of the device many times over.

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In the following articles, our experts will tell you how to choose a comfortable mouse pad and the secrets of choosing a reliable modem.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.