How to choose a webcam

When choosing a webcam you need to pay attention primarily to the purpose of its use. So, to communicate on Skype will require lower-quality models than, say, for the organization of monitoring the workplace.

Content

1. Camera matrix
   
2. Shooting speed
   
3. Webcam connection
4. Optional features
5. Summary

How to choose a webcam: the parameters you need to pay attention to

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

1. Type of matrix;

2. Matrix resolution;

3. Photosensitivity of the matrix;

4. Frames per second;

5. Connection interface;

6. Operating system support;

7. Built-in microphone;

8. Additional functionality.

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

Matrix type

The vast majority of modern webcams come with a CMOS sensor - standard for photographic equipment. Devices equipped with it, have a low price. However, due to the peculiarities of the webcam, they provide not so high-quality images, such as 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 nature of the webcam, there is no point in talking 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 frame size, which is measured in the number of points horizontally and vertically.

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

1. 320 × 240 pixels - the minimum resolution of webcams. Allows you to chat on Skype, and no more;

2. 640 × 480 pixels (0.3 MP) - the standard resolution of most webcams. With it, you can organize video conferences and record simple videos;

3. 1280 × 960 pixels (1 MP) and higher - high resolution, which allows not only to communicate via Skype, but also to make high-quality photos or shoot video.

It is worth considering that many manufacturers go for marketing tricks and indicate not native, but interpolated (increased programmatically) 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 sensitivity of the matrix - in ISO equivalent and in lux. It depends on her how much the camera will “make noise” if the lighting in the room is insufficient.

If you plan a lot and often shoot in shaded or darkened rooms, you will need a matrix with high sensitivity - a high ISO value or, conversely, small in lux.

Shooting speed (frames per second)

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

But it is worth remembering that the higher the resolution of the sensor and the number of frames it receives per second, the wider the bandwidth (fast Internet) is required for the camera. For example, if you connect a 6-megapixel, removing 60 fps sensor to a 2-megabit channel, the image will be jerky 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 installing drivers by the user. However, the market can be found and models that involve connecting to a PC via a wireless connection - Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Such cameras are quite expensive, and their purchase must 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” under the microphone on the back panel is already occupied, then it is worth looking for another model. However, this configuration has an important advantage - the microphone or camera can be turned off 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 advanced from a technical point of view - do not have such compatibility.

Therefore, if you use any operating system other than Windows, you should clarify whether the webcam will work in your environment.

Built-in microphone

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

Therefore, if you really need high-quality sound recording, it is better to use a separate microphone. A camera to buy without him. Or with a microphone that can be turned off 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 moves;

2. Image Stabilization - suitable for shooting on the move 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 backlight - for tracking systems;

6. Automatic swivel mechanism - also used in video surveillance.

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

Summary

Webcams are used in most cases to communicate via the Internet. For video and other purposes, they are not as good as specialized equipment. Therefore, when choosing a webcam, you should be guided by the principle of “reasonable sufficiency” - too high resolution, frame rate and sensitivity may simply not be necessary, while they increase the cost of the device many times.

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