When planning to buy a webcam, study its five characteristics:
- Matrix type
A webcam does not fundamentally differ from digital video and still cameras. All these devices fix a picture on a plate covered with sensitive elements. There are two types of matrices:
- CMOS (CMOS). Main advantages: it consumes little power and reads the image quickly. Disadvantage: low sensitivity, leading to increased noise in the image and distortion of fast moving objects.
- CCD (CCD). Produces a better picture and less interference and noise. "Cons": higher power consumption and price.
- Number of matrix pixels
Each sensitive element of the matrix produces a point in the image. Therefore, the more pixels, the more detailed it is. To get a quality image, take a camera with 3 megapixels, minimum.
- Matrix resolution
It matters if you are going to shoot photos and videos with your webcam. At 640x480 you will get a small image, at 1280x960 you will get a large picture, which is pleasant to watch on a monitor or TV.
- Frame rate per second (fps)
Determines the recording rate of the camera. Be sure to pay attention to this parameter: the lower the indicator, the less smooth the video will be. Simply put, the image will change in jerks. 30 frames per second is the standard acceptable value for continuous video images.
- Focus type
- Manual aiming: you have to twist the lens every time.
- Automatic: The camera adjusts itself for the clearest possible image.
- Fixed: The focus of the camera does not change.
Additional webcam features
Finding a good webcam is not difficult at all. Moreover, if it has additional convenient functions and devices.
- Password protection. Many models support multi-level security, thanks to which you can restrict access to the camera.
- A motion detector and tilt mechanism detects moving objects in the webcam's field of view. It can determine the speed of movement and the size of the object.
- Camera fixation method:
- desktop - can be installed on any flat surface;
- with clip - attached to the edge of an LCD monitor or laptop cover.
We hope our tips will help you navigate which webcam is better to buy. Take a look at the "Webcams" section of our store to find a quality device.
Good video communication!
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