So you wanna buy a webcam!
Jun 06 '02 (Updated Jun 28 '02)
The Bottom Line Choose a webcam based on your needs and the features you want. If you don't need many features, get the Zoltrix EagleCam, simply a great $20 dollar webcam...
A webcam is a handy little camera that attaches to your PC and sends images to a web page. With a webcam, you can send video email messages, take snapshots and send them to friends over the Internet, as well as edit the footage you take. These cameras literally change the meaning of long distance relationships. Friends and relatives all over the world can view photos and live video footage that are just as easy to send as regular email.
Also gaining in popularity with home users is video conferencing. Programs like NetMeeting allow you to host meetings through a webcam.
When it comes to purchasing one of these webcams, the choices are quite overwhelming. The best idea is to start by deciding on the primary use of the camera. The main characteristics to consider are “frames per second” and “resolution.”
Frames
Frames are the individual still images that flash by during video play, making the pictures appear to move. The more frames per second you're viewing, the better the image quality. If a webcam has a higher frames per second rate, it can show a smoother stream of video. Most webcams average 20 to 30 frames per second rate.
Resolution
Resolution is another important factor to consider when shopping around. If the camera is going to be used for emailing photos, a very high resolution is NOT required, since most people prefer fast transmission of their emails, higher resolution photos only result in longer transmissions.
Is Memory important?
Only if the webcam you are purchasing is “detachable” of course. Some webcams have memory while others do not. Webcams that do have memory will either have internal memory or detachable memory cards. Basically, the more storage space available in memory, the more pictures you will be able to take. For instance, the Creative Labs PC-Cam 600 web/digital camera has 16 MB of storage.
Prices
Price vary from webcam to webcam. From $20 to $240 for high end models. Basically, the more the features, the more expensive the webcam. The Ezonics USB Digital PC web camera delivers 100K resolution, 30 frames per second with video conferencing capabilities for $70. At the higher end, the Creative Labs PC-Cam 600 is detachable from your PC, doubles as a digital camera and features higher resolution, a built-in self-timer, flash and a microphone all for $240. But maybe a $20 webcam such as the very decent Zoltrix EagleCam is really all you need?
Bottom Line
Choosing the right webcam for you is a matter of what the primary use is going to be and how much you are willing to spend for a webcam. $20 is not a lot of money to spend for a webcam, and if you find the device useful, you could always upgrade later.
Good shopping!
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