How to choose a webcam: recommendations of professionals

So, before you there was a necessity to get the web-camera. But, having come to the store, you were simply confused by the number of models that you saw before you.

First of all, let's understand, for what purposes you need this device. After all, in addition to the fact that the webcam can be used for video communication on the Web, it can be used for a lot of other things: simple video and photography, an element of the security system of your home, etc. In order to answer the question of how to choose a webcam for skype, videoconferencing and other things, you need to know what all features of this device mean and how they affect its operation. We will now look into this information.

How to choose a webcam: evaluate the "exterior"

Look closely at the product on the computer department shelf. Conditionally all webcams can be divided into 3 following varieties: portable, desktop and universal.

The first are provided for laptops and netbooks, the latter for stationary computers, and the third ones are good for that, and for another device due to their universal attachments. In addition to fastening, these types of chambers differ in physical dimensions, as well as in the shape and length of the cord. Cords for laptop devices have a length of not more than a meter, because more and not necessary. A webcam for a PC has a cord that is one and a half to two meters long, which makes it possible to stretch it without difficulty to the system unit hidden somewhere deep under the desk.

The shape of the cameras for hospital staff is usually spherical, small in size and has an "eye" (lens) on the front. For lovers there are models of devices, nicely packed into soft toys, which will be a good gift for small computer geniuses. Webcams for laptops have a different form and are more like "Zippian" lighters, having classic for most laptops - gray or black.

How to choose a webcam: resolution resolution

The working resolution of a webcam is one of the main parameters of its choice. From this characteristic depends not only the quality of the picture, but also its size. Know that all prices contain information about the maximum possible solution of the device, which, alas, has nothing in common with the real one. The maximum resolution is the result obtained by interpolation (digital magnification) of the picture "real", and the quality is much worse (you will see everything in the "unaesthetic squares"). Therefore, do not be lazy to read on the manufacturer's website what is written in the characteristics in the smallest type - you really need to know the real resolution.

How to choose a webcam: three treasured letters "fps"

It is important to know when choosing a camera and the number of frames that it can output in a second during video broadcast. For modern cameras, the reproduction rate is 30 frames per second. And this will be enough for the image to be continuous, when the interlocutor will see you exactly as you are at this second video communication. Although on sale at an attractive price, you can also find "copies" with a characteristic of 15 fps. Therefore, be more careful.

How to choose a webcam: "look" sound

The middle class cameras and all those above have a high-sensitivity microphone (under the lens, in front). But this is only half the battle. You may encounter when operating the device with such, for example, trouble, as an echo. Therefore, when choosing a camera, pay attention to the use of special noise-canceling technologies in it.

What webcam to choose: what does the price tag give us?

Know that a decent device can be purchased and cheap, and quite expensive, so the amount indicated on the price tag when choosing a camera at the forefront should not be put. It is best to focus on the characteristics you need. However, we will highlight the main ranges for webcams, so you know roughly how much you can get this device. From 300 to 1,300 rubles you will get a desktop web camera and from 1,300 to 2,000 - a laptop.