How to choose web-camera

In the past, when computers were large and small screens, the acquisition of even the most unpretentious webcam overflowed in a fairly expensive purchase. Then GHZ with gigabytes prevailed in the IT industry, justice has finally prevailed after - now the webcam is quite affordable for the ordinary user.

The webcam, as its name implies, is intended solely for multimedia network applications, in which the base rate is not on the quality of the transmitted data (sound and image), and the rate of transmission. This last aspect is very important for low-speed lines, with which more rich our national internet (especially on the periphery).

The web-cameras for multiple applications, ranging from custom videoconferencing on the internet to simple telemetry devices (eg, web camera can be used as a component of a homemade alarm system).

Typically, the camera is attached software that helps to squeeze out every conceivable device and is not very possible: recording video and audio (if separate or built-in microphone), broadcasting video over the network, create web albums and folders of photos, work with mail, and multimedia applications. In addition, the Internet is not difficult to find a suitable third-party software.

Well, now down to business.

Connecting to a computer. Gone are the good times when webcams were sold bundled with a special video capture card or connect to a computer via the parallel port. Now almost all devices used popular USB-port. Sometimes there are also a webcam, use wireless data transmission technology.

When buying, pay attention to the version of USB. With the support only USB 1.1 will be satisfied with a modest-quality video: 640 x 480 pixels at 15 frames per second. The larger data stream USB 1.1 pass, alas, not. For 30 frames per second will focus on USB 2.0.

Another point: as in older versions of Microsoft Windows do not have adequate support USB-interface, the choice of camera users have been slow. It is possible that the only way out will upgrade the system.

Qualitative characteristics. We will not specifically focus on this point, because for Internet video conferencing with his head enough resolution of 320 x 240 pixels. Standard 640 x 480 pixels, which offer all the cameras are ideal for recording small video clips that can be sent by e-mail. The most expensive models have a matrix of 1,3 million pixels and can do large-scale photographs.

Additional functions. Built-in microphone, now have almost all the budget webcam models. The presence of digital zoom and automatic face tracking do work with a webcam more comfortable and pleasant, although slightly increases the cost.

Form Factor. As the popularity of laptops and LCD displays is growing, many manufacturers began to offer web-cameras, which are conveniently mounted on the housing of the LCD monitor or laptop.

Well, let's, based on the above data, let's make a rough configuration of two web-cameras: the budget option, and as far as "featured" model.

In an economical series of falls webcam with VGA-resolution (640 x 480 pixels), Manual Focus, without built-in microphone and the interface with USB 1.1. This option is ideal for home video and for novice users.

Those who are not accustomed to saving, we recommend to choose a Web camera with a resolution of 1.3 megapixels, built-in microphone, who knows how to approach the subject with a digital zoom and possessing an automatic face tracking user. Typically, these devices support USB 2.0 and are equipped with advanced software.