Trying to determine which webcam is right for your computer and your personal needs can seem a bit confusing. So are all webcams the same? Sure. In their most basic form, webcams are fundamentally the same thing. They have a camera and a microphone.
What else do you need?
However, what you’ll notice when you start shopping for a webcam is that prices will vary wildly. You can find webcams for as little as $12 and others for over $100. What’s the difference? It basically boils down to what you need from the webcam itself.
Basic Communications
If you’re looking for a basic communication tool to chat with friends and family on Skype, Yahoo! Instant Messenger, or any other program, will probably be more than happy with a basic Gear Head webcam, Macally USB webcam, or even entry-level webcams from Logitech and Creative Labs.
While these entry-level webcams will provide a basic image for your friends or family to view, the quality may not be ideal. You’ll also be limited in the options you’ll have regarding settings, zoom, and more.
If you plan to use your webcam for professional use, such as telecommuting for work or starting your own home business, these less expensive webcams may not be ideal. In that case, you’ll want to consider a webcam that has a higher image resolution, the ability to zoom in and out, and a better built-in condenser microphone so your audience can hear you.
Manhattan webcams as well as Logitech and Cyber Track webcams offer more refined and effective webcams for the discerning individual.
What if you’ve never used a webcam before?
Avoid making the common mistake that so many other computer users have made by buying the cheapest webcam because you don’t know much about them. If you’re picky about quality and demand the best from the products you use, you’ll want to take your time and determine which one will be best suited for your needs.
Buying an entry-level webcam will certainly allow you to connect and video chat over the Internet with people, but before long you may find that the connection is slow, the quality is not adequate for your needs, and you will have to invest in a higher quality webcam. .
Take control of your webcam from the start and determine what level of quality you want.