【Webcam Recommendation 2023】How to choose a Webcam｜Notes｜FAQs 2022-11-16 A good webcam can help you show your best. During the epidemic, face-to-face communication between people has become rare, not matter work, study and even contact with friends and family tending to be conducted online. Although most laptops on the market today are equipped with built-in cameras, their functions or video quality may not meet everyone's requirements. There are many different types of webcams on the market, which one is the best for you? The following shopping guide can help you choose the best webcam for you. Why do you need a webcam? Considerations for purchasing a webcam Resolution Frame rate Angle of View Microphone Auto-focus and light correction Frequently Asked Questions Is a 1080p webcam sufficient for video conferencing? Is 30 fps suitable for webcam How to protect our privacy when using a webcam How to clean the webcam Recommendation Click here to see all webcam products 1) Why do you need a webcam?？ You may ask, "Why do I need to buy an external webcam when my computer is already equipped with a built-in webcam? Since the components of the built-in webcam are generally smaller, it will affect the image and video quality, and you will find that the video/photo looks dark and pixelated, especially when there is not much light. On the contrary, external webcams usually have higher quality components, and can provide better resolution, speed, flow and color balance, greatly improving picture quality. In addition, depending on the usage, the webcam can be used not only for video calls and video conferencing, but also for live streaming by live hosts and YouTuber. In this case the picture and sound quality need higher quality, then the wide angle lens, stereo microphone and autofocus function of the external webcam is more suitable for your needs. If the internal camera does not meet your requirements, then you should definitely consider purchasing an external camera. 2) Considerations for purchasing a webcam： 1. Resolution （image resolution） Resolution is the sharpness of a digital image or video. The following are the three most common types of webcam resolutions, measured in terms of pixel width and pixel height:- 1280 x 720 px/ 720p （HD）- 1920 x 1080 px/ 1080p （FHD）- 3840 x 2160px/ 4K （Ultra HD） The higher the pixel of a webcam, the more detailed the image: 720p and 1080p webcams are sufficient for most home, office, or e-learning user if you're not using a large, high-resolution screen. But for video editing professionals, a webcam with 4K support is the perfect choice. 2. Frame rate The frame rate determines how smooth the video output is, while frames per second (fps) is a measure of how many pictures a webcam takes per second. Since video is composed of pictures, a higher fps webcam can provide smoother recording and streaming as well as fewer interruptions. For online meetings or general video calls, a 30fps webcam is sufficient to provide smooth video. For video platforms, a 60fps high speed capture style webcam is recommended. However, network conditions, lighting conditions (more exposure = lower frame rate) and applications can affect the frame rate. 3. Angle of View The angle of view refers to the width of the webcam's range, generally ranging from 60 degrees to 90 degrees, some webcams have ultra-wide angle lens, the larger the angle, the more the range of shooting. Users can choose the most suitable webcam according to the situation, the following is a basic overview of different angles: - 60 degrees: suitable for one person sitting in front of a computer - 78 degrees: suitable for two people in front of a computer - 90 degrees: easily filming 1-3 people, even conference tables and whiteboards 4. Microphone Built-in microphones allow you to use your webcam for video conferencing in a more convenient way without the need for an additional microphone. Most webcams are now equipped with at least one radio microphone. If you have higher requirements for sound quality, it is recommended to purchase a webcam with dual stereo radio microphones or even anti-noise function to provide listeners with more stable and clear audio. 5. Auto-focus and light correction Almost all webcams have autofocus and light correction. Because the autofocus feature of a webcam can be problematic in low light conditions, the light correction feature can be used to adjust the image in dim conditions. Some high quality webcams have autofocus to better handle areas with multiple light sources or busy backgrounds, and even the ability to manually turn autofocus on or off. When working at home and not getting the best light conditions, you can also choose a webcam with a built-in ring light to select the desired brightness level, which is suitable for solving low-light problems and providing vivid, natural images. 3) Frequently Asked Questions 1. Is a 1080p webcam sufficient for video conferencing?？ Nowadays, high resolution webcams are needed in most cases. When purchasing a webcam, it is recommended to choose a webcam with at least 720p, while 1080p is a better performance than 720p and is a less expensive choice for many users. 2. Is 30 fps suitable for webcam？ Higher frame rate webcams provide smoother video recording and streaming. 15fps is already outdated, and 30fps is the minimum requirement for most cameras to prevent intermittent video transmission. 3. How to protect our privacy when using a webcam? The best way to secure your webcam from malicious attacks is to unplug the device. Or purchase a webcam with a lens cover to physically protect your privacy. 4. How to clean the webcam？ As with other electronic equipment, disconnect the power supply before any maintenance, then spray glass cleaner on a fiber cloth or paper towel instead of the webcam itself. Gently clean the lens with a cloth to ensure that no dust or dirt has accumulated that could damage the lens before using an air duster to remove excess debris. 4) Recommendation Logitech C310 HD720p WebCam C310 HD Webcam gives you sharp, smooth video calling (720p/30fps) in a widescreen format. Automatic light correction for clearer, better conference calls. Rapoo C270L HD1080p LED Fill Light Full HD Mini WebCam Camera has 1080p auto-focus function, touch-controlled adjustable LED fill light, 105° ultra-wide angle lens and dual noise-cancelling microphones. Microsoft LifeCam Studio HD1080p WebCam The LifeCam Studio webcam brings HD quality to your video chats and Skype calls. A high-precision, wide-angle glass element lens provides advanced optics. Logitech BRIO Ultra HD Pro Business Webcam Step up to the world’s most technologically advanced webcam and get professional-quality video for video conferencing, streaming, or recording. Logitech BRIO is packed with features that produce stunning video in any environment. Our premier 4K ultra high-def camera offers 5x digital zoom, high frame rates, outstanding low-light performance, HDR, and RightLight. (Image Source: Internet) The above information is for reference only Click here to see all webcam products
