Webcams

If you spend a lot of time on the internet sending and receiving e-mails, why not enhance your experience with the addition of a webcam?



A webcam is a ‘web camera’ that can be used to send and capture pictures, video and sound over the internet. Most webcams are small and can be easily attached to your monitor or simply placed on your desk in a convenient location. Unlike a conventional camera or video recorder, a webcam is a communication device, allowing you to see, hear and talk to friends and family ‘live’ while you are online.

With a webcam you have the ability to see, hear and talk to someone in real time, providing they also have a webcam attached to their computer on the other end. Instead of simply sending an e-mail or instant message, you can actually see and hear the person live, in real time. On top of that, most models feature still image and video capture, so you can record conversations or video your online sessions for posterity.

Some webcam software will let you enlarge your incoming video to full screen size, making the whole experience even more life-like and enjoyable. Other features include an integrated microphone and optional headsets to make communication as easy as possible.

Just as with other cameras and camcorders, a webcam’s video resolution is measured in pixels. The standard is 640 x 480 pixels, which matches the basic screen resolution of most computer monitors. Some webcams allow you to take still photographs while online, and some units have a slightly higher resolution for photos, up to 1.3 mega pixels.

Many models work in full colour and allow you to zoom in for a better close-up view. Most come with editing software, so you can save your video sessions and edit them from your desk at your leisure. Connection to your computer is normally through a USB port, so check to make sure you have a spare port before buying your webcam.

Webcams are generally inexpensive, but it pays to shop around for the best features at the most reasonable price. Most webcams are easy to set up and are compatible with the most popular Messenger services. Many systems will let you send video e-mails at the click of a button, while others boast advanced image processing and face recognition software. You get what you pay for, so be sure to take your time and compare all the systems in your price range.

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