In this guide, we will see some useful tips on how to choose a webcam. If you need the webcam for your video calls with distant relatives or friends, but the one integrated into the laptop is bad or worse, you have a desktop PC and a monitor without a webcam, thanks to this buying guide, we will see some tips on how to choose a webcam thus spending to buy a decent one the right amount!
Table of Contents
Resolution = Image quality
As the first thing to consider when choosing a webcam, focus on the resolution. That is the number of pixels with which the image is reproduced. If you do not have special needs, you can easily settle for a model on 480 pixels equivalent to SD (standard definition). SD quality corresponds to the category immediately behind HD.
For better resolutions (with higher prices), we have 720 pixels (the typical HD Ready of the first HD TV and monitors) and the now-classic 1080 pixels of Full HD quality.
If these numbers don’t tell you anything, try watching a video on YouTube and trying each different resolution (480, 720, 1080 pixels) you will realize the difference. Well, depending on the resolution you choose, the image you transmit through your webcam will appear.
Frame rate
Frame rate or Frame rate expresses the number of frames that can be played every single second. In a low frame rate, the image quality will be annoyingly cumbersome and slowed down.
A good value is around 30 frames per second. If your webcam exceeds this value, you can be more than satisfied. If the data were to be below 30, you could run into annoying slowdowns of the image.
Details that make the difference
Despite having a good resolution and a frame rate starting from 30, it is not taken for granted that your image’s perceived quality is acceptable. An element on which you can do little is – trivially – the connection of your interlocutor. If it is slow, the quality of your image will be significantly reduced.
Another parameter on which you have a choice is the quality of the optics. If anonymous lenses are mounted on your webcam, do not be surprised if the image quality is not optimal. For quality optics, we mention the famous Carl Zeiss series, internationally recognized for its high-quality standard.
Comfortable details
Also, pay attention to the connection method and the presence of the microphone. If the connection is made via USB, you will have a particularly convenient device but a cable on your desk. Through Bluetooth, on the other hand, you will have a wireless connection which could sometimes be a little less intuitive.
As for the microphone, many models have one already integrated. This solution represents the right compromise because you will avoid spending on a dedicated microphone, and you will enjoy an all-in-one solution ready to use. For superior audio quality, you’d better look for a dedicated device.