HOW TO choose a webcam

This excerpt from David A. Karp's Windows 7 Annoyances has tips on features to look for while buying a webcam. Here is a paraphrased list -

1. High frame rate (for smooth, blur-free video)
2. Motorized face tracking enables video chat without having to sit perfectly still
3. Look for UVC (USB Video device Class) compliance as such a webcam can work on a variety of operating systems without any special drivers.
4. Pick a known brand name (like Logitech, Creative Labs or Microsoft) as they are more likely to ensure driver availability in the years to come.
5. Read online reviews (plentiful at YouTube) to see how well a particular model actually renders an image.
6. Good mounting system (for attaching to laptop and desktop screens, resting on a desktop, or perching on a tripod)
7. Built-in microphone should reproduce voice clearly.
8. Widescreen aspect ratio (16×9) is a plus
9. Network streaming capability can be useful for surveillance, baby monitoring, and web publishing
10. Resolution—is the least important. A 5-megapixel webcam isn’t necessarily any better than a 1.3-megapixel model as it is unlikely that you will take still photos with an eyeball-cam tethered to your laptop.

Also see:
HOW TO stretch the battery life of portable devices

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