EmailWebcam resolution specifications can be misleading. Sometimes manufacturers cite interpolated resolution rather than optical (true) resolution. Most webcams have a native 640-by-480-pixel optical resolution, commonly known as VGA for video and still images. Higher-end webcams have a higher resolution 2-megapixel sensor, but not all make full use of it for video; some are capable of HD quality -- 960 pixels by 720 pixels or higher (up to 1,600 pixels by 1,200 pixels on the newest models) -- while others capture video at 640 pixels by 480 pixels, reserving the extra resolution for still images. The cheapest webcams have 352-by-288-pixel resolution.
System requirements are not very demanding. Most webcams require a Pentium 4 processor with 128 MB of RAM and Windows 2000 or newer; the newest webcams require Windows XP or Vista, so check the camera's specifications if you are using a computer with an older operating system. Recently released webcams are all compatible with Windows Vista, but still-available cameras released more than a year or two ago may not be. Few are Macintosh-compatible, at least out of the box, but there are workarounds (see our section on Mac webcams on the Best Webcams page).
Here's what the experts say to consider before buying a web camera:
- The standard resolution is 640 pixels by 480 pixels for video. That resolution is just fine for video, emailing and posting on the web. The web camera should include software to help you present and adjust the picture. Some webcams can take stills at as much as eight or 12 megapixels, but video is often capped at 640 pixels by 480 pixels. Anything higher could be a huge drain on your processor, and some people may find they need to reduce resolution for this reason. A few webcams are capable of capturing video at up to 1,600 pixels by 1,200 pixels.
- The frame rate determines how quickly a webcam can capture and move video. The fewer frames per second, the choppier the picture. Full-motion video is generally 30 frames per second. Due to the limitations of most instant-messaging software and servers, however, models that claim 30 fps or more usually get about half that in practice.
- Webcam video is limited by the speed of your Internet connection and instant-messaging servers. Streaming video works best with a high-bandwidth DSL or cable connection. Even then, transfer rates can be further limited by instant messaging servers themselves. Several reviews say Microsoft Live Messenger is better than others for smooth video, and we found some good reviews of Skype's video-chat service.
- Some webcams include focus dials and lens covers, as well as pan, tilt and zoom capabilities. Also, if your computer doesn't have a microphone, be sure your webcam includes a built-in microphone or comes with a headset. Most do.
- Almost all webcams come bundled with video-conferencing software, such as Microsoft Live Messenger, Yahoo Messenger or AOL Instant Messenger. Most packages also include software for video editing, surveillance, stop motion, video conferencing or email.
- Webcam designs vary by manufacturer. Some have a swiveling base and some can be attached to a tripod. The traditional "eyeball" shape seems to be giving way to more oblong models that mimic the form of a camera. Any desktop webcam should allow you to tilt and pan, either manually or mechanically. Laptop webcams are smaller, and in general, they don't let you tilt and pan.