A webcam is a camera device connected to a computer that facilitates you to take selfies, stream, or broadcast videos to internet users. The device can either be built into a computer or acquired separately and connected to the PC through the USB port. The world generally has evolved from the era of audio calls to real-time video chats. Today, people use the camera for different purposes, like video chats, interviews, video coverage, and live streaming.
Most live streamers find web cameras great for sharing their activities with people in real-time. This could be due to the ease of setting it up, unlike DSLRs and other camera devices. Webcam doesn’t require a tripod for stabilization, making it a convenient option for anyone. However, the video quality of some webcams may be low, which could be a drawback if you desire the most professional look.
Almost all laptops come embedded with a camera, and as a streamer, you may not be satisfied with their quality. The standard of most PC cams is actually terrible. Invariably, if you want top-notch streaming, you should pay for a top of the line external web camera. However, before buying one, there are some things you should consider. Discover them in the next paragraphs.
Resolution
The most important thing to consider when buying a camera is its resolution. It is the level of sharpness, details, and clarity each image in your video will have. So it determines if your videos will be high or low quality. As a rule, you should target only a device with 720 pixels. Anything lesser than this may not give you the quality you desire.
You might be wondering why you should care about a high resolution. Most video platforms compress videos during livestream to allow people with slow internet connections to watch without lags. Say you are streaming at 720P; someone watching with 360 pixels may not be able to get quality footage. In essence, even though it’s advised that you target a device with at least 720P, if you desire high quality, you should go for a device with 1080p or 4k pixels.
Frame Rate
While resolution determines how clear your video will be, frame rate describes the smoothness of your video. Frames are measured in seconds (fps), and it can determine if your video lags or not. That said, if you will be moving a lot during your live session, you should get a device with a higher frame rate, say, 60. In any case, the lowest rate you go for shouldn’t go below 30.
Autofocus and Light Performance
Autofocus keeps your video focused when lightning changes or when you move your webcam around during shooting. If your device isn’t stationary, you should invest in a webcam with fast, accurate autofocus and minimal-light performance.
Capture Field and Adjustability
A web camera device’s field of capture is the length of the area it can capture. This is another feature to consider depending on the number of people in your video.
If only one person features in your video, you should consider a device with a low field of view. You should get a device with a wide field of view if you are going to be dealing with many people. Also, if you’ll be moving around while shooting, a webcam that is easy to adjust should be your ideal choice.
Microphone
Most web cameras do not only capture video; some have built-in microphones to record audio simultaneously. However, the audio may not be clear compared to a dedicated audio device. Still, it will most likely be better than your computer’s mic.
If you are on a budget, you should buy a webcam with a microphone embedded. Also, feel free to buy a dedicated mic if you require more in terms of quality.
Lens Type
This plays a huge part in the overall quality of the stream. There are glass and plastic lenses. Glass lenses are mostly expensive because they record high-quality images, while plastic lenses are cheaper. If you have the resources, you should go with a webcam with a glass lens.
Software
Hardware isn’t the only thing to consider. Software is important when choosing a live streaming device. Ensure your webcam is compatible with your computer’s operating system and streaming platform. Also, if you’d like to present something in your live stream, ensure your software allows you to do so.
Final Notes
With all being said, the most important thing to do before buying a web camera device is to plan. Planning can help you pick the right gadget that fits your exact needs.
The last thing you want is to invest a lot of money into what doesn’t help your cause. We hope this article has helped you in this regard.