It wasn’t so long ago that communicating over the internet was all about text and emoticons, and the occasional silly sound file.

But the quick development of webcams has allowed people to hold live, face-to-face conversations over the internet, and to upload a variety of different types of video content to the web.

The online marketplace is now full of different webcam models manufactured by a range of computer parts companies, so choosing the most suitable webcam is not as easy as it looks.

Here are a couple of tips to help you make an informed webcam choice.

Check your PC specifications

With webcams, a “one size fits all” approach could land you in trouble. Don’t just buy a webcam, take it home and expect it to work; you must see if it is compatible with your machine first. The minimum standard processor speed for modern webcams is often listed as 700MHz, but in operation you will seriously struggle if your machine runs at less thant 1000MHz. Some webcams also claim they can run well on less the 512MB RAM, but this is also unlikely.

Ensure it comes with good extra features

The webcam should come with a CD with all the drivers ready to install; if it doesn’t, something is wrong. A microphone should be standard on modern webcams, and there is no need for you to pay more for an extra microphone.

Finally, mounting the webcam can be challenging for first time users, so make sure an easy-to-use mounting clip is included in the package.

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Filed under: Camera Guide

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