Live communication with friends and family, video conferencing and working meetings online - more recently, these phenomena have become commonplace. Almost everyone has a home webcam in the house, but how much do we know about its technical characteristics? This rating will explain what to look for when buying a webcam. To simplify your choice, we have selected the most successful models from popular manufacturers in terms of image quality and ergonomics.
Content:
Webcam which company to choose
A4Tech
A4Tech brand is very popular in our country and is one of the most popular in the Russian market. A4Tech webcams are considered the best purchase in terms of value for money.
Genius
Under the Genius trademark, Taiwanese company KYE Systems is manufactured. A wide range of webcams Genius is presented not only devices with basic functions, but also ultra-modern cameras that meet the latest technological standards. The manufacturer pays special attention to webcam design and ergonomics.
Logitech
The Swiss manufacturer of computer peripherals is rightly considered the main innovator of the entire industry. If you want to buy the best webcam in terms of technical equipment, start your search from the model range of this particular brand. The price tag on Logitech products is above average, but high quality is always in the price.
Microsoft
In most cases, Microsoft is known to PC users for its software development and Xbox gaming console. But the design and production of computer peripherals is also included in the list of priorities of the company. Microsoft webcams have high image quality, and the LifeCam series is very popular among computer enthusiasts.
Sven
The Finnish manufacturer of multimedia devices and computer peripherals is the leader in the budget price segment. The company offers affordable webcams without excessive functionality, but featuring a good build quality and original design.
Top desktop webcams
Desktop modification of webcams allows you to set the device on a horizontal surface or on the upper end of the LCD monitor, thereby selecting the best angle for shooting. This type of camera is in demand among home users of stationary PCs and is the most widespread.
The most popular home model
The excellent technical characteristics of the Logitech HD C270 webcam with a relatively modest price tag made it possible for this model to become more popular with home users.
Advantages:
- high picture quality with a sufficient level of lighting;
- good sound level from the built-in microphone;
- HD video with a stable 30 frames;
- easy driver installation;
- compatibility with MacOS and Linux;
- the cost of the camera is adequate to its technical capabilities.
Disadvantages:
- flimsy mount to the monitor;
- from time to time there are “suspensions” of the video sequence;
- image noise in low light.
Positive feedback from the owners of Logitech HD C270 can be attributed to this model to the category of webcams with the optimal set of functions required for home use.
Webcam with the best features
If you evaluate the device from a functional point of view, Microsoft LifeCam Studio by a number of indicators bypasses its closest competitors.
Benefits:
- with Full HD resolution, the camera maintains high picture quality even at a large (3-4 meters) focal length;
- lighting level does not affect the quality of shooting;
- pure stereo sound from the built-in microphone;
- lightweight, well-assembled design;
- the ability to rotate the camera at 3600;
- The driver is automatically installed when the device is connected.
Disadvantages:
- slow autofocus;
- proprietary software designed to work only in HD mode;
- high price.
Feedback from owners of Microsoft LifeCam Studio is extremely positive. The capabilities of the camera are consistent with its high price tag.
The most affordable home webcam
Among the models of the budget price segment SVEN IC-350 stands out with good technical equipment, sufficient for home use.
Benefits:
- low cost of the camera;
- bright, not without originality design;
- reliable mount to the monitor;
- simple setup of working parameters;
- video characteristics are sufficient for communication in Skype;
- resolution of photos using the interpolation function reaches 3200 × 2400 pixels.
Disadvantages:
- there is no autofocus, only manual tuning is available;
- short cable for connecting to PC;
- small viewing angles of the lens;
- when shooting in the evening there is noisy matrix.
Judging by the reviews of customers, SVEN IC-350 has the necessary set of basic functions that can meet the needs of most users.
Top Professional Webcams
Recently, a webcam is used not only as a tool to communicate with friends, but also for professional purposes. Video conferencing and video streaming impose special requirements on picture quality and camera functionality.
Webcam with an optimal ratio of available features and cost
The possibilities of A4Tech PK-910H are enough to hold videoconferences, presentations and communicate with colleagues and employees at a professional level. This model provides video broadcasting in Full HD format, maintaining image clarity and smooth frame shift.
Advantages:
- excellent sensor sensitivity;
- good sound transmission at a great distance from the microphone;
- high-quality case assembly;
- the presence of built-in lights;
- reliable attachment to the end of the monitor with the ability to rotate the camera;
- automatic installation of drivers;
- low cost
Disadvantages:
- To achieve high image quality, additional camera settings will be required;
- short wire connection to PC;
- no hardware zoom (zoom).
The mostly positive feedback on the A4Tech PK-910H makes it possible to attribute it to professional entry-level devices.
The most popular professional webcam
The model Logitech HD Webcam C615 has everything you need for professional use and broadcast video in Full HD.
Benefits:
- high quality video series under any shooting conditions;
- clear microphone sound;
- hardware noise reduction;
- convenient proprietary software with a lot of additional features;
- compatibility with Linux operating systems MacOS;
- build quality;
- technical support from the manufacturer.
Disadvantages:
- device cost;
- Sometimes it is difficult to install in the working position.
The functionality of the webcam Logitech HD Webcam C615 meet the modern requirements for video streaming. The user has a stable high-resolution video transmission and tools for fine-tuning the device.
Top Laptop Webcams
Despite the fact that most modern laptops are equipped with a built-in webcam, its capabilities, due to design features, are not always sufficient. A webcam for a laptop, first of all, should be compact and easy to carry in a bag or carrying case.
The most affordable laptop webcam
For simple replacement of the camera built into the laptop, which will be used for periodic video calls, the Genius Slim 1322AF model works best.
Benefits:
- compact, well-assembled case;
- very affordable price tag;
- USB 2.0 data transfer;
- video quality is higher than in most budget devices;
- autofocus function;
- unusual design execution.
Disadvantages:
- a drop in the quality of a video picture with insufficient lighting;
- slow autofocus;
- mount loosely covers the base.
Judging by the reviews, the capabilities of Genius Slim 1322AF fully meet the stated characteristics. The device is perfect for everyday use with a laptop.
The most popular laptop webcam
If a compact webcam is required to do more than a budget camera can offer, check out the features of the Logitech Webcam C170.
Benefits:
- compact case dimensions;
- high quality optics;
- compatibility with all common video conferencing protocols, including Jabber;
- wide viewing angles;
- photosensitive matrix, natural color reproduction;
- affordable price.
Disadvantages:
- slow focusing not more than 1.5 meters (uncritical when used with a laptop);
- problems with white balance.
The Logitech Webcam C170 doesn’t just replace the weak built-in laptop camera: its capabilities are comparable to professional devices. The webcam provides high-quality video at any resolution and level of illumination.
What webcam to buy
1. For periodic Skype calls to the average user, the capabilities of the SVEN IC-350 will suffice.
2. With a little extra pay, you can purchase the Logitech HD C270 - it has a more modern type of matrix and image quality is more stable.
3. If you actively use a laptop in which the webcam is missing, or its capabilities leave much to be desired, check out the Genius Slim 1322AF - a compact device that you can always take with you.
4. For users who have a webcam as a professional tool, the Logitech HD Webcam C615 is perfect.
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