While webcams are often used as fun devices to let people communicate online across long distances, they are still digital cameras so it is important to consider technical elements like pixels, video resolution, and frame rates. You also want to keep in mind the available focus settings and the image sensor used for the camera, as these both impact how well the webcam works and the overall picture quality. The actual setup of the webcam is also important, so consider how the unit connects to your system, mounts to your computer or desktop, as well as if there are additional features included like built-in microphones.
It may seem like there is a lot to consider in your webcam purchase, but that's why we've created this buyer's guide. We'll take you step-by-step through some key considerations to keep in mind before you make a selection.
What Are Important Details to Consider Before Buying the Best Webcam?
Effective Pixels
When it comes to looking at any kind of digital camera, it’s important to remember one major concept: the more pixels in an image, the better it looks. Digital camera image quality is often indicated in terms of megapixels, which indicate how many million pixels, or picture elements, are used to capture an image.
The bare minimum you should accept is about 1.0MP, but 5.0MP is really what you want if you’re looking for good picture quality. If you’re willing to go higher, some webcams provide up to 8.0MP for incredible clarity and high definition.
Maximum Video Capture Resolution
While pixel counts are definitely important when considering picture quality with a webcam, don’t overlook the maximum resolution available. Resolution is a measurement of the height and width of an image in pixels; the higher the resolution, the more pixels within an image, resulting in a crisp, sharp image. The minimum you should look for is 640x480— which should be acceptable for casual use. If you want picture quality that looks really great, then a resolution of 1280x720 is really what you should choose. This is also the resolution you will probably find for HD video, so keep that in mind.
Frame Rates
Although you can typically use a webcam to capture still images, you ultimately want to look for a unit that provides you with exceptional video performance. Pixel count and resolution are both important, but a large, clear image is meaningless if the frame rate is so low that it looks like a series of still images instead of true, flowing video. You want to get a frame rate of 30 frames per second (fps) or higher because anything less than will be noticeably choppy.
Focus Settings and Controls
Focus refers to the way in which any camera, including a webcam, adjusts the depth of field to clearly capture an item or person that is close to the camera or far away. Most webcams have autofocus, which lets the camera adjust to focus on a near or far object without you making any adjustments. While this is convenient since you do not have to adjust it manually, it also means you have no control over it.
Manual focus settings let you change the focus, usually by physically adjusting a ring around the lens of the camera. This gives you control over what is in focus, but you need to make these adjustments each time you want to change it.
If you want manual control without any hassle, your best option is a webcam which includes a remote control to adjust the focus settings. This lets you alter near or far focus, but you can do so from across the room or without physically touching the camera.
Interface Type
Just about every webcam uses a USB connection to plug into your computer. The one thing to really look at is the type of USB interface and make sure you have an available USB connection on your computer.
USB 2.0 or 3.0 is ideal since it ensures data transmission at high rates, preventing bottlenecking and frame loss due to slow data. USB 1.0 or 1.1 can work pretty well, but 2.0 is certainly better.
Also, keep the webcams cord length in mind as you look at your USB connections and be sure you have an available port in an area of your computer accessible to a webcam with a three- or six-foot-long cord. From there you can choose a model with a long enough cable for your setup.
Mounting Design
There is no particular mounting design that is superior to others; instead, you need to make sure you pick a model that works well with your setup and computer work area. Clip models usually fasten to the edge of a desk, top of a monitor, or another relatively thin area. Other models have a stand that you rest on a monitor, shelf, or other surface and the webcam sits on it.
You need to decide where you plan on placing your webcam and then choose a mount that works with your setup. One thing to keep in mind is that some webcams can lift off or detach from the mount, so that you can move the camera around if necessary, and then place it back onto the mount for stationary use.
Additional Features
While image quality and resolution might be your primary consideration, there are also some great secondary features worth looking at before picking a webcam.
If you need audio and don’t want to buy a microphone, then look for a camera that includes a microphone built into it. Some webcams include not only remote focus control but also remote directional control, letting you turn the camera up or down and side-to-side without physically touching the device.
The software included with the webcam is also important, as the right package can let you effortlessly capture images and then load them into other programs/social media. You should also consider additional options like motion detection that lets you use a webcam for security, facial recognition to quickly (and securely) log into your computer, and low-light or night-vision compatibility.
Manufacturer and Warranty
Like any other computer peripheral or electronic device, look at the manufacturer and consider your options for reliability and performance.
Companies like Logitech and Microsoft are well known for making excellent webcams that work a long time and provide clear, high-definition picture quality at high frame rates. Cisco and Creative Labs also produce excellent webcams, so consider all of your options before making a purchase.
You should also look at the warranties available that cover your investment in a webcam. A one-year warranty is pretty standard for webcams, even on fairly expensive models, and anything less than that is unacceptable.
What Are the Types of Image Sensors in a Webcam?
There are two common types of image sensors used in webcams to capture light as a picture.
Charge-Coupled Device (CCD)
In the past, CCD was demonstrably superior in terms of image quality, but also more expensive. They’re often used in medical imaging equipment and cameras used on telescopes for taking images of astronomical phenomena.
Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS)
CMOS sensors were typically inferior but also less expensive, making them ideal for lower resolution webcams. This distinction has diminished in recent years, however, as CMOS webcams have become better and better.
Ultimately, you should look at pixel count, resolution, and frame rate, but just be aware that CMOS webcams have largely caught up with CCD models in terms of picture quality.