Don't Waste Time! 7 Things You Must Know About Choosing a USB Webcam

Many YouTubers are streaming live videos to larger audiences with the help of webcams nowadays. You can also use a webcam if you are using apps like Zoom, Google Hangouts, Skype. This webcam buying guide will teach you everything you need to know to select the best device for your needs.

Overview

With COVID-19 keeping people home longer and many companies moving jobs to be permanently remote, the usage of webcam was prioritized to enable efficient and engaging face-to-face remote communication.

Having the right USB webcam is more important than ever with quarantine and remote work edging on. Webcams have become a part of everyday life.

When to use a webcam

People use USB webcams for different things, from school to work to socializing; even non-USB webcams are on the table to tack onto your computer. Whilst most laptops will have their own built-in webcams, these tend to be relatively low quality, blurry images, and often not easy to position properly.

With fewer space constraints, external webcams typically have higher quality components, providing better resolution, speed, fluidity, color balance, autofocus, light correction and noise reduction, and the ability to frame yourself just right.

The 7 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a USB Webcam for Streaming

Find out what features you should prioritize when looking for a new webcam, including:

1. Resolution

The higher the resolution, the better the image quality. A standard webcam has 1080p, which is decent, but nothing beats 4K Webcam. That'll give you the clearest picture possible with your USB webcam. 4K webcams are becoming available and these should give razor sharp video. It gives the option to crop the video if required.

Here are the three most common webcam resolutions:
    1280 x 720 pixels/720p (HD Ready)
    1920 x 1080 pixels/1080p (Full HD)
    3840 x 2160 pixel/4K (UHD)

2. Frame Rate

The frame rate dictates how smooth the video output will be. Higher fps gives you more fluid recording and streaming and less choppiness. Common frame rates are 30fps and 60 fps.Although 30fps should be OK, 60 fps will give a smoother picture.

3. Field of View (FOV)

Typically, USB webcams have fields of view of 65 to 90 degrees. A narrow FOV is perfect for capturing people's faces, while a wide FOV helps record a conference room.

Often a mid range figure is good - a common field of view in this range is 78°, and it is a balance of what you want and what is available.   Here is a basic rundown on a field of view:

•     60-degree FOV captures someone directly in front of the computer
•     78-degrees FOV can capture two people in front of the computer
•     90 degrees can capture a conference table and/or whiteboard for presentations
•     Vertical video is capable of panorama shots.

4. Microphone

An often-overlooked feature is the webcam microphone. Webcam microphones are often designed to capture the sounds of the entire room and easily capture background sounds.

If you live in a noisy environment or working in the same room as someone else, the best sound can often be gained from a good quality external microphone. It can cost extra money, but if a good microphone is bought, then it can significantly enhance the sound.

5. Webcam Lens

The wider the aperture, the better the picture is likely to be. The bigger the lens, the better the picture. In line with other photographic lenses, the it is measured as an "f" number. Many webcam lenses have an aperture of between F2.0 and F2.8.

The lens determines how much light reaches the sensor. In other words, the more light hits the sensor, the clearer you’ll be in low lighting.

Plastic Lens vs. Glass Lens

If you’re looking to use your webcam for streaming at 2K/4K, you would want to avoid a plastic lens. Glass lenses allows webcam up to 4K and it is perfect for content creators or anyone looking to get the clearest, cleanest video and image.

Besides, webcams with plastic lenses are also more easily scratched than webcams with glass lenses.

6. Interface

Virtually all webcams use a USB interface. This can easily be plugged into the computer - virtually every computer has USB. Otherwise, an adaptor may be required.

Most webcams will use a USB Type A connector, and normally a USB 2 will provide sufficient data rate. If your computer has a USB 3 interface using Type C connectors then an adaptor or even a USB hub with USB Type A connectors will be needed.

7. Fixed or variable focus

Many budget webcams are fixed focus, and also the wider the field of view the less critical focus is, so that is one reason why budget webcams tend to be wider angle.

These webcams are set to work well if you are sitting in front of the camera, but outside this distance, things may get a little less sharp.

Summary

Webcams do not have to cost the earth, but buying a reasonable one will pay dividends over just buying the cheapest one on the market. We hope this webcam buying guide helps you understand all the specifications and features you need. More high-quality USB webcams can be found on PHONEFIX.

If you have any other doubts or queries, let us know using the comments section. Our team of experts will help you out. You can also post your thoughts and opinions in the comments box.


Related:
Top 4 Key Attached Factors to Consider When Choosing a USB Webcam for Streaming


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How to Select a Lens for Industrial Camera