How to choose a webcam? What are its main functions and what is it intended for?
Previously, people could not even imagine that one can be thousands of kilometers from each other and not just communicate, but even see the face of a loved one and look into his eyes. We must pay tribute to the development of communication technologies that help facilitate our communication. Today the web-camera is already a familiar means of communication. With its help, communication of millions of people around the world takes place. A small device brings people closer together.
How to choose a webcam? What are its main functions and what is it intended for? The first webcams were created for conferencing over the Internet. At the moment, this purpose remains. In addition to this web-camera, you can find many other purposes. With its help, you can take photos, shoot videos, conduct video surveillance. Recently released webcams are capable of observing the starry sky.
The main purpose of a Webcam is to work with multimedia network applications. In this case, the main thing is not the quality of the transmitted image, but the transmission speed.
How to choose a webcam? The first thing to look out for is compatibility with your computer's operating system. There are many models on the market that only run on Windows.
Components included in the webcam:
1. CCD-matrix
2. Lens
3. Optical filter
4. Video capture card
5. Video compression unit
6. Central processing unit
7. Embedded web server
8. Flash memory
9. Network interface
10. Serial ports
11. Alarm inputs / outputs
There are also models with rotary devices. They are mainly used for video surveillance.
The basis of a web camera is a matrix. The differences in the matrix lie in the manufacturing technology. Today CMOS and CCD technologies are popular. CCD gives a better picture, and also makes noise suppression. The CMOS matrix has a lower quality picture and the presence of noise. In the price, of course, there are also differences.
Another very important parameter is resolution. The quality of the transmitted image depends on it. The value range is from 0.1 to 2 megapixels. The most popular VGA resolution is 0.3MP. Frame size - 640x480. To host an internet conference, a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels is sufficient. The 640 x 480 pixel resolution is well suited for recording movies that can then be easily mailed. The higher-end models have a 1,280 x 960 pixel sensor, allowing for large-scale photographs.
Pay attention also to the sensitivity of the matrix. A parameter that determines the minimum illumination at which you can take pictures. Sensitivity determination is done in Lux. Note that all cameras generate noise when there is a lack of light.
Let's say again that a webcam can perform a lot of different functions. With its help, you can take good photos, shoot videos, edit information. In addition, the webcam has many settings, such as control of white balance, color, brightness, color gamut and others.
Video capture quality is the most important condition for video recording. The best in terms of image quality are cameras from Logitech and Philips. The only drawback is that there is a need for a permanent connection with a computer, as well as the absence of a video finder.
