Trying to determine which webcam is right for your computer and your personal needs can seem a bit confusing. So, are all webcams the same? Sure. At their most basic, webcams are fundamentally the same. They have a camera and a microphone.

What more do you need?

What you'll notice, however, when you begin shopping for a webcam is that the prices will vary tremendously. You can find webcams for as little as $12 and others upwards of $100. What is the difference? It basically comes down to what you require from the webcam itself.

Basic Communications

If you are looking for a basic communication tool to chat with friends and family on Skype, Yahoo! Instant Messenger, or any number of other programs, you'll probably be more than happy with a basic Gear Head webcam, Macally USB webcam, or even entry level webcams from Logitech and Creative Labs.

While these entry level webcams will provide a basic image for your friends or family to see you, the quality may not be ideal. You will also be limited on the options that you'll have with regard to setup, zooming, and more.

If you are planning on using your webcam for professional use, such as telecommuting for work or building your own home-based business, then you might find these less expensive webcams not ideal. In that case, you'll want to consider a webcam that has higher picture resolution, the ability to zoom in and out, and a better condenser microphone built in so that your audience can hear you.

Manhattan webcams, as well as Logitech and Cyber Track webcams offer more refined and effective webcams for the discerning individual.

What If You Have Never Used a Webcam Before?

Avoid making the common mistake that so many other computer users have done by purchasing the cheapest webcam because you don't know much about them. If you are particular about quality and demand the best out of the products you use, then you'll want to take the time and determine which will be most suitable for your needs.

Purchasing an entry level webcam will certainly allow you to connect and video chat over the Internet with people, but before long you may discover that the connection is slow, the quality is not suited for your needs, and have to invest in a higher quality webcam.

Take charge of your webcam from the beginning and determine what level of quality you want.



Source by Tochukwu K Mbiamnozie