Question #1:
What's a webcam?
Answer #1: A
webcam is simply a digital camera that captures motion and sometime still images. You can
use these to make short video clips to transmit via email or put on the Web, or to even
make video phone calls (although image quality over normal phone lines leaves something to
be desired). If the camera has a snapshot feature, it can also function as a regular
digital camera, although lens quality and resolution tend be more entry level.
Question #2: A lot
of Web sites these days feature live video feeds. How do they do it?
Answer #2: The development of
increasingly affordable Web cameras makes it possible. Also known as PC video cameras, Web
cameras capture images digitally and let you send pictures or video clips over the
Internet. Most are easy to connect and use. With the video conferencing software that
usually comes with the product, you can hold a real-time video conference with someone
halfway around the world if they also have a Web camera. Even if the recipient doesn't
have an Web camera, they can still view video clips and still images you send them.
Question #3: If I use an Web camera to
create video e-mail, will the recipient be able to view it without special software?
Answer #3: You can send still
photos and videos to anyone through e-mail and, as long as they have a relatively
up-to-date computer system, they shouldn't have a problem viewing them. However, to
communicate in a two-way, real-time video conversation, you and the other participant must
have compatible program software. Always check compatibility with the camera manufacturer
before purchasing any video conferencing product. Minimum system requirements for e-mail
software are AOL 5.0 or above, Microsoft Outlook Express or Netscape Mail.
Question #4: So if I decide to add a Web cam
to my system, what should I look for?
Answer #4: Evaluate your needs and
consider several specifications before you decide to add an Web camera to your system.
Cameras come with parallel or USB connections, and still image compression formats are
available as BMP, TIFF and JPEG. Also, consider whether it has a built-in microphone, and
evaluate the quality of video clips, measured in frames per second (FPS).
Question #5: What makes one Web camera
better than another?
Answer #5: With just about any
technology, there are considerable differences in features and quality; both are usually
reflected in the prices of cameras. Consider your needs and shop accordingly. An important
consideration is the still image capture (360 x 240 is lower resolution than 640 x 480),
the video frame rate (24 frames per second is slightly lower-quality video; 30 is better)
and the number of colors the camera can support (16 million vs. 24 million). Some cameras
come complete with a microphone input and software so that you can combine audio with
video. If you want to take pictures outside of your computer work area, you'll enjoy the
flexibility of a detachable camera.
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