While many laptops come equipped with built-in webcams, those who use desktop computers often have to buy one to meet their needs. There are a variety of options available to choose from and they all have their own set of positive and negative points. From super tiny clip-on cameras to larger models with editing and effect abilities built-in, choosing the best model starts with answering a few simple questions.

What Is The Budget

Start out by setting a budget, keeping in mind possible sale prices through events like Black Friday. Webcams run from around $20 to well over $150. While setting the budget, remember that higher costs almost always reflect better technology and higher quality images and sound. While the budget should play an important role in choosing a camera model, remember that there are other areas to consider.

What Features Are Important?

Like any piece of technology, webcams come with a lot of features to choose from. Some are all but necessary while others are merely nice additions. Carefully consider the available options to decide how they work into your budget. Some areas to consider are how well a particular camera works in low light or no light, how the camera mounts to a computer monitor, if the unit will take still pictures as well as video footage. Many consumers like to choose cameras that have built-in editing or effect software. Adding a frame or text to the video footage or changing the color scheme are fun ways to communicate.

What Do All the Details Mean?

When purchasing a webcam, there are several important details to keep in mind.

1. Frame Rate: Today’s cameras should have a frame rate of 30 frames or more per second. Cameras without this rate will have jerky or jarring images.
2. Resolution: Today, webcams are pretty standard with either 1080p or 720p resolution. For a truly flawless picture, combining the 1080p resolution camera with high-definition is the way to go.
3. Auto focus: one of the great advancement in webcam technology is  auto focus. This handy feature automatically tracks and focuses on the face. It is a bit jarring for some, so it is best to select a camera with the option to turn this feature off.
4. Microphone: Most cameras have a built-in microphone for an even better experience. They make video chatting seamless and are used for recording video footage with sound.
5. Lens: high quality webcams use glass lenses while less expensive models have lenses made of plastic. Those interested in using their webcam simple for video chatting will find a plastic lens sufficient while those that are planning on creating broadcast quality footage will want to buy a camera with a more expensive glass lens.

What Is in a Brand Name?

With webcams, it is important to carefully consider the brands that fall within your price range. The bigger names, like Logitech, Microsoft, Creative, Micro Innovations, and Guillemot, typically offer users a greater range of features with more reliable functionality. While each of these brands offers models in each price point, according to critics, Logitech has the best low-end model ($15.00) and Microsoft has the best high-end model ($150.00+). When selecting a brand there are a few areas to consider. The most important is compatibility with current technology. Carefully review the specs of each brand to make sure it will work with a particular laptop or desktop computer. It is also worthwhile to consider the connector type offered by each brand.

What About Megapixels?

One of the biggest factors that affects the quality of the image as well as the over all price of a webcam is the number of megapixels. The higher the number, the better the picture quality. There is some truth to the argument that not everyone needs a camera with high megapixels. This is particularly true for those that won’t use the camera to take still photographs. The higher picture quality is useful to those who will be using the camera to take and print photographs. Most users will find a camera with two or three megapixels are sufficient for their needs.

Obviously, a lot goes into selecting the best webcam. From the size of the camera to the features it has, there are hundreds of options to choose from. By taking the time to research the cameras available and how they are different, it is easy to find the best model. Start researching early enough to take advantage of deep discounts on Black Friday. The savings are well worth it.

A webcam can help create a better home office, keep you in touch with friends and family, and help you produce broadcast quality videos that are suitable for posting on YouTube. All it takes is the right camera, and by answering the questions above, you can easily find the best one for your needs.