by Playfuls Staff |
18th June 2006
Showing your face on the internet is all the rage. Anyone who likes video-chatting with friends or relatives or who wants to allow others to peep into their lives via a video blog online, needs a special digital camera for use with computers. These are known as webcams, and so versatile they can even be used for surveillance. [more]
A broad range of webcams are available, stretching from simple 10 dollar models and ranging up to high tech variants costing 2,000 euro.
"Webcams used to be primarily for computer freaks and scurrilous chat-service providers," says Gunnar Troitsch from the Munich-based computer magazine Chip.
In recent months, they've made a breakthrough into the realm of standard equipment. The explosion of free video chat software like Skype or MSN Messenger and the quick broadband connections necessary for data transmissions have simply become more and more popular.
Those looking to try out video telephony for the first time or who only use video chat rarely will be sufficiently served by an entry- level camera, says Gunnar Troitsch. Even so, there are certain quality standards that should be met. Twenty to 30 images per second are sufficient for a fluid image, and resolution should be at least 640 by 480 pixels, recommends Thomas Stojke, product manager at the computer mail-order company computeruniverse.net.
These values can be achieved with products costing as little as 20 dollars.
Those who opt for cheaper models need to ensure they have optimal lighting near their computers, warns Gunnar Troitsch. Entry-level cameras can't handle dim light. This can lead to hesitations. Users will also need to accept reduced image sharpness, since devices from the lower end price segment often have a fixed focus. Automated focusing is better.
Face recognition can also be helpful, since it allows the camera to follow the user's movements.
"That allows for more freedom of movement. People aren't static creatures, and they don't sit still in front of the monitor," explains Gregor Bieler, business director at Webcam maker Logitech's Munich offices. Cameras with that functionality are available for around 50 dollars. A microphone is often included in the camera's casing, otherwise one must be bought extra.
Users who frequently send moving pictures over the internet are likely to opt for more expansive cameras because of their improved image quality. Devices with built-in CCD image sensors are always the first choice, even if more affordable CMOS chips have caught up with them technologically, explains Gregor Bieler.
The better the image, the greater the data volume. While an ISDN data connect will suffice, a quicker connection like DSL is recommended, says Bieler.
"It just makes it more fun to send beautiful images." The system requirements to create moving pictures on the computer are relatively low by contrast. "Most computers in use today can handle this without problem," Thomas Stojke explains.
Webcams are simple to install: The camera is plugged into the PC via a USB cable. The required software is usually included in the packaging, says Gunnar Troitsch. This includes drivers and special chat programs for getting started with the video conversations. Software for putting live images on the internet is not usually included with the devices, though.
"The exception is if they were developed and built for that purpose." A number of appropriate free programs can be found on the Web to fulfil that function, Troitsch notes, naming Cam2Net as an example.
PC cameras can also be used for surveillance. Those looking to observe a space or garden using a webcam will need to invest a bit more cash, though.
"Because of the strongly variable lighting situations and the higher requirements for image focus and depth of detail, users will need a high-quality webcam for this kind of work," Troitsch comments.
Webcams designed for this use can also send off the images directly. This is a distinct advantage compared to simpler Webcams that need a PC to operate the camera, says Thomas Stojke. On the down side, network-ready cameras cost at least 100 to 150 dollars.
Those who want to be ready for any shooting situation may need to spend even more. There are special devices on the market designed to be impervious to the weather, are motor driven, have their own motion sensor, or even have an infrared sensor to allow for night shots. This allows users to keep an eye on their holiday home even when they're far away.
By Berti Kolbow,
© 2006 DPA
