Some webcams have a microphone built right into the camera. The manufacturer touts it for its HD and autofocus properties.

For example, the Logitech HD Pro in our product list has what the manufacturer calls a “five-element” glass lens. A webcam with a glass lens will cost a bit more, but the improvement in quality will be worth it. These tend to yield a lower-quality video. Users can access the video over the internet. It may connect to its own hard drive on the network where it stores the video for a certain amount of time. A security webcam uses an Ethernet connection, allowing it to pass the video stream through a very fast network connection. Security webcams are designed to work in tandem, covering an entire room or building. You can expect a higher resolution video from a standalone webcam versus an integrated webcam. If you purchase a single webcam that you intend to connect via cable to a computer or tablet, you’ll be using a standalone webcam. No cabling is needed for this type of webcam, and conveniently, the required software is pre-installed in the device. You’ll see a tiny lens built into the border of the display screen. Integrated webcamĪn integrated webcam is embedded in a laptop or tablet screen. Each works well, but you’ll get a slightly different menu of features with each type. If you need to engage in video conferencing or show off a product to a remote client, video quality is key. In most cases, standalone and security webcam video quality is superior to that of the camera built into your computer. We consult experts, talk to owners, research the market, and buy our products off of store shelves, just as you would. To ensure an unbiased review, we never accept free samples from manufacturers. We’ve done our research, and we want to help you figure out which product would best suit your particular needs. A lot of laptops and tablets feature embedded cameras that sit just above the screen. In addition to this, some people carry a dedicated digital camera for those times when they want to capture a high-quality photo or video stream.Ī webcam offers yet another opportunity for consumers to capture great imagery. If you want an internet-connected video camera with top-of-the-line features, you may wish to invest in a webcam that you can connect to your computer.Īt BestReviews, we’ve used webcams for all sorts of purposes: home security, Skype calls, and just for fun. As a tech-savvy consumer, you probably own several cameras already. Most smartphones have two cameras built in: one for still images and one for video.

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