Webcams

A webcam is a camera that captures and sends video and still images in real time to a computer that is connected to the Internet and the World Wide Web. Most webcam software enables the recording of images as well. The name is the contraction of Web + camera, resulting in: “webcam.” Most laptops, netbook computers, and monitors connected to a desktop computer sold today include built-in webcams. Many older computers include expansion ports to accommodate an external webcam. These typically connect to the computer with a USB cable, but some may use a Firewire or other connection cable. High-end webcams permit users to control the view with pan, tilt and zoom controls, and are often found on websites that feature live look-ins at what is happening at a specific location. Some models are more rugged, and designed for outdoor use, while low-end models are typically lightweight plastic and are intended to be attached to a computer and used indoors. Many people use webcams to participate in two-way video teleconferences with programs such as Skype or Yahoo! Messenger or websites that facilitate this function. Let Kelkoo help you find the best deals on a fantastic webcam from names you know and retailers you trust. ... View more - View less

View the Webcams Buyers Guide

959 results

Sort by

- Microsoft Lifecam Cinema
  Rated 4.5 out of 5
- from $2,066
- Available from 2 retailers
- from $2,066
  
  PC Interface: USB • Video Resolution: 1280 x 720
  View all 3 offers
- Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000
  Rated 4.5 out of 5
- from $63
- Available from 6 retailers
- from $63
  
  PC Interface: USB • Video Resolution: 1600 x 1200
  View all 9 offers
- Creative Webcam Live !
  Rated 3.5 out of 5
- from $39
- Available from 7 retailers
- from $39
  
  PC Interface: USB • Video Resolution: 640 x 480
  View all 16 offers
- Logitech C160
- from $29
- Available from 1 retailers
- from $29
  
  PC Interface: USB • Video Resolution: 640 x 480
  - PC Connection... $29.78
  View all 1 offers
- Microsoft Lifecam VX-800
- from $15
- Available from 3 retailers
- from $15
  
  PC Interface: USB • Video Resolution: 640 x 480
  View all 3 offers
- Logitech C210
  Rated 4 out of 5
- from $24
- Available from 12 retailers
- from $24
  
  PC Interface: USB • Video Resolution: 1280 x 720
  View all 13 offers
- Microsoft H5D
- from $45
- Available from 7 retailers
- from $45
  
  PC Interface: USB • Video Resolution: 1280 x 720
  - $86.90
  - $79
  - $45.96
  View all 7 offers
- Microsoft LifeCam HD 5000
  Rated 4 out of 5
- from $34
- Available from 7 retailers
- from $34
  
  PC Interface: USB • Video Resolution: 1280 x 720
  - $56.90
  - $59.94
  - $35.21
  View all 7 offers
- Logitech C910
- from $90
- Available from 3 retailers
- from $90
  
  PC Interface: USB • Video Resolution: 1920 x 1080
  View all 3 offers
- Logitech C200
  Rated 4 out of 5
- from $37
- Available from 1 retailers
- from $37
  
  PC Interface: USB • Video Resolution: 1280 x 1024
  - PC Connection... $37.94
  View all 1 offers
- Logitech C270
  Rated 4.5 out of 5
- from $31
- Available from 9 retailers
- from $31
  
  PC Interface: USB • Video Resolution: 1280 x 720
  View all 14 offers
- Microsoft LifeCam VX 2000
  Rated 4 out of 5
- from $21
- Available from 7 retailers
- from $21
  
  PC Interface: USB • Video Resolution: 640 x 480
  - $29.95
  - $39.94
  - $23.97
  View all 12 offers
- Microsoft LifeCam HD 6000
  Rated 3.5 out of 5
- from $36
- Available from 5 retailers
- from $36
  
  PC Interface: USB • Video Resolution: 1280 x 720
  View all 10 offers
- Logitech QuickCam
- from $98
- Available from 8 retailers
- from $98
  
  PC Interface: USB • Video Resolution: 640 x 480
  View all 8 offers
- Axis M1011
- from $171
- Available from 4 retailers
- from $171
  
  PC Interface: Ethernet • Video Resolution: 640 x 480
  View all 6 offers
- Panasonic BB-HCM531
  Rated 4 out of 5
- from $554
- Available from 3 retailers
- from $554
  
  PC Interface: Ethernet • Video Resolution: 640 x 480
  View all 3 offers
- TP-Link TL-SC3130
  Rated 2.5 out of 5
- from $71
- Available from 3 retailers
- from $71
  
  PC Interface: Ethernet • Video Resolution: 640 x 480
  View all 4 offers
- Pelco G3512
- from $337
- Available from 1 retailers
- from $337
  - $521.04
  - $489.38
  - $486.81
  View all 158 offers
- Pelco G25122
- from $340
- Available from 1 retailers
- from $340
  - $554.40
  - $491.94
  - $497.93
  View all 89 offers
- Pelco G15123
- from $340
- Available from 1 retailers
- from $340
  - $425.22
  - $523.60
  - $472.27
  View all 80 offers
- Pelco Pelco G15122
- from $301
- Available from 1 retailers
- from $301
  - $400.40
  - $396.98
  - $585.82
  View all 80 offers
- Bosch VG4523
- from $1,836
- Available from 2 retailers
- from $1,836
  View all 76 offers
- Pelco CCC1390
- from $476
- Available from 1 retailers
- from $476
  View all 73 offers
- Pelco G15121
- from $340
- Available from 1 retailers
- from $340
  - $412.38
  - $408.96
  - $456.86
  View all 71 offers

Webcams Buying Guide

Kelkoo.com

Introduction

With the accelerating growth of the Internet and the use of social networking websites, people have started using webcams to see people – wherever they may be. Not just that, with some webcams, you can even make use of the audio to simultaneously engage in voice chatting. Today, even huge corporate offices depend on webcams for interviewing and talking to candidates through video conferencing. However, there are various types of webcams that can be purchased from manufacturers such as Microsoft, LG, Panasonic and Logitech. Webcams from these brands come with many updated features so you can make the best use of them. Before you buy a webcam, consider various aspects and choose one that’ll meet your purpose.

Uses of Webcams

The uses of a webcam have increased with a rise in their availability and use of the Internet worldwide, with their primary use being for communication. Once upon a time, you could only chat to your nearest and dearest who are far away from you – however, these webcams have brought them closer by making you able to see them through live chats.

Webcams allow clients and employees to get connected for business purposes. Video conferencing is possible with webcams in offices and because of the video recording capabilities of webcams, business presentations can be well managed.

For those who are in search of a job or brand-new career, geographical barriers are no longer a hindrance. Recruitment has become easy as employers look for candidates all over the world now that distance is no longer an obstacle to conduct interviews. Large corporate firms participate in online interviews by seeing the candidates live on a webcam. For computer software such as Skype, webcams are one of the vital pieces of equipment required, helping to make video conferencing successful.

Webcams can also be very helpful for students pursuing a distance education course. Online tutors can be available on webcams for a real classroom experience and students can get guidance for their subject matter and assignments immediately from their tutors. Another notable benefit of webcams is their ability to broadcast live events such as concerts and sport events to audiences across the world.

List Your Requirements

When choosing a webcam, think about what you want it for so that you decide whether a basic model will do, or if you need a high-end webcam. There are a number of things that you can do with your webcam, as well as the things that have already been mentioned, such as video blogging, uploading videos to websites, and video podcasting. Depending on the purpose, you can balance your budget and your needs, rather than spending on features that will be of no use to you.

If you want to use your webcam for uploading videos, go for a webcam that has a high resolution, say with at least 960 x 720 pixels. The video is recorded first and then uploaded. The uploaded video format will be converted to flash video format (.flv) by websites.

If you are going to use it for podcasting or video blogging, look with webcams that have a built-in microphone. These allow you to move around to explain things in your video otherwise, you will need a separate microphone to carry around during your video presentation. Microphones built inside webcams have directional and noise-canceling features to ensure that the sound is crystal clear while you are at work. An affordable example is the Microsoft LifeCam SHOW, or, for something more expensive, have a look at the Pelco C10DN6V3.

Features to Look Into

A thorough research of features of webcams will help you identify the specifications that you require. Resolution, or the max video rate, is the first aspect you should consider when you are buying a webcam. It is measured in pixels and the higher the number of pixels, the better the image quality. The resolution for standard definition video is 640 x 480 pixels, and 1600 x 1200 pixels for high-definition video, but you should check first if your PC is compatible with HD webcams.

Webcam performance can be affected by the type of lens used. Glass lenses provide better performance than plastic lenses, and are available at affordable prices.

Light sensitivity is another important feature to look for. Some webcams cannot work well in brightly-lit rooms, while others cannot perform well outdoors. So it is essential to consider the environment in which you will want to use your webcam. If you think that you will use it in low-light conditions, then consider a webcam that has an auto-light adjustment feature, and if your primary use will be outdoor and at night, have a look at models such as the Head WC1200.

Webcam speed or max frame rate is the number of frames that can be captured per second. The speed of webcams can range from 15 to 30 image frames per second. If you want a webcam with a high frame rate, consider your Internet connection because this can impact on its speed.

Pan, tilt, and zoom capabilities can give you more flexibility to take closer snap shots and some webcams include focus knobs and lens covers to give you a better overall experience.

Drivers are a special type of software that enables the computer to communicate with s although most webcams are compatible with UVC (Universal Video Class), which means that they can be used without installing drivers.

Getting Connected to Your Computer

There are three options available to connect a webcam to your computer.

Connecting through Ethernet: Certain webcams can be connected to the computer via an Ethernet connection, which is fast and ensures that the video is as clear as possible. This is a faster alternative to both USB connectivity and wireless connectivity.

Connecting through a USB port: You can use USB 2.0 technology to make a connection and, although not as fast as Ethernet, are capable of producing clear video display.

Wireless connection: If you wish to own a portable webcam, you can make use of your wireless network to connect your webcam to your computer. However, be sure that your wireless webcam has security features so no one else can access your webcam activity.

Hopefully, this buying guide has given you a better insight into what is available when it comes to the world of webcams. Once you have narrowed your search, take a look at our detailed product information and reviews to help you make a final decision, and then check out our online merchants to get the best possible price.

Refine your search

Category

Brand

Budget

PC Interface

Webcam Type