The best webcams in the selection from Our experts

Our review includes five of the best models that you should pay attention to based on value for money. Also, below, get acquainted with the main characteristics of devices and recommendations for their selection.

Content:

Key features of webcams

Matrix type: determined by the characteristics of photosensitive elements,

forming an image. According to the method of processing a digital signal, there are:

• CMOS matrices (fast signal processing simultaneously from all elements; suitable for Skype video calls, video conferencing, cheaper than CCD);
• CCD matrices (processes the signal more slowly, in turn from each element; it costs more, creates a better image, suitable for video surveillance and security).

Resolutions characterized by the number of elements / pixels.

More pixels — higher camera resolution — better image quality.

• 320×240 pixels — minimum for video communication. Fortunately, such equipment is already on the shelves and cannot be found;
• VGA 640×480 – a common standard sufficient for videoconferencing;
• HD 1280×720 and 1280×960 — a digital image of high quality, with such a camera you can even take quite good photos;
• Full HD 1920×1080 — common, but according to some, even partly redundant resolution in the age of falling sales of stationary PCs in favor of mobile solutions (laptops, tablets, smartphones of various diagonals) — in them the transmitted quality of the “picture” can simply not be appreciated.
• Ultra HD 4K 3840×2160 and 4096×2160 — maximum webcam resolution. The cost of a camera with such a resolution is especially high, and the areas of application can be counted on the fingers — and there is hardly a place for a typical home use scenario.

Optics for webcams it is plastic and glass. The quality, accordingly, depends on the cost of the optics used in the model.

Focusing:

• manual: the user adjusts the camera’s sharpness independently;
• automatic (autofocus): for standard Skype communication, autofocus is not needed, for security and professional purposes it is almost indispensable. The autofocus camera automatically focuses on a moving subject, eliminating image blur.

The type of focus, like the type of optics, affects the cost of a webcam.

Matrix sensitivity to lighting — this is far from a paramount parameter for a conventional webcam, which is used for communication. If the camera is used for other purposes, the user’s requirements for the sensitivity of the device must increase.

Viewing angle webcams should be taken into account if the camera will be used in an educational institution or in the office for videoconferencing and presentations. A camera with a large viewing angle captures a moving lecturer in the frame, for example, explaining something on a graph.

Frame frequency is the number of frames per second. This parameter is responsible for the plausibility, the reality of the picture; and is important even for Skype with relatives. The frame rate is also indicated in Hz. There are cameras on the market with a frequency response from 9 to 90 Hz. The higher this indicator, the more “real” and more natural the picture.

Connection type:

• USB 2.0 (the most common);
• USB 3.0 (for high resolution cameras);
• wireless (via Wi-Fi).

Mount type: table stand, wall mount, clothespin.

Length of cable: usually ranges from 0.5 to 2 meters and determines the convenience of using the device.

Built-in microphone: User opinions are divided on this. It is more convenient for someone to use a separate microphone or a microphone with headphones, while others often have enough built into the device. The need for an external microphone can often be explained either by insufficient quality of the built-in one, or by specific requirements for it in general.

How to choose a good webcam?

1. Compare video cameras with different types of matrices. Decide how important the above webcam specifications are to you.
2. Pay attention to compatibility with the operating system. Most webcams on the market only support Windows.
3. Webcams with the «HD» designation claim high image quality because they use the appropriate digital technology. This affects the cost of the device. When purchasing such a camera of an unknown model from an unverified seller, be attentive to other characteristics, as the manufacturer could save on another parameter in order to position the main advantage — HD.
4. High-resolution webcams require a high-speed Internet connection.
5. The speed of the Internet also affects the operation of the camera with a high frame rate. The best option is 30 — 70 Hz, however, with «uncertain» or slow Internet, take a closer look at cameras with a frame rate of 15 Hz.
6. A webcam with a wireless Wi-Fi interface also needs a high-speed Internet connection. In addition, your computer must support this feature. With an unstable Internet, it should be borne in mind that a wired connection is faster. If your camera does not require more complex tasks than talking to parents living in another city, you are unlikely to need a wireless device, and it costs an order of magnitude more expensive.

Best webcams

Webcam Logitech HD Webcam C270

A budget device with a full 720p widescreen image. The camera is equipped with an automatic light correction function, and adapts the color reproduction in a brightly lit or darkened room. A frequency of 30 frames per second is enough to get a high-quality image when talking on Skype.

The built-in noise-canceling microphone makes voice transmission natural. The camera can be mounted on a monitor or placed on a shelf.

Characteristics:

• Matrix: CMOS;
• Resolution (video): 1280×720;
• Mode support: 1280×720, 30Hz;
• Interpolated resolution in megapixels (photo): 3 million pixels;
• Lens viewing angle: 60 deg.
• Connection: USB 2.0;
• Cable length: 1.5 m.
• Compatibility: Windows XP/Vista/7, Mac OS X 10.4.9 and above;

Extras: built-in RightSound microphone, monitor/shelf mount, face tracking, HD 720p video calling, 2-year warranty.

Advantages:

• inexpensive;
• widescreen camera;
• image quality;
• saturated colors;
• automatic illumination correction;
• fast installation;
• disk with software included;
• the ability to adjust the resolution;
• motion detection sensor;
• window with real-time settings in working mode;
• operating status indicator;
• good microphone;
• design

Flaws:

• focal length;
• not everyone likes the mount, and when installed on a monitor with narrow frames, it covers part of the picture;
• the camera does not rotate;
• there are white stripes in the picture (solved by installing software);
• the face tracking function slows down.

Webcam Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000

The Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 full-screen high-definition camera supports 720p True HD video recording at a frame rate of 30 frames per second. Thanks to auto-adjustments that quickly correct the image clarity, the picture looks real. Compactness and business appearance make this device a good addition to the modern office.

Characteristics:

• Matrix: CMOS;
• Resolution (video): 1280×720;
• Mode support: 720p HD video recording
• Lens viewing angle: 68 degrees;
• Connection: USB 2.0;
• Cable length: 1.8 m.
• Compatibility: Windows 7/Vista/XP;

Optional: image interpolation; built-in microphone, monitor mount, face tracking function, 1 year warranty.

Advantages:

• price;
• quality;
• color rendering;
• image interpolation;
• work indicator;
• compactness;
• package.

Flaws:

• fastening;
• very sensitive microphone;
• starts with 640×360 extension by default;
• for maximum resolution you need high-speed Internet;
• strange, but not supported by Windows 10;
• auto image adjustments do not work perfectly;
• no instructions for connection and installation;
• The software must be downloaded from the site;
• simple design.

Webcam Defender G-lens 2597 HD720p

A 2 million pixel (CMOS) webcam at the best price, which is equipped with an auto focus function and can take good quality pictures. After installing the drivers, the camera can also be configured manually. The standard camera resolution is 2560×2048, with a frame rate of 5 fps. At a resolution of 1280×720 (HD), you can set 30 fps. The camera has a universal mount and a hinge, thanks to which it rotates 360 degrees. The software for the camera is quite interesting and can be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website Defender: Amcap, Webcam special effect, MAGIX Video Editor, MAGIC photo manager, MAGIX simplicheck. Suitable for Skype and video conferencing.

Characteristics:

• Matrix: CMOS;
• Resolution (video): 1280×720, 1280×1024 (interpolated);
• Mode support: 640×480, 30Hz; 1280×720 @ 30Hz; 1280×1024 @ 7Hz.
• Interpolated resolution in megapixels (photo): 16 megapixels;
• Lens viewing angle: 60 deg.
• Connection: USB 2.0;
• Cable length: 1.4 m;
• Compatibility: Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7 and above;

Additionally: built-in microphone, monitor mount, face tracking function, autofocus, camera rotation angle — 360 degrees; quick photo button.

Advantages:

• optimal cost;
• image quality;
• photo button;
• autofocus;
• stylish appearance;
• convenient fastening;
• Software on mini-disk and on the website.

Flaws:

• not ideal quality of the recorded sound;
• not compatible with all interfaces;
• at a resolution of 2560×2048, autofocus does not work;
• camera heating with frequent focusing;
• hard photo button.

Webcam Logitech B910 HD

Equipped with a high-quality 5 megapixel matrix and glass optics from a leading manufacturer (Carl Zeiss). This, in turn, affected the cost of the device. It has almost perfect color reproduction and a wide viewing angle. The maximum resolution and availability of all functions (in particular, the ability to record 1080p (Full HD) video through official software at 15 frames per second) can only be achieved after installing proprietary software. Video streaming frame rate: up to 30 fps for video at 720p and VGA. The camera is able to shoot and focus in a darkened room.

Characteristics:

• Matrix: CMOS — 5MP;
• Resolution (video): 1280×720;
• Mode support: 1280×720, 30Hz;
• Lens viewing angle: 72 degrees
• Connection: USB 2.0;
• Cable length: 1.5 m.
• Compatibility: Windows XP/Vista/7;

Optional: 2 built-in microphones, monitor mount, HD 720p video calls; autofocus, color depth — 24 bit; support for the UVC standard.

Advantages:

• widescreen;
• excellent color reproduction;
• expensive glass optics «Carl Zeiss»;
• build quality;
• autofocus;
• shooting in the dark;
• RightSound noise canceling microphone;
• fast connection.

Flaws:

• overpriced;
• no disk with software;
• photography and video shooting are available only after downloading the software;
• the maximum resolution can be obtained only after installing the software;
• does not turn;
• uncomfortable fastening.

Webcam A4Tech PK-910H

Budget camera with good clarity and quite clear sound. When active, it glows blue. To achieve maximum resolution and frame rate, the device requires high-speed Internet. After downloading FullHD video enhancement software, users recommend setting the setting: «Color space and compression: MJPG». Suitable for FaceTime and Skype — no more.

Characteristics:

• Matrix: CMOS (2 MP);
• Resolution (video): 1920×1080;
• Interpolated resolution in megapixels (photo): 16 megapixels;
• Lens viewing angle: 60 deg.
• Connection: USB 2.0;
• Cable length: 1 m.
• Compatibility: Windows XP/Vista/7, MacOS X 10.4.8 and higher;

Additionally: built-in microphone, monitor mount, autofocus.

Advantages:

• inexpensive;
• widescreen;
• the quality of the built-in microphone;
• compatible with Linux;
• non-standard illumination of the operating mode;
• ease of installation;
• build quality;
• design;

Flaws:

• the frame rate of 30 Hz, declared by the manufacturer, is not true (in fact — 15 frames per second);
• high level of «noise» in the image;
• autofocus not perfect (fixed focus);
• fastening;
• short wire;
• simple packaging.

Summing up

Of the considered webcam models, all are equipped with built-in microphones and CMOS-type matrices. In terms of price and quality, the model stands out among the rest. Logitech B910 HD with a matrix of 5 megapixels and glass optics from ТМ Carl Zeiss. This camera is more expensive, but the quality of the video / photo sets it apart from others.

For communication via Skype, all webcams participating in the review are suitable.

For video shooting and obtaining high-quality images, budget models are not entirely acceptable. When using proprietary software for webcams and having manual settings, you should remember that the higher the frame rate (fps), the less the image will shake when shooting moving objects. It is not recommended to record video at a resolution higher than 1280×720 (HD) to avoid frame rate drops. This is useful if you need to record a video conference, video review or training seminar.

The webcam has the main purpose — communication. Often, this does not require a too high resolution of the camera, but other parameters that make using the device more convenient are more important: a noise-canceling microphone, an operating mode indicator, the ability to rotate the device and a good universal mount. Each webcam discussed above has a number of nice advantages.