Webcams: tiny, inexpensive wonders that plug directly into your computer and are a breeze to use.
There are lots of reasons why everyone should have a webcam in their arsenal of online video production equipment. Even if I were lucky enough to have a dozen different video cameras, you can bet your bottom dollar that at least two would be webcams. (I have two computers). If I were unlucky enough to only have one video camera, it would probably be a webcam.
Most computers today come with a built-in webcam because people like them so much for ease of use.
I love webcams. Not just because they usually give the most incredible, high def resolution image. Nope, that’s not the reason. It’s because they are:
- Brain-dead simple to use
- Dirt cheap
- All-in-one camera/mic
- Good in low light
- Records instantly on your hard drive, no capturing!
- Helps you look ten years younger! HUH? (Gotta watch the video to get that one!)
- Tiny and easy to position
Webcams are the simplest, cheapest way to enjoy making video. With a webcam, you can take it out of the box, plug it into your computer and be recording video of yourself within minutes. Or even simpler, the webcam is built into your computer.
You can edit webcam video or upload it straight to the web without editing. You can also use a webcam to stream video live on the web. This means that people can watch the video you have made on your webcam on their laptops at home LIVE on their cell phones.
Webcams are such a good way for you to be able to connect with people, your friends or perhaps strangers from all over the world.
In order for you to get the best video possible out of a webcam, I made the video tutorial above to show you the best practices for webcams. You’ll see why just a tiny bit of light is needed, where to put it, and how to use a stack of dusty old videotapes as a tripod. You’ll also see a side-by-side comparison of webcam video quality and a more expensive and more complicated to use mini DV camera.
Even though the difference can be significant, so no, a webcam is NOT going to compete with a high-level pro camera, watch the tutorial to see how I spin lousy resolution into a benefit of the webcam! Always look for the sun.
Thanks for reading VPT
Lorraine Grula
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
- List three benefits of a webcam.
- Why do most computers now come with a built-in webcam?
- What do you like best about a webcam?