Choose and Buy the RIGHT webcam online at the best prices. Learn about and compare web cameras that are compatible with your favorite chat, messenger, video capture and VOIP phone applications whether you want to buy an Apple Macintosh, Windows or even Linux webcam.
UVC - USB Video Class - universal USB 2.0 webcams are the new standard, the SMART choice for getting online and connected to pals, family and friends with the least amount of hassle - No driver required on modern computer operating systems! Native UVC web cam support is now built into Mac OS X Tiger & Leopard, XP Service Pack 2 or 3 - and Vista!
Can You Digg it? Bookmark and StumbleUpon This De.Licio.us Webcam Reference
SHARE YOUR WORLD: VIDEO CHAT FOR BUSINESS OR FUN
Whether you use your web cam for AOL or Apple iChat, Yahoo or MSN Messenger, Skype, ISPQ, ICUii - or any other number of popular video chat sites, video conferencing or capture programs... Feel Confident. These researched, tested, and reviewed web cameras are the smart ones to buy - and will serve you well for years to come.
QUALITY WEB CAMS CAN BE AFFORDABLE:
Webcams listed in the sidebar are broken down into tiers: Luxury HD UVC Webcams for those who want the best. Popular Mid-Range models for the best of both worlds. And Cheaper Value Web Cams that deliver reasonably good results for those on a low-cost webcam hunting budget. Other, Not-So-Great low-quality webcams are mentioned - Not all webcams are created equal.
WEB CAMERA FEATURES TO LOOK FOR:
UVC driver compliance makes web cam setup Just-Plug-It-In easy. Look for a quality glass lens if possible. Evaluate whether you prefer an adjustable focus, want a fixed-focus lens, or cameras that support Auto-Focus. You may also want a webcam with Built-In USB microphones. Look for good low-light sensitivity to give great image quality for both day AND night lighting conditions. References to a cam's Auto Exposure and Auto White-Balance to indicate a webcam that can adapt to changes in lighting. Look for smart, thoughtful design in the camera itself: A webcam that's versatile and adjustable - when perched atop a laptop or notebook screen, that can sit on your desktop, or those that have a standard camera mount for attaching to a webcam tripod.
FOCUS ON WEB CAMERAS:
For MOST people a simple, hassle-free futz-free Fixed-Focus webcam may be your best straight-forward choice. Adjustable-Focus webcams imply a bit of fiddling and are useful for primarily two reasons: 1. You really need to zoom-in on an object at very close range to show someone some-thing. Or, 2. For adult sex xx webcam needs you may actually want to SOFTEN the focus somewhat to take off your rough edges and smooth your flaws a bit! Lastly, Auto-Focus Web Cameras are a double-edged sword: The can adapt to normal range or show close-ups without manual adjustment. BUT BE AWARE, there's often a second or two lag to compensate, and if you move alot or talk and guesture alot - the camera may struggle to keep up. Recently with Hardware-Based Autofocus as in the newest LOGITECH VISION PRO
or HEWLETT PACKARD 3MP HD
- these webcams need NO software drivers - unlike others which often only support auto-focus on the Windows platform with required drivers. So for Apple and Linux folk - *if* you want AutoFocus - choose a Hardware-based model. Otherwise all other AF cams from Creative Labs and Logitech will simply perform like a fixed-focus model.
WHAT TO AVOID: BEFORE YOU BUY A WEBCAM...
These cams need USB 2.0 ports to deliver high resolution at good frame-rates, so make sure your PC has USB 2.0 speed ports, and your Operating System is current and up to date. The high-end, high-res webcams also ideally need a FAST computer to provide the best frame-rates. Avoid cheap Import webcameras with poor warranty or absolutely no tech support. Some claim to be 'USB 2.0 COMPATIBLE' but their sensors are really only _downward 'compatible'_ and run at USB 1.1 slo-mo speeds. Avoid webcams from no-name companies, are not UVC compliant, that are poorly constructed, have cheap plastic lenses, flimsy thin cables, poor mounting designs, or are Mac incompatible. The Western market is being flooded with cheap 'driverless' web cams from overseas - and the overall reliability, compatibility and quality has been a mixed-bag at best. Trust select models from brands like Logitech Microsoft Microsoft and Creative for quality. If you find a camera on eBay
SHOP & PRICE CAMS SMART:
Comparison shop at ONE location. The webcam marketplace at Amazon provides one-stop shopping; Look for "Also available from these 3rd-party sellers" to assess price and camera availability from multiple vendors - all under one roof. Compare their shipping charges - or trust Amazon with Free Super-Saver shipping - on it's way - today! You don't need to waste hours slogging on the web to make a good webcam choice at a low-price. We've done the hard work for you! The BEST are linked in the Left Sidebar.