FAQs About Webcam Quality

Not all web cameras are created equal; some are best for light, while others feature night vision capabilities. Check out the following FAQs about webcam quality, pricing and other features.

Q: What makes a webcam worth $99 instead of $9?

A: You are most often paying for the brand name. Some cheaper webcams are poor in darker situations. Costly brand name web cameras often react faster in unavoidable situations, such as when the light changes or when detecting motion. Start with a lower cost webcam to see if you like it before spending more for a brand name.

Q: Can a webcam produce high-quality video?

A: Webcam abilities vary by hardware, software, computer operating system and processor capabilities. Current technology now produces computer cameras with high definition recording, providing quality images no matter what type of computer you have.

Q: What can I do if my camera's image quality is low?

A: Modify the lighting in the room. The room lighting may be too dim, too bright or positioned too close to the webcam.

Q: How can I improve the color quality of the web camera's image?

A: Modify the camera control options. Some web cameras only have radio buttons to select lighting conditions, such as daylight, incandescent or florescent. With no slider control for white balance, it is difficult to get accurate color. If accurate color is a concern for you, look for cameras that include slider controls for automatic white balance or hue.

Q: Is it time for me to upgrade to a newer model?

A: Improved video quality has helped webcams move toward the quality of traditional video conferencing systems. New features like automatic lighting controls, real-time retouching, automatic face tracking and auto focus further increase the quality and the popularity of webcams.