Video Conferencing Camera

How to Choose the Right Video Conferencing Camera

This guide could be subtitled "How Not to Buy the Worst Web Conferencing Product Ever."

Video conferencing camera?  Let's face it, some of us fall into the category of techno-dummy.  That makes the thought of buying any type of video conferencing equipment a daunting one.  Worse yet, suppose your boss has asked you to get one specifically for video conferencing and the IT guy is out sick today, so you can't ask his advice.  Where do you start?

Reso-what?

If you don't want fuzzy pictures, you need to get a web conferencing camera with high resolution.  To understand what this means, here's a couple of definitions from the Merriam-Webster online dictionary:

Pixels: Any of the small discrete elements that together constitute an image
Resolution: The process or capability of making distinguishable the individual parts of an object, closely adjacent optical images, or sources of light

Okay, so the more pixels that your picture has, the better the resolution and the clearer your picture.  You with me so far?

A normal resolution range on a video conferencing camera is from about 160x120 to 640x480 dpi (dots or pixels per inch).  If you decide you want a higher level of resolution than that, make sure your Internet connection can take it.  The clearer the picture, the slower it will load on your computer, so make sure you've got DSI or a cable modem.

Speedy Quick

If you want your customers or colleagues to see you clearly and not as a distracting, choppy mess, you'll need to get a video conferencing camera that processes about 10 to 30 frames per second.  As an explanation for those of us that are technically challenged, it's like your computer is taking pictures very quickly.  The more pictures it takes, the closer to real-time your webcast will be.

Again, the faster the Internet connection the better, because your camera can take all the pictures it wants to - your computer still has to process them all.

Connecting Interface 

Let's just call this section "Cables and Stuff."  Your connecting interface is the type of cable you'll need to make sure your computer can read the images that your video conferencing camera is sending through. 

The best in the bunch is the USB 2.0 cable.   It reads at about 30 frames per second, which is what your ideal webcam can do.

Where Do I Go from Here?

Now that you understand what you're looking for, you need to know where to find it.  Check out the stats and reviews below (provided by Yahoo Shopping) for ideas on who to buy your nifty new web conferencing product from.

 Logitech Quickcam Pro 4000

It may look like an eyeball, but this webcam offers a couple of very cool features: digital zoom and a built-in microphone (so you don't have to research that next).  Prices on this gadget start at $68.00 new and $59.96 used.  Out of 20 reviews, this camera netted four stars.

Creative WebCam Live! Web Cam

This model is a bit less creepy looking, if that's what you're looking for.  Its claim to fame is its capacity for 1024x768 dpi pictures (remember that a normal webcam does around 160x120 to 640x480 dpi).  Out of three ratings, it received four stars and its price ranges from about $37.00 to $55.00.

 Panasonic BL-C10A Web Cam

This bad boy is so cool that you can use it for a security system.  Convinced that Jerry in Accounting is emptying the candy stash in your desk, despite his protests to the contrary?  This camera will actually send you an email if it detects someone sneaking around.  They should call it the Panasonic Rottweiler Web Cam.  One reviewer gave it four stars and the price starts at $162.00.

Don't worry.  Every vendor will give you plenty of help when you ask about a video conferencing camera.  Try the one just below....

Click Here for Internet Based "Live Video Systems"