8 kinds of webcams: the benefits, features, functions

Today, the installation of web cameras, even on old PC considerably extends the possibilities of communication between people, but the convenience of the user needs at least the simplest representation of the design and technical features of modern webcams.

Webcams Full HD and up

The main classification of webcams today carried out depending on the matrix devices the ability to perceive the image and generate a signal in a digital format.

Modern cameras equipped with a matrix capable of taking an image with a resolution of 720p, or otherwise in an HD (1280 × 720 pixels) such parameters subsequently converted by software and it turns on the screen tolerable picture of a dynamically changing image at 30 frames per give me a sec.

Such parameters are common to most cameras produced. A higher specifications and, accordingly, expensive equipment such a segment is calculated to obtain accurate and realistic image. This equipment is equipped with a matrix able to perceive the image at Quality Full HD 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels).

Full HD camera wide angle is obtained, with the highest quality color, depth of field image.

But this is only the general parameters of itself Full HD 1080p format implies a clear image quality is not only due to increased capacity matrix, a quality required and relevant programs and a fast processor a computer graphics card and high-speed connections network.

The camera itself generates a video signal for transmission to the monitor and then across the network, which has a high resolution of the frame, this function makes it possible to transmit a signal without distortion. In addition, the class Full HD webcam possess incomparably large compared to the other classes to camera:

• stable operation of the equipment;
• function of automatic recognition and retain the focus of the individual objects, such as persons;
• automatic image correction according to the shooting conditions;
• Full HD grade products equipped with optics, lenses which are made of glass, which is transmitted without distortion of the image in its matrix;
• Web cameras are equipped with supersensitive microphones capable of transmitting sound without distortion, and the software allows you to automatically cut off the excess noise;
• to obtain a stable image, most models of Full HD-cameras are equipped with infrared illumination for work in an environment where ambient light is not sufficient to obtain a clear picture, and the full darkness.

The webcams lineup of Full HD, in addition to high-quality images, and implemented other additional necessary functions. Construction tripods, mounts and housings models Full HD, make it possible to mount the device on a variety of surfaces.

Most often, this feature is implemented in the hardware's ability to recognize faces and automatically adjust to tracking him, including the rotation of the camera body.

Webcam with microphone

Webcam despite the tiny size, initially includes video processing means and compulsory sound pictures.

Simply put, a microphone in this device is a mandatory component required for full communion. The first versions of the cameras had a microphone in his set, and so a microphone to record sound separately sold today with the development of technology all the webcams in your body have a microphone.

The HD segment mounted microphones, has a higher sensitivity and quality perceived sound, they are able to perceive sounds, and close to the microphone, and at a considerable distance From him. A feature of HD models is a microphone, which allows self-adjust to the perception of sound at a distance of 3-4 meters.

For Full HD quality cameras microphones are matched with even higher rates, e.g., circular sound perception, and not the usual frontal or highly directional.

In such models, the sound is transmitted in stereokachestve with full range of both high and low tones. In addition, Full HD devices include a specific audio stream, thereby providing an excellent quality of video image and audio track.

However, the arrangement in one microphone camera body does not exclude the use of additional recording equipment included. Use in this case a microphone in the camera body web will be carried out in the mode selected by the user.

Software equipment ensuring the operation of all the devices itself will ask the user how to use regular or additional microphones.

As well as with an additional microphone, use the microphone embedded in the headphones. In this case, the camera turns off the microphone alone or the program again to seek guidance on the use of the device at the user's choice.

Web camera with autofocus

Formation of dynamic pictures, with sound transmitted from the webcam, and has Other important features that improve image quality, at the same time facilitating user operation with her.

One of those functions required to operate the autofocus function performs image. In fact, this automatic adjustment and retention of a single object in the center of the picture. This option has been applied today as in the equipment of cameras of mobile devices and personal desktop computers.

The disadvantage inherent in lenses of cameras earlier generations, requires a clear position of the user in front of the camera or constant manual adjustments of the lens, is now done automatically, without further intervention on the device.

The device itself selects the most important object, and produces adjustment using autofocus. Even when you reject an object, changing the position of the object relative to the camera, autofocus yourself focused on it.

This feature makes it even easier process of creating a snapshot using your webcam as a camera. Autofocus enables much better to stabilize the image, remove noise in the form of shake and blur.

Obtained by shooting an image such equipment is easier to post-processing and adjustment, primarily through well-defined boundaries of objects contours.
Autofocus is required when using the camera as a surveillance camera or for capturing panoramic plans, such as the kind of window.

Automatic adjustment of equipment parameters without third-party intervention and rebuilds the lens array to another type of image.

Webcams with the headset included

Despite the declared attractive to the consumer specifications webcams, today the manufacturers of these devices continue complete production of additional accessories that improve video quality indicators - realistic and natural sound background.

And although it is most often an ordinary marketing tool, but it should pay tribute to that optional headphones (headphones) with a stereo effect make it possible to perceive the sound deeper and clearer in stereo, while the others fend off the need to participate in the audition sound.

The presence of a separate microphone bundled camera headset allows you to record sound, improve quality sounds, to use the overlay track when mounting feature video clips. The remote or secondary microphone on a separate base solves the problem of obtaining high-quality sound, and reduces the amount of noise in the audio channel.

The optional microphone is capable of receiving and transmitting audio in stereo.

Expansion microphone on the bottom control keys are set to control the unit, is another positive aspect using an optional microphone - click on the user's discretion keys enables easy unplugged microphone.

The advantages of an optional headset applies a function independent adjust the sound level in the headphones and microphone.

We should also dwell on the headphones, as a necessary accessory for personal use usually completed standard cord with a connector for connection to the sound card, and a cord for USB connector.

Earphone microphone usually equipped only connectors for connecting the computer with a sound card. For convenience in headphone design includes remote microphone on a flexible boom.

This design allows without much discomfort to others to participate in video conferences. By themselves, the headphones are designed taking into account the possibility of changing the head cover size headphones with the individual characteristics of each user.

Webcams with covered lens

Of all the varieties of cameras targeted for installation on personal computers, with the most interesting the conservation of personal data are the models that implement the objective of closing function shutter.

This is done to protect users in case of unauthorized camera is turned on by malicious software or computer viruses simply. This function is implemented in practice in the form of:

• mechanical shutters closed by the user;
• electronic devices, automatically closing the lens when you turn off the program of work with the camera.

Made of plastic lenses, despite the miniature size, are susceptible to scratches, resulting in deterioration of image quality.

Closing the lens today is a reliable solution to protect the camera lens from damage, even if reliable and durable glass lens mounted on the camera.

Available options models with closing the lens is a model with mechanical shutters, cover the lens by rotating or moving the corresponding key.

This practice shows a simple and reliable form of lens protection. However, it requires the participation of the human factor, that in itself can not be a guarantee of complete safety of the user.

Unlike models with mechanical closing blinds, models in which to protect the lens has a special electronic device Closing the lens - today it is the most reliable in terms of the user's web-camera security protection, because the role of the person in this case is reduced to minimum.

For the latest models of this action it happens automatically at the end of use of the device or turn off the computer. Electronic components themselves instruct mechanical lens closure.

It is worth noting that such a function, depending on the design solution can be implemented in the form of a rotary mechanism, or a separate part of the cabinet.

Webcams with USB

Among the common communication technologies from one device to another, webcams today are using data transfer via the USB port. Using a USB device port makes transferring video with sound and camera power supply optimal way.

Complete cord chamber and the kit may include both detachable USB-cable (which has one end made USB format, second, that is connected to a mini-USB camera) and cohesive when the cable is designed as a permanent connection to the body camera.

Universal use USB ports to connect to a computer to create sustainable high-speed connection to obtain qualitative improvement, so as the video and audio support.

However, the standard and used by USB connection enables to transfer data at a rate to provide reliable video signal in comfort. In this universal software computer system allocates becomes easier and easier to do the additional resources, and to work with a webcam.

Another added advantage of USB connection is its versatility, because modern multimedia devices use adapter with the USB-connector that allows you to use your webcam with the tablet PC, mobile phones and other devices.

Today, devices are becoming popular, using wireless transmission technology. These models consist of two components - a transmitter and receiver. The camera body is mounted the transmitter and the receiver is connected directly to the USB connector.

In this case, signal transmission technology via USB-connector to avoid interference when the equipment is operated.

Webcams for Windows

Today, among the world's popular computer operating systems of personal and portable computers, Windows - the most popular, versatile, low maintenance, operating system.

Dignity is still in the fact that among its member application programs has a lot of features to work with different video formats and optional equipment. The convenience of this operating system users, is evident even in such things as the use of embedded software modules for use with various electronic devices.

Of all sizes and classes of cameras, to work with the Windows software equipment, are most compatible webcams models Full HD format, they initially in its software package integrated, compatible with all versions of Windows applications that do not require additional agreement.

For Windows, there is no difference of class and the manufacturer installed in the computer's camera equipment. When you first connect the equipment will be tested for compatibility, and Windows will offer any adopt the proposed program, or the user to select the appropriate program to work with video files.

Windows works with the camera, receiving and transmitting video data, but by the user can record video into separate files for further processing. So as with video, with using Windows, you use a web camera to take clear pictures.

The versatility of this operating system, and consists in the fact that the images from a webcam can then be further processed using an additional set of the video editor, if included as part of Windows editor does not satisfy user.

the operating system of a personal computer with a camera, in addition, the functions listed above makes it possible to organize online broadcast and view in "real time" mode displays the image from the camera in a separate window on desktop.

At the same time, depending on the wishes of the user may view broadcasts do with a parallel process of writing a file to the hard drive, and without saving the data. In addition, certain types of equipment designed and manufactured exclusively for use in a Windows environment and is not suitable for use with other operating systems.

This distinctive technical aspect is necessarily taken into account in the selection and purchase of the webcam.

Tracking webcam

The idea of ​​using a web camera as a video camera today is not new, and has already developed further. Separate type of web cameras equipped with built-in sensor that reacts to movement. The role of such a sensor is that it comprises a chamber at the moment when there is a movement sensor in the service area.

After turning on the camera, an automatic video recording of what is happening. security cameras are installed at several observation points - to reach objects of interest with the right angle and with maximum coverage of the observed space.

Camera equipped with such sensors are able to broadcast and transmit the image space or outdoor space with a fixed viewpoint. Camera equipped with electronic sensors tracking accompany moving the selected object.

Accompanying the object of interest in the movement is achieved by rotating the lens and the focusing of the camera body itself. This function is used today in the fashion models, and models of mid-range, because users live communication in a familiar environment, preferably during daily sessions affairs.

For work in the dark, they install additional infrared LEDs, illuminating objects invisible to the human eye spectrum.

Dim-lighting function to determine the placement of objects, identify the external signs and recognize the details of objects at a distance.

For models with a tracking function when installed at considerable distances from the computer except the long cable, you will need both the additional equipment, e.g., for enhancing the video signal, as for normal operation in dark conditions for most cameras are marginal length cables 5 meters.

The budget models tracking function is implemented in hardware and the ability to recognize a person's face to hold the lens in focus. Rotate the lens barrel is made automatically when the person moves.