Web camera with auto focus: how it works, functions, how to choose

Under webcam means a device capable of reading video and transfer them to a computer monitor. There are a plurality of chambers, they differ in functionality, the parameters, the quality of the finished image and producers.

Before you find out what exactly is web-camera with autofocus and how to choose it, it is necessary to understand the meaning of these two concepts, and what meaning they carry.

How does a web camera with autofocus

Auto Focus (AF function) - a function of measuring the distance to the subject with the correction image for the better. Autofocus is adjusted, based on the obtained values ​​of the distance to the object. If the auto focus is not intended to, then get to the exit clear picture is not possible.

The program correctly adjusts the flash output, changing the parametric values ​​of the lens focus.

Autofocus configured in several modes:

• Active, in which the autofocus measures the distance to the desired object and focuses on this parameter;
• Passive when a camera or a webcam image of studies on the subject of contrasting lines or shape of the object;
• Combined when webcam is a set of active and passive focusing or other advanced functions.

Webcam - mobile camera of small dimensions, which, when connected to a computer to send a video at the time of communication network-the Internet. The camera photo and video shooting, rapidly transmits image information through the network.

Display, which determines the brightness of the shooting premises, and normal response matrix camera is considered the sensitivity (unit - suites).

Since the introduction of such equipment in the lives of millions of people modify their resolution and sensitivity to light sources at times improved. Despite this, the goods are subject to regular drop in prices. Select high-quality web camera at a reasonable price now is not a serious problem.

The principle is: The higher the requirements to the camera, its quality and brand, the more expensive it will cost to acquire it. " It is not necessary to own professional photography skills, know quite clearly the target destination camera and the necessary functionality for it.

Web camera with autofocus function

With the help of a web camera with autofocus and displaying videos transmitted through the network, you can communicate in social networks through the video image mode time online, balancing the contrasts in photographs, create and modify settings in the settings, if necessary, in accordance with the desires of the client.

The basic functional characteristics of the device are the following parameters:

• Pictures of photographic images. If the purpose of the purchase is the only webcam picture, then favored models with high-resolution matrix capacity, high memory capacity and data saving. The memory capacity of 8 megabytes is optimal for high-grade images and storage of finished images in memory. According to the number of images should be oriented to the exemplary values. Thus, the picture resolution of 640x480 pixels (up to 120 pieces), video 40 seconds approximately 320x240 pixel video resolution of 160x120 pixels duration of 90 seconds.
• Shooting video. If the main function is important to have high-quality video, then you can pay attention to good quality panoramic images capture video. Popular brands of webcams can provide a good shooting mode and perfect quality. Many negative wire is connected to a computer. Solve the problem using the camera wireless modification. Another drawback of these models consider the lack of a viewfinder image.
• "Smart zoom" function. Smart zoom and auto focus have at its core. The advantage of automatic tuning function is considered necessary sharpness depending on the remoteness of the photographic subject. Webcam automatically adjusts the necessary parameters of your settings for the shooting process, so staff are clear, with a pronounced image quality. Devices with Smart zoom is not available in all Web cameras, so it is important to dwell on this feature in more detail when buying appliances.
• On-board microphone. Many webcams are originally equipped with a built-in microphone. Thus, there is no need to purchase additional phonographic elements and other technical equipment. Of course, with the help of the microphone can not be recorded clear vocal performance, as on-board microphone webcams designed only for voice, but the quality of it is equivalent to the broadcast by mobile phone.
• Password protection. Using the webcam can be as personal, and with the possibility of access to many persons. To prevent access to the webcam undesirable actors should just set her security code. These measures will prevent the spread of personal and other information to the Internet and beyond. By the way, today the popular camera sensitive to movement. These devices are able to calculate the moving objects to capture the trajectory of their movement and even assess the actual size along with movement speed.
• Methods for fixing the camera. Secure web-camera can be on the table (clip-on method), or to fix on a computer monitor. If the camera is very tiny, it can be built into a computer of the PC or laptop. Table camera can be mounted on a special platform or support (leg). These devices take much working space, but allow the lens cover large horizons to determine the precise subject.
• The surveillance function. Webcams reported to the owners of the developments in a room in their absence. In addition, it has become extremely fashionable among young people, including the ever-busy parents. Some of it helps keep track of young children with computer either online or in the recording mode. For a full connection to a video surveillance camera enough away (if desired, several) in appropriate places living area and view what is happening in the room at a special tracking program through a computer. Modes are able to speed up work and continuous shooting operation at the time of the appearance of a moving object. Monitoring the room with the help of web-enabled devices economically, does not require significant costs. The only drawback of this method is considered to be small cable lengths (no more than 5 m).

How to use

To install a particular camera is best to follow its instructions, because there is a specificity in the installation for each device. Classic Camera installed through the USB-port connector, which has two types, and differ in speed.

In ordinary cameras with the installation of the USB connector 1.1 is unlikely to succeed to do chic image and communicate in the online mode at the highest level. In cameras with extension of not more than 640 pixels horizontally, is very slow and "hang" video.

In order to make communication as comfortable as possible and complete, it is recommended to use a web device with autofocus option to connect to USB-port 2.0. Another indication of the quality of the camera will speed of 30 frames per 1 sec.

If the webcam purpose involves only the transfer of the image on the network, the Internet, then you should pay attention to a cellular modem. modem data transfer rate varies in the range of 20 kbit / s, so the webcam will transmit very high quality video.

Broach LAN (cable) involves a high speed connection and data transmission, and therefore image transfer chamber is much higher. Est speed for different operators varies between 10 Mbit / sec.

The housing is mounted information transmitter, and the signal receiver is located in the USB protocol. Similarly, it is working Wi-Fi connection.

Advantages and disadvantages

To the main functionality and advantages of a web-camera with autofocus is necessary to carry data through video and audio recordings online.

The disadvantages include a relatively small level of quality video and still images. To start the chat online, you need to connect to the Internet. To save the image as usual mandatory access to the Internet is not required.

Design features

Final installation and connection to the network, the Internet, the camera takes on a special web address that identifies it to the network open spaces. Assigned to that address special computer programs in automatic mode.

As soon as the computer detects the camera as a web connection object, then the device begins to work independently in a network mode.

How to choose a web-camera with autofocus

Initially, it is to determine the purpose of the device. These are all choices. If the camera is required only for communication and live video in the home mode, then it is preferable to buy a model of primitive patterns.

When the owner it is important to process images, record and store them, then you need to purchase a more expensive model, where the specified functions will be much greater. No matter what kind of camera and what to buy - they must meet a minimum set of requirements:

• Frame Rate. It is important the figure of 30 fps or higher.
• Automated adapting chamber under lighted space.
• Connecting the camera to a USB port;
• Price criterion.

If the first three items are all relatively clear, the cost of the device plays a crucial choice. In order to save budget suitable economy-class cameras, whose extension varies in the range of 640 pixels horizontally and a USB-interface port 2.0. The models are already equipped with autofocus.

In primitive models do not have an onboard microphone, so they are fully suitable for inexperienced beginners.

Sometimes there are functional delights - the ability of the device to determine the web host's face when taking pictures. Expensive models include the strongest equipment and software are legitimate interest of clients for follow-up work on the network, the Internet.

Not necessarily have to be renowned expert in the shooting industry, photos, presentations or video conferencing, and other activities associated with the camera. Choosing a web camera with autofocus under the power to make their own or turn to experienced professionals.