Webcams are pretty direct products. They don’t frequently propose a whole lot of bells and whistles since they tend to oblige a relatively singular purpose: you use them to stream video—either for online gaming or video conferencing on Skype, Zoom or Google Hangouts. Most people don’t have any need for high-end hardware or design, and so innovation in the space is rather limited. It’s one of those situations where simply is better. If you’re looking to pick up a new webcam, check out this list of the best ones by category:
Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920—Using the Logitech C920, the webcam is every bit a camera, capable of providing HD stills and video for a range of purposes, making it a multipurpose webcam for gaming, blogging, conferencing and even original purposes. It shoots and streams in Full HD (1080p) at 30 fps (although some models may shoot 1080p at slower frame rates), records stereo (two channel) audio, and can capture still images at 15 megapixels. This webcam is similar to most high-end smartphone cameras. It also features a Tripod-ready universal slide that turns into laptops and LCD monitors, a 360-degree swivel base and an enunciating support.
Logitech HD Webcam C525— One of the most common uses for a webcam is video blogging, chatting, YouTubing and other social media purposes. If you’re an avid YouTuber or video blogger, and you’re looking for a somewhat stylish but still affordable little webcam, check out the Logitech HD Webcam C525. The webcam records smooth 720p HD video snaps outstanding eight-megapixel still images and includes some nifty features to enliven your blogging applications. It has a one-click upload button, which can immediately send your streams to Facebook and YouTube. It also has an autofocus feature, automatic light correction for severe light conditions and a built-in noise-cancelling mic. It can even record in the 16:9 widescreen format and the swiveling base allows you to rotate the cam 360 degrees left or right. It was stylish, affordable and primed for the social media landscape.
Microsoft Lifecam HD-3000— A lot of people depend on standalone webcams to provide a more high-res video conferencing experience. They either don’t have a dedicated cam on their computers or do not appreciate the sub-par image quality it provides. If you find yourself in this camp—consistently using Skype or Zoom or Google Hangouts—consider investing in the Microsoft LifeCam. This webcam records and streams 720p HD video and allow recording in the 16:9 widescreen format. It features a passive noise-canceling microphone, TrueColor technology for bright and colorful video feeds and a universal attachment base for connection to any laptop or desktop computer.
Genius 120 Full HD Webcam—If you want to live stream a musical performance, record an entire family at Thanksgiving dinner, or stream some momentous landscape from your laptop, check out the Genius Ultra Wide Angle Webcam. This webcam captures Full HD (1080p) video at a wide angle of up to 120 degrees, giving you an excellent view of a wide variety of conditions. It also captures 12-megapixels still images, rotates 360 degrees and tilts up and down with the laptop or desktop connection. It even features a glass lens that offers manual focus capabilities.
Logitech HD Webcam C615— The Logitech C615 offers the best image quality available. You can record HD 1080p videos and video chat in 720p, making streaming and monitoring game nourishes a breeze and easy. It has 360-degree full kind of motion and lets you pan and tilt manually. The solid frame rates will keep your fellow gamers happy, and if you’re gaming on the go, you’ll love its light. 55-pound weight and fold-and-go portability that shields the lens when you chuck it into your bag.
Logitech C270— Logitech is one of the top best brands in webcams, having a hold on greatest of the top-selling products. But there’s a motive for that: they make quality, reliable webcams. With 720p video calling and recording and a diffident design, the C270 is a solid option for any Skype session, Google Hangout or Zoom meeting. You can snap necessary three-megapixel still images, and it features a built-in noise reduction mic. It does not twirl left or right, but it does incline and articulate vertically.