If you want to be able to speak to people face to face when they’re on the other side of the world then you’re going to need a webcam.

If you’ve got a new laptop you may already have one incorporated but if like me you’re still typing away on a desktop it’s likely you’re webcam less.

So what do you need to consider when you buy one?

Well first is what you’ll be using it for.

What type of webcam do you need?

The type of webcam you need will depend on what you want to use it with. If you want to use your webcam with a laptop then you’ll want to go with a portable webcam like the Samsung Pleomax.

If you want to buy one for use with your desktop you can get something a bit more substantial like the Creative Optia AF Webcam (currently available online for £44.79, usual price £79.99!)

What features do I want?

There are a range of features you can get with webcams. Some are more essential than others so it’s important to consider what you want to use it for before you spend money on features you don’t want.

Features you’re likely to see include:

• Digital Zoom - this will allow you to zoom in and out, useful if you’re going to be a distance away from the webcam, otherwise not quite sure what you’d use it for!
• DPI - DPI is concerned with the revolution of the webcam. Basically you want to get as high a number as possible. Make sure you check the video DPI and not just the photo DPI as these can be very different.
• Microphone - If you haven’t got a headset or a good microphone built into your computer then you’re going to need to get a webcam complete with microphone.

How much should you spend?

That very much depends on what you want. You could spend hundreds on top of the range webcams but it’s going to be a waste of money if you don’t make use of the features such as panning and tilting (like CCTV cameras).

Personally I’d say spend around £30+ to get something that will provide you with a decent image and sound.

Where should I buy from?

It’s really worth shopping around and is definitely worth buying online as prices are much lower than on the high street. Places that are really worth checking out include PC World, SVP Communications, Techfocus, Maplin, EuroPc and Micro Direct.

So that’s it my simple guide to buying a webcam. If you have any feedback or additional tips please add them below. I am also going to try and get hold of some webcams for webcam reviews so make sure you check back before you buy!

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