For many students and professionals working from home or remotely, a good online webcam is essential for quality video communication. While mobile phones have cameras that work well for short chatting sessions, they are not ideal for extended remote meetings or classes and are often uncomfortable to use for long periods of time.

A standalone webcam is an external device that connects via USB or wirelessly to a computer. It may be equipped with a microphone or not, and it can have different lens types such as a zoom lens for closeups and a fixed-focus one that is factory-set to the typical distance from the monitor at which the webcam is used. Various frame rates are also available, typically in the range of 30 frames per second or 60 fps.

Higher-quality webcams feature glass lenses for higher resolution and better image quality, especially for video conferencing or streaming. Some have autofocus that allows you to capture your subject in focus, even if they are moving around or their face is in shadow. Some have special effects that allow you to block a background and replace it with a different image, such as green screen or chroma key.

Businesses frequently use streaming webcams to conduct virtual meetings or demonstrations of products. Tourist attractions also use them to provide visitors with a glimpse into their facilities and amenities, such as museums or zoos. And schools and day care centers use them to give parents a view of their children’s learning activities. online webcams