Web Can advise please

[Michael2]

I'm after a webcam, and need some advice on making a wise selection.

For example : how critical are Mega Pixels and Frames per sec.

What other criteria should I be looking for?

I went to the shops today (Dick Smith & Harvey Norman) and the tech guys there can only regurgitate what's already on the box - but there's no translation of that into image quality etc. An IT mate warned that if I got something with too high a quality, it may slow down depending on my connection.

Anyway, I bought a HNC 1.3 Mega Pixel camera which I plan to return tomorrow, the image is grainy and slow. However on paper it looked just like the other cameras.

So what do I look for?

Thanks in advance.

[Xavie]

Well, what connection are you harboring?

I have never had great experiences with a webcam when it is directly connected to the net. They seem better when you take the video and send it but that is not the usual scenario.

Because they are so low-tech things like lighting are of great importance I find for reasonable performance.

On whirlpool reviews and choice.com etc... the best cams that people use are often infact the cheapie jobs for like 30 or 40 bucks.

My suggestion is go to Whirlpool - Australian Broadband News (http://www.whirlpool.net.au) and search webcams. Here is a direct link to one discussion also Reccomendation for Webcam - PC Hardware - Whirlpool Broadband Forums (http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm't=852113)

Hope this helps I've been struggling with this for ages and found that connecting a normal digital camera has good results.


Xavier

[Xavie]

And this person looks like he has a great website and looks very easy to read and navigate. Just had a quick glance and will come back to it later I think all your questions are easily answered by him but I could be wrong. Webcam Reviews (http://cowboyfrank.net/webcams/index.htm)

Also there is an Frames per sec article he has written on first page which looks good.

Xavier

[Michael2]

Thanks for that advise, the 2nd link was good, I followed the advise and tried adjusting the camera settings and realised the lens had a focus ring :o. That really cleared up the image and sharpened the clarity.

[loanrangie]

And i thought you were looking for ways to get on the web while in the can !