A webcam is a video camera that captures still images and video on a computer. It can be built into a laptop or tablet, or it can be a standalone device that is plugged into a desktop. Webcams are commonly used for video conferencing, online video streaming, and online education. They are used for online meetings, conferencing, and online education the vast majority of the time. Most webcams have a modest resolution of 720p or 1080p, though its possible to find 4K models as well.
If your laptop has a built-in webcam, you can use it for video conferencing, live streaming, and social media. However, there are reasons why you might want to add a standalone device. Here are some reasons why you should use a webcam over your built-in laptop camera:
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Higher resolution: Webcams offer a higher resolution than built-in laptop cameras, which can help you enjoy better picture quality in Skype, Zoom, and other video conferencing apps.
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Adjustable position: Built-in laptop cameras are typically fixed at one angle, offering only a limited field of view. On the other hand, webcams allow users to adjust their position for the best view of themselves and whatever else is happening in the room.
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Improved lighting: The lighting from most built-in laptop cameras is often dim and inadequate for making video calls or streaming online content. Webcams come with special light-enhancing technology that helps illuminate your face even if there isnt enough natural light available in the room where youre working.
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Added features: Most webcams include features like autofocus, digital zoom, and noise cancellation that arent usually available with built-in laptop cameras. These features help ensure you look your best when chatting with colleagues or friends over a video conference. Plus, some webcams also have microphones, so you dont have to depend on your computers default audio setup for clarity of voice.
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Enhanced privacy protection: Webcams offer better protection against hackers than built-in laptop cameras because of sophisticated encryption technology. They also allow users to manually turn off the camera when its not in use, a feature that most built-in laptop cameras do not have. Additionally, webcams provide a physical barrier between the user and the hacker, making it more difficult to hack into the camera.