Looking for the Best Laptop Camcorder / Webcam
What are you looking at...
There's a big difference between camcorders and webcams. For instance, a camcorder weighs a pound or more whereas a camcorder is quite small. Also, you'll find a price difference. Camcorders will start at a few hundred dollars. Webcams will start at around $20. Camcorders do not need to be hooked up to your laptop to be used. However, webcams must be connected to your laptop or computer.
So let's assume that when you say "the best laptop camcorder" you actually mean "the best laptop webcam".
In looking for a webcam, there are several items to consider. These are not in any particular order.
First, what will you be using the webcam for? Are you interested in doing videoconferencing with your friends or family? Or are you interested to use it for multimedia purposes such as creating a video tutorial?
If you're looking to do videoconferencing then a simple webcam that you could buy almost anywhere should do the trick. However, if you're looking to do multimedia then you're looking at some more specialized webcams.
Second, how many frames per second does the webcam capture? For general purposes, a minimum of 15 frames per second is sufficient. For multimedia purposes, 30 frames per second is required.
Third, is it a CMOS or CCD webcam? For general purposes, a CMOS webcam will work just fine. A CCD webcam will be more expensive, but the quality of the images will be much greater. When you go shopping, ask the sales person to show you, side by side, a CMOS webcam and a CCD webcam. The difference is amazing.
Fourth, and I think this is very important, how well does it hook to your laptop? In looking for the best laptop camcorder / webcam, this is critical. A few years ago, I purchased what was supposed to be a very good webcam. Everything about it is great except how it hooks to my laptop monitor. I don't know who designed this thing, but it, in a word, "sucks". It is virtually impossible for it to hook up to my monitor or any other monitor. In my opinion, the best hook will be one that is rubberized and spring-loaded so that it can hold snugly to your laptop monitor. This would be key in choosing the best laptop
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Fifth, how much are you willing to pay? In general, you should be able to get a simple webcam for under $50. For a more sophisticated one, you will pay around $75 - $100 or more. If you're not in a rush, go to FatWallet.com in their hot deals section, you'll find many sales and even coupons on good deals. You might save yourself quite a few dollars.