Web-cam need advice.

[slipfit]

I am thinking about getting a web cam. My friend wants me to get one so she can watch me. I am new to the idea and have seen post in the past regarding web cams but I know nothing about it. She has a cam but I have not been able to connect so I can see her. Any advise in appreicated.

 

[Calvin]

I am thinking about getting a web cam. My friend wants me to get one so she can watch me. I am new to the idea and have seen post in the past regarding web cams but I know nothing about it. She has a cam but I have not been able to connect so I can see her. Any advise in appreicated.

There are many things to consider. You want to get the fastest frame rate you can for the video and if you plan to use it for stills, then the highest resolution possible. But most importantly, make sure that it is compatible (has drivers) for the Operating system you run on your comp. Many webcams do not have drivers for the x64 bit systems like I run (XP)... so be careful. Read lots of reviews and listen to others that have them helps too. My Logitech Fusion is a nice cam but I have to run it on a different system due to the available drivers.

Good luck

 

[SweetErika]

This is an excellent site I used a lot when researching them. Try a search of thread titles here, too.

I went for quick and inexpensive with the Logitech QuickCam IM a year and a half or so ago. It's not the best, but does everything I want it to, is easy to use, and I've been happy with it so far.

 

[Jenny_Jackson]

Also depends on the p2p you intend to use. I've found MSN Messenger to be ok but like Yahoo better. Most cams will connect right away on either. However, there is an occasional problem, especially on older models, that requires you to make a repair in the System Registry. (Yikes!!). The newer installation software seems to have corrected that problem.

Both MSN and Yahoo have web cam compatibility lists you can find in the HELP tab. I would suggest you look there for the particular cam before you buy.

 

[slipfit]

Thanks for the inof. I will be using it for video. I have a digital camera for stills. My friend has her webcam but for some reason I can't log in to see her. Any thoughts?

Everyone seems to be so cool on this board. I have lurked around for almost a year now and finally decide to post. Thanks again.

 

[SweetErika]

Thanks for the inof. I will be using it for video. I have a digital camera for stills. My friend has her webcam but for some reason I can't log in to see her. Any thoughts?

Everyone seems to be so cool on this board. I have lurked around for almost a year now and finally decide to post. Thanks again.

Welcome to posting.

What service are you using? I only use Yahoo for webcam stuff.

 

[slipfit]

MSN and Windows Messenger.

 

[SweetErika]

MSN and Windows Messenger.

This or some of the other articles on using webcams with MSN 6 (google 'MSN messenger webcams' ) may help.

When my friend and I started using ours, Yahoo reportedly had the best capabilities and was easiest to use, so that's what we went with. It IS easy, and we only have problems when one of us has a PC issue, which is usually solved by shutting down Yahoo and rebooting. I know that doesn't help with MSN, but if you can't get it going, Yahoo might be worth a try.

 

[slipfit]

Thanks for the helpful info. Awesome AV pic.!

 

[boobwitched]

Another option ...

If you have a miniDV camcorder (or any digital model, such as a SONY Digital8) you can connect to your computer with USB or FireWire and use the camcorder as a webcam ...

It's possibly a bit more hassle this way, but the quality will be great, and if you only need it occasionally, it might be a good choice ...