First of all, we need to clarify that it can be observed by smartphone, tablet or webcam. Any camera connected to the internet, by device or individually, is vulnerable to an invasion.

But, calm down, this procedure is not so simple. And not so complex in some cases.

How does the process work? Spies will be able to access their devices using existing passwords (so, change default passwords), or even take advantage of your curiosity to click on an unknown link or install programs from unsafe sources.

Smartphones are also susceptible. And not all antiviruses in the world will be able to help you if you don’t start taking care yourself.

With this type of access, hackers and people of bad nature will be able to see what you are doing and follow your routine.
The best way is care. Always keep strong passwords on your devices, have antivirus updated and, optionally, cover the camera lens when you are not using it.

When researching Webcams, you will find an absurd variety of them where the first big difference will be in the visual.

They can be oval, rectangular, triangular, circular, imitating the eyeball, similar to speakers. The shapes and colors are as diverse as possible, allowing them to suit all tastes.

However, still in the visual, there is something we should pay more attention to: how the device is fixed. There are usually two forms: Dock or flat base.

There are also those of mixed use, which have both characteristics. That is, they can be fixed in all possible ways, always guaranteeing the best use.

Check the differences through this comparative table:

Another important feature, linked in some way to the visual, is the quality of the lenses, because simpler webcam models usually come with plastic lenses against the standard glass lens.

At first, you may not notice a difference, but after consecutive cleaning of the equipment – due to the low resistance of the plastic – you will notice some smudges and scratches in the image coming from the lens.

Even a few minor scratches can cause discomfort when generating an image, since one point of the screen will always have a flaw, noticeable to all users.

Allow yourself the option for a glass screen, which will bring greater resistance and will have options from major manufacturers, ensuring optimal qualities.

Purchase criteria: Factors to compare webcam models

We have already trained your eyes to focus on what is interesting within what can be seen before buying a webcam, but know that inside the plastic shells they have a lot to show and surprise you.

Defining your need to purchase the product always helps when it comes to comparing. We will now show you a list with the main points to be observed in terms of hardware, and you will combine what you need with what they can offer. Are they:

• Video resolution
• Capture speed
• Focus system
• Photo resolution

Video resolution

Webcams have the most varied resolution capabilities, ranging from 640×480 pixels to even 4K resolution, of 3,840×2,160 pixels.

Basically resolution is the ability of a video to occupy a screen – which very closely are several dots with different colors -, where each of these points is counted.

So, a screen with 640×480 dots is small compared to the other example. This will be the size limit that it can show without losing resolution and leaving the image blurry or square.

As the subject is filming and broadcasting, here we insert a video from Canal Claquete explaining these details:

Capture speed

This is the number of times that your webcam will capture the movements within a second.

A video is actually a sequence of photos taken at insane speed.

And the term FPS, or frames per second, is precisely the indication of this quantity. When we see a device indicating the capture at 30 frames per second, it means 30 photos per second.

Astonished? We bet yes. And we get to see this many times when we shoot computer or television screens, which seem to flash. They basically change the image at a speed that the human eye cannot see.

A good webcam should capture at least 30fps so that the image does not appear blurry or ghosting.

In this video you can see the difference between the frames:

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Focus system

Every lens has the need for an adjustment to obtain better framing of the image, we call this focus adjustment.

Depending on how far away we are, our image is not clear and we need to correct it.

On smartphones the adjustment of focus is automatic, do the test by moving it with the camera activated. In webcams there is this option, but also two others, which makes this information important for your choice of a product.

The focus system can be automatic, manual or fixed. See the characteristics of each one.

• Auto: Best option, automatically adjusts the focus even when you move. It works automatically to get the best image.
• Manual: Adjust the focal point on the webcam itself. It offers total control of what to display, but needs adjustment every time there is a change.
• Fixed: It has a determined focal range, with no adjustment options. Integrates less webcam technology, requiring a fixed distance for better image

Photo resolution

Webcams are for filming, for sure. But they have a photo shutter function, and if you plan to use them, check the camera’s megapixel information for capture.

Capture is the usual name for this photography function. A good photographic resolution starts at 3Mp, and its limit is staggering, but if you don’t want to make a poster, up to 8Mb is fine.

So, ready to start using one? We hope to have provided all the necessary knowledge to be more comfortable when choosing, or even talking with friends, about one!