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Video Cameras – The Lifeline of Video Conferencing

Using commercial software (or packages downloaded from the Internet free), web cams, or a digital video camera, increasing numbers of people are turning to video conferencing as an innovative communications tool. Many of these real-time cameras, when connected to a broadband Internet connection, are capable of transmitting images and sound at rates that make natural conversation possible.

What Kinds of Cameras are Available for Video Conferencing?

Cameras that can be used for video conferencing range from inexpensive web cams to full-featured digital video cameras. In selecting a camera you must consider both your budget and the expectations you hold for the camera’s intended use.
WEB CAMS
Typically the lens of a web cam will be made of plastic and will feature a manual focus ring that is screwed in and out to achieve a clear image. The image sensors are either CMOS or CCD with CMOS being the most common in lower-end models. Offering resolution in the VGA range, many low cost web cams can produce about 25 frames per second and so offer relatively low image quality. For the most part web cams are meant to be placed in one location and to have a more or less fixed focal length.

The popularity of live web cams on the Internet, however, is rapidly driving improvements in the technology of these cameras. Many remote location web cams placed at the site of sporting events or overlooking well-known landmarks like Old Faithful in Yellowstone Park, can be controlled from a website. While the frame rate on these cameras is still low (and in some instances new images are produced at intervals of a few seconds) they can be panned, zoomed, and even used to shoot still images.

In addition, it is now possible to place a wireless video camera in your home that will interface with your home computer network. These cameras can be positioned to overlook your front door or yard or to watch who ever cares for your children. These so-called “nanny” cams are often small and easily disguised. Their output can be viewed over any Internet connected computer via a web browser.
DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERAS
Digital video cameras are the same cameras you would buy to shoot movies of your children playing soccer or to record the family vacation. Enabled with the necessary connection ports, many of these cameras can also function as videoconferencing devices. They are better made, with glass lenses and a greater ability to zoom in and out. The frame rate of these cameras will be at least 30 frames per second. They will produce crisper images and can be panned and zoomed more efficiently.

How do I Choose a Video Conferencing Camera?

As with any choice of technology you should select the camera that best fits the goal you have in mind for your video application. If you are planning on putting a live camera on your hamster’s cage, a $20 fixed focal length web cam will be more than adequate. If, however, you are planning on conducting corporate meetings or long distance training sessions, you need a digital video conference camera.
WEB CAMS
Web cams are now readily available from as low as $20 to as high as $150. Prices tend to be based on resolution. If you are planning on carrying on a conversation, you probably do not want to invest in a web cam that produces less than 640 x 480 resolution or that cannot handle 30 frames per second. The better web cams will feature CCD technology, not CMOS. In general web cams connect to your computer via a USB cable.
DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERAS
Digital video cameras will produce sharper, faster images and range from $250 and up. The device must be able to support a USB or Firewire output in order to connect to a computer. If the quality of video in your meeting is of primary consideration, you will want to use a digital video camera.

If you are in a corporate setting and envision simultaneous video conferencing among three or more sites, you will also need a device similar to that which makes audio conference calls possible. A multipoint control unit, either hardware or software based, will be able to handle the application.

Continue to : How to Use Video Conference Cameras

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