With an approximate 1 megapixel resolution, this webcam delivers decent image quality, suitable for everyday video chatting and casual recordings. However, it does not feature a built-in flash, limiting its performance in low-light conditions. The Elgato Facecam is a relative newcomer to the streaming circuit, placing a firm emphasis on accessible, high-quality content. It shoots video at a streaming-friendly resolution of 1080p, uncompressed, with a 60p frame rate. It is important to understand the technical limitations of this webcam before expecting too much of it. If you don’t care for Full HD, HDR and precisely-controlled whit balance, then this webcam will fit your needs just fine. The 720p resolution is still HD, and is arguably all you really need, since the video seen by your audience is always compressed by whichever video conferencing app you use. High-definition video capture: Webcams support 1080p or higher resolution video, providing clear and detailed video images. There is also a digital zoom function, although we would advise against using this, because the 720p resolution, while acceptable when viewed normally, doesn’t provide enough pixels for images to remain sharp when zoomed in. Finally, there is a manual focus option for making sure the image stays exactly the way you want it – we prefer this, as autofocus can have a habit of incorrectly adjusting in some lighting conditions, taking you out of focus.

It clips neatly onto the top of your television or PC monitor or can be attached to a tripod if you want to get more creative with your angles and framing. The camera shoots and streams live in 1080p Full HD resolution at 30 frames per second, and there's also a ‘hyperfast’ mode for streaming 720p at 60fps. However, if you're obsessed with image quality and you only want the best for your audience, then why not consider investing in a mirrorless or DSLR camera. Up until as recently as last year, streaming with an interchangeable lens camera was a little complicated, but now most manufacturers have provided firmware updates that turn cameras into USB webcams, including the Canon EOS R. The Sigma fp was actually one of the first "proper cameras" that could be used natively as a webcam without an HDMI capture card, but now the streaming world is your oyster! Lighting is a crucial part of video production, and you’ll want to make sure your face is brightly and evenly lit when streaming. You can invest in standalone lighting to help achieve this, but on a tight budget, you could be better off with the Razer Kiyo, which has its own integrated light ring made up of 12 LEDs. The light ring surrounds the camera and its brightness can be adjusted; the lights offer up to 10 Lux of brightness at a distance of one meter, with a color temperature of 5600K. As well as brightening your face, the light should also help prevent your face from mirroring reflections of gameplay from your screen, making for a more professional look.

Live streaming from an action camera is a brilliant idea; the cameras themselves are portable and already equipped with connectivity. Both DJI's Osmo Action series and the better-known GoPro Hero series it is attempting to supplant are both so equipped. Both, too, can live stream, albeit via a phone app. The Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 is a webcam that offers a maximum frame rate of 30 frames per second, allowing for smooth and fluid video footage. It boasts a maximum video resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels, ensuring clear and detailed visuals during video calls or recordings.

The default image it produces is bright – some might call it overexposed – but if it’s not to your taste then it’s easy enough to fix the settings with Elgato’s Camera Hub software. There isn’t any vertical adjustment as such, but the rubber mount is flexible enough to allow for some up/down movement while still gripping securely onto your monitor. The Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 is USB-powered, eliminating the need for additional power sources or batteries. Its compact design, with dimensions of 44.5 mm in width, 39.3 mm in depth, and 109 mm in height, makes it portable and easy to set up anywhere.

Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 - Pros & Cons

Programs includes some excellent video effects, perfect for usage with Windows Live Messenger and Skype.

The Logitech Brio is, in our opinion, the best 4K webcam for those who have a legitimate need for one. Who are these users? 4K isn't necessary for video calls or for game streaming since many don't have the internet broadband to stream 4K content.As for the camera itself, the Razer Kiyo streams at 1080p Full HD resolution at 30 frames per second (the gold standard for streaming at this price range), and a 60fps at 720p option is also available. Although a little larger than some other streaming cameras, the Kiyo still clips neatly to the top of your PC display.

Another plus – if you have it – is the ability to use it with DJI's excellent radio microphone system though, though the GoPro has the option of a wireless mic or a media mod too. Logitech's budget model, the HD Webcam C310, was sharp, clear and bright; it caught all of the detail that the LifeCam didn't. The C310 showed off the stitching in my shirt, and individual hairs on my head and beard. There was still some visual noise, but not as much as on Microsoft's camera. A webcam can be accessed remotely by someone else if your computer is infected with a type of virus called a Remote Access Trojan (RAT). If you are concerned about the potential for remote access, install some good antivirus software and use or buy a modesty shield for your camera. In addition to that, updating the software on your device can fix various problems that might be encountered during the product’s lifetime, and improve existing features like image quality, or add support for new ones. We were at first a bit confused by the flexible rubber stand of the LifeCam, but after a few minutes we realized it makes perfect sense. The stand still grips to the top of almost any monitor like those of all other webcams. But it can also act as a foot, so the webcam can be sat on a desk or shelf too.

What you get with the upgraded C922x is a camera with exceptional low-light performance, class-leading stereo audio capture, and autofocus optimized for people who move around energetically on stream. The webcam also comes with a 6-month XSplit license, which very nearly makes the camera as cheap as a LifeCam HD-3000 if you were going to get a subscription anyway. Unless you're willing to delve into the world of white label and unbranded webcams, you don't get more budget than the Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000. The 3000 has been around for 10 years now, and that's probably why it's so cheap. All told, I see the LifeCam HD-3000 as a bargain-priced desktop PC upgrade. Nearly all recent laptops come with at least a VGA-quality webcam built in, and the HD-3000 won't give you higher resolution video chats anyway. Our Editors' Choice webcam remains the Microsoft LifeCam Studio, which offers 1080p video recording (in limited situations) and higher-quality audio. The Logitech HD Pro Webcam C910 is another solid option; if you can find it at a discount, it's easily worth the extra money over the HD-3000 thanks to its 1080p resolution and top-notch stereo microphones. p style="margin: 0cm;" data-mce-style="margin: 0cm;">Can someone access your webcam?

A 1080p Full HD webcam will always look better, and a 4K webcam gives you the ability to zoom in without dipping below Full HD. But if you only need a webcam to briefly log into a once-weekly meeting, or to have the occasional catch-up with a far-flung relative, then the LifeCam is perfectly acceptable.