
A webcam is a powerful device that enables you to broadcast an image over the internet enabling you to see the live happenings of the location you are monitoring, your dream travel destination, or combine the image with Instant Messenging and chat with a loved one.There are many different cameras that can be used as a webcam and in this article we try and show you the best option for your requirements.Lets start by listing the most popular solutions that are available and then in later articles we will be going in-depth and exploring the pros and cons of each.- USB Webcams are by far the most popular camera used for a webcam. These webcams are mostly used by consumers to display their living environment or to chat live using Instant Messenging programs. Manufacturers of these devices include Logitech, Creative, and Microsoft.- Network/Ethernet Webcams are used mainly for businesses with security requirements, however they are also popular for highly visited scenic websites. The big manufacturers of these cameras include Axis, Panasonic and Sony.- Wireless Webcams are becoming more popular as technology in this area improves. Wireless web cams are handy when connection to a traditional wired ethernet network is unaccessible. Again the big manufacturers of wireless web cams include Axis, Panasonic and Sony.- Digital Video Cameras (Camcorders) can be connected to your PC via Firewire (others names for Firewire include i.Link and IEEE-1394). Images from DV camcorders can be captured with software like WebcamXP. Various instant messaging programs work with DV camcorders including Windows Live Messenger. Normally DV cameras offer superior image and sound quality when compared against USB connected webcams.- Analog Video Cameras (including Camcorders) are used in conjunction with a video capture card and webcam software. All-in-one solutions are provided by X10.By now you should have a fair idea on what webcam solution you should choose for your application. A search for any of the manufacturers mentioned should provide you with a wealth of information on their products. In future articles we will explore each solution and discuss the features, benefits, installation and costs of each web cam solution.