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A webcam is a video camera that streams an image or feeds or video in real-time through a computer to a computer network like the internet. The webcams can be used during video chat sessions which involve two or more people conversations which may include live video or audio. The term ‘webcam’ can also be used indicating a video camera connected to the Web continuously for an indefinite period rather than for any particular session.
The Technology Used In Webcams
Generally in webcams, an image sensor, lens, support electronics, one or two microphones for sound are used. Different technologies used in webcams are as follows:
Lens: Various types of lenses available are most common and in the case of consumer-grade webcams, a plastic lens can be used which can be manually moved in and out to focus the camera. The fixed-focus lenses which have no provisions for adjustments are also available. Since the camera system’s depth of field is greater for the larger formats and is greater for lenses with a small aperture. Therefore, the systems used in webcams have a large depth of field which uses a fixed focus lens that does not impact the image sharpness.
Image Sensor: Image sensors can be CCD or CMOS, the CMOS is dominant for low-cost cameras. Most of the consumer webcams also capable of providing the VGA resolution video and many newer devices can produce video in multi-megapixel resolutions. The Wi-fi remote contains an image sensor having a resolution of 1024*768 pixels.
Characteristics of Webcams
*Low manufacturing costs.
*High flexibility.
*Have display technologies with the lowest form of video-telephony.
*High and impressive resolution.
*Highly safe and secured.
Uses of Webcams
The webcams details can easily be viewed by visiting the site http://www.webcamsites.com/ and users may get to know all the detailed information’s regarding webcams with all its specifications before purchasing it. The webcams are mostly used in the establishment of video links, permitting the computers to act as videoconference stations or videophones. Other popular uses of webcams may include video broadcasting, computer vision, recording social videos, security surveillance, etc. The video streams provided by webcams are used for several purposes as follows:
*Video-calling & Video-Conferencing: The webcams can be used for instant messaging, text chat services like VoIP services such as Skype, one to one video live communication to reach millions of mainstream PC users globally. New features like automatic lighting controls, real-time enhancements automatic face tracking, autofocus; wrinkle smoothing or retouching, etc. in webcams have improved its video quality.
*Video- Monitoring: The webcams can be installed at various places like childcare centers, shops, private areas, offices to monitor general activity and security.
*Video- Security: The webcams can also be used as security cameras. The recordings can be saved to the computer, e-mailed, or can be uploaded to the internet. It is very helpful and beneficial in detecting any crime or theft.
Video-Clips & Stills: The webcams are also used for taking video-clips and still pictures. For it, various software tools are used.
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