To get started with online video conferencing, the only equipment you really need is a webcam and microphone. You can pick these up
at an electronics store or order them off the internet from a site like Amazon. They are priced affordably, so anyone can get the
equipment needed to host a video conference.
A popular economical webcam is the QuickCam by Logitech. It is great to use for
online video conferencing and is small and portable so you can transfer it among computers and even use it on your laptop. It is inexpensive
and can be bought for under $30. It has a built-in microphone and a handy clip that you can use to attach it to your monitor.
The
QuickCam Pro 9000 is a higher-end webcam that delivers sharp, fluid video and has built in brightness adjustment. It also has a built-in
microphone that allows for crystal clear communication. It is priced at around $100.
Hewlett Packard makes a deluxe webcam, the
KQ246AA, that is priced under $100. It delivers video at 30 frames per second which displays your natural body movements during online
video conferencing. It tilts, pans, and has a wide-angle microphone that has improved voice capture capabilities.
The Microsoft
LifeCam is another webcam that works well for online video conferencing. It is priced under $50 yet delivers quality audio, video,
and stills. It is optimized for use with Live Messenger, which is one of the largest instant messaging services on the internet. That
means you have instant capability for one-on-one video communication.
When trying to decide what type of webcam to buy, take
into consideration how you will use it. If you just want to talk to family and friends, an inexpensive webcam will serve your purposes
well. However, if you want your business to appear as professional as possible when engaging in online video conferencing, it is probably
best to opt for a webcam that offers advanced features like zoom and automatic lighting adjustments.
To get the best results,
you may want to buy from leaders in webcam technology like Logitech and Microsoft and avoid no-name brands. After all, you don't want
your webcam to fail in the middle of your online video conferencing seminar.
