Voip Blog
Cowboy Frank's webcam roundup
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
It's hard to make a widget-buying decision based solely on whatever propaganda comes out of the manufacturer's media machine. I like to dig around online and find out what people really think. Today, in my search for webcam reviews, I stumbled across Frank Harrell's site, CowboyFrank.net.
Cowboy Frank is a colorful fellow and he throws down some seriously excellent reviews-- 33, in all. Plus, there's an extensive FAQ, tips on how to set up your webcam, lighting suggestions, and a slew of other information.
My favorite part of the reviews is when he shows screenshots of how the camera does in different lighting situations-- from no lights except the computer monitor to broad daylight with supplemental incandescent lighting. You also get a feel for how much is captured by each camera. Is it only your face, or will a room full of people be picked up as well? Difficult to tell unless you've seen it in action.
Another important consideration is the type of microphone setup each camera requires. Some of them have integrated mics, while others require headsets. As I recently learned, all headsets are not created equal. In fact, some of them don't appear to have even the most rudimentary ability to stay hooked around your ear. It's really irritating when you're in the middle of a voip internet phone call on the computer and your headset decides to launch itself from the relative safety of your ear into the jumbled tangle of wires under the desk. Thank you Cowboy Frank, for your astute assessments of how headsets work in the real world. And thanks again for the great reviews; puts us one step closer to VoipCam visits with the family.
