Webcams: tiny, inexpensive wonders that plug directly into your computer and are a breeze to use.  

There are lots of reasons why everyone should have a webcam in their arsenal of online video production equipment.  Even if I were lucky enough to have a dozen different video camera for my very own, you can bet your bottom dollar that at least two would be webcams.  (I have two computers).  If I were unlucky enough to only have one video camera, it would probably be a webcam.

I love all webcams.  Not because they give the most incredible, high def resolution image.  Nope that’s not the reason.  It’s because they are:

• Brain dead simple to use
• Dirt cheap
• All-in-one camera/mic
• Barely needs any light
• Records instantly on your hard drive, no capturing!
• Helps you look ten years younger!  HUH?  (Gotta watch the video to get that one!)
• Tiny and fits anywhere

Webcams are the simplest, cheapest way to enjoy video.  With a webcam, you can take it out of the box, plug it in to your computer and be recording video of yourself within minutes.  You can edit that video or upload it to the web straight out of the camera.  You can also use a webcam to stream video live on the web too. This means that people can watch the video you have made on your webcam on their laptops at home or now even on their iphone 4. It’s such a good way for you to be able to connect with people, your friends or strangers from all over the world.

In order for you to get the best video possible out of a webcam, I made this video tutorial to show you the best practices for webcams.  You’ll see why just a tiny bit of light is needed, where to put it, and how to use a stack of  dusty old videotapes as a tripod.   You’ll also see a side-by-side comparison of webcam video quality and a more expensive and more complicated to use mini DV camera.

Even though the difference is indeed great, watch the tutorial to see how I spin lousy resolution into a benefit of the webcam!

Thanks for reading VPT

Lorraine Grula

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