How does it work?
Webcams are highly known to be low-resolution yet small video capturing devices. Most webcams are not for professional video capturing use however and are mostly stationary. Their low cost, wide software capability, multiple uses and easy setup have made webcams popular to common consumers. The widespread of popularity of Youtube and webcam celebrities can actually be credited to the invention of this small and efficient device.
Setting up a webcam is as easy as one-two-three. First and foremost, most webcams are plug and play and use an USB port to hook up with computer or digital devices. All a consumer needs to do is to 1.) Find a suitable place to position the camera and then hook it up to computer, 2.) Install the video capturing software that comes with the camera (although some websites actually provide this for free like Youtube and Facebook) and 3.) Upload the video or use it to the consumers’ preference.
Who are the leading providers of this device?
Companies like Logitech and Creative, known for their manufacturing power of computer-related accessories are the well-known distributors of the said device. Electronic companies like Sharp and JVC has also joined the fray in producing webcams. Generic brand webcams too like CD-R King, with their low cost products are also in demand. For producers of gaming electronics like Sony and Microsoft, have also produced their own brand of webcam (Eye Toy and Playstation Eye) in an effort to raise quality and compatibility.
How does it differ from other similar devices?
Webcams are typically digital video cameras with low resolution. The difference primarily of webcams is its performance. The low cost of webcams come with a price; they can only capture low-resolution image and video. Also, most webcams are for video use only, if one would want to sync their video and their audio, one has to buy a computer microphone as well. Webcams are not stand alone products too, they need computers primarily for them to function. What stands out with webcams is its multiple use and easy uploading capability. Since most digital media devices need encoders and wires to upload the media to computers. Webcams though store these media directly to the hard drive. Also, a lot of webcam software offer direct upload to popular websites such as Youtube. The device is also the primary electronic when handling video conferences. A lot of government firms and companies have adapted webcam technology in order to keep in communication with their staff. Home consumers also use the webcam to talk to their relatives abroad or at least talk to people with face-to-face conversation. In a nutshell, webcams are primarily used for stationary and internet use.
What is the device used for?
As said above, webcams are typically used for video conferencing. More and more consumers demand to have face-to-face conversation without the need to be on the same place. Webcam’s low-resolution videos offer a good compatibility with the bandwidth of most consumers. Other uses of webcam are making video logs and academic lessons, offering to send it to consumers or viewers all around the globe.
Are there other possible uses for the device aside from what it is designed for?
People have been creative with the use of webcams. Some people use it to broadcast silly images in the net from videos of a trash can or a cigarette that burns itself. Others though have gain popularity by having the webcam capture them while they perform their talents. Another use of webcam is making it a security camera. Some webcams activate as soon as it senses motion in its lens. People also didn’t heed the professional use of webcam and made videos (low-res) out of them but creative in input. In short, webcam offers various possibilities and use to people.
Hand-Held Digital Video Camera
How does it work?
Hand held digital video Cameras are mostly known for event capturing purposes and some for professional use as well. Pretty much know to be Camcorders (Camera Recorders), these medium resolution cameras are used by consumers to capture memories or specific actions required of them. Hand held video cameras have different modes of capture; some still stick to analog devices (DV Tapes) while others are now using digital memory like DVDs or even a built-in Hard Disk. Video Cameras have lenses to capture the image while also having a built-in microphone to capture audio as well. Most competitive video cameras offer additional capturing modes like Night Vision Capturing as well as Black and White or Sepia for the other purposes.
Analog Media often have to be converted from their tapes in order to be transferred to digital media. Digital stored media from specific cameras however are simply drag and drop. Transfer mediums range from tape readers to firewire cables to USB Cables. Some also need encoders to view these media and most videos captured need editing if not furnishing to make it an end product.
Who are the leading providers for the said device?
Consumer Electronic Giants such as Sony, JVC and Panasonic offer to common consumers affordable hand-held cameras. For professional use however, Red offers cutting edge resolution to professional users. In time however, more and more consumer electronics are becoming High Definition and are now offering the same professional quality to common consumers. Most of the video cameras are now digital and analog media has become obsolete due to the fact that it is now costly and is low in quality.
How does it differ from other similar devices?
Hand-held cameras are video and audio capturing devices. They offer a high quality of video capturing compared to digital picture cameras and webcam. They also offer a high amount of internal storage to consumers who want to video lengthy events. They are also portable and are convenient for consumers. These devices give the power of immortalizing events in the hands of consumers.
What is the device used for?
Often used to capture events such as football events and graduation ceremonies, hand-held devices are more or less for basic consumer use only. Some however have been using these devices to capture video and edit them to become projects or popular internet videos.
Are there other possible uses for the device aside from what it is designed for?
Some people actually video mistakes or calamities caused on tape. Cameras are also used to provide security and catch criminals at home. They setup their hidden cameras and record any activity within their homes. Some incriminating evidence too, are actually videos caught from these tapes. Other creative people use cameras to video their own shows and upload it in the internet to gain popularity.
Sources:
How Stuff Works August 4, 2009 www.howstuffworks.com
Euromonitor August 4, 2009 www.euromonitor.com
Wikipedia www.wikipedia.org
Demand Studios August 6, 2009 http://cdn-write.demandstudios.com/upload//6000/100/00/2/16102.jpg
Karmynthyler - http://shop.karmyntyler.com/images/webcam.jpg
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