5 webcams for Skype — from low-cost to the best

Sven IC-300

Sven company specializes in the production of inexpensive equipment. IC-300 is one of the most affordable webcams. The device is made in a compact glossy case weighing 80 g, which can be fixed almost anywhere near the computer. A special clip is suitable for installing the camera on modern elegant monitors and covers of thin and light laptops. And the IC-300 has a wide base for placement on the table. Another nice feature is the swivel joint, which allows you to deploy the camera at any desired angle. And thanks to the built-in microphone, there is no need for another peripheral device.

Inside the case there is a CMOS sensor with a resolution of 0.3 MP, which provides video capture at a resolution of 640x480 pixels with a frequency of up to 30 frames per second. This is a typical indicator for entry-level devices. The camera "looks" at the user with a lens with an aperture of f/2.0 and focal lengths from 4.8 mm to infinity. It provides a more or less bright picture even in conditions of imperfect lighting. Although, you will have to sharpen manually (for which a special ring is installed around the camera eye).

The webcam, like the other models in the review, connects to the USB port of the computer. After the connection, it is not necessary to install drivers or other software (software). The Windows system (versions from XP to 8 are supported) will do everything by itself and the device will be ready to work immediately. However, we recommend installing the software from the manufacturer's website. With its help, you can enable the face tracking function, as well as impose 16 effects and 10 frames on the video to cheer up yourself and your interlocutors.

In conclusion, we note that Sven IC-300 is the most affordable webcam in our selection. Therefore, it will be the best option for users who occasionally make video calls via Skype or Hangouts and are not willing to pay more for the sake of better communication quality.

A4Tech PK-7G

A4Tech company, like Sven, specializes in the production of devices with a small price. Although, it attracts, first of all, not with a low price tag. PK-7G is the most unusual webcam in terms of design in our selection. Unlike most of its counterparts, it does not have the ability to mount on the monitor. The camera, like its analogue A4 Tech PK-5, is mounted on a wide stand and a long metal leg, with a total height of more than 30 cm. Therefore, the device takes up space on the table. On the other hand, the hinge will allow you to change the height and rotate it within 360 degrees for convenient placement. This way you can stay away from the monitor during a video chat.

The webcam received a CMOS matrix with a resolution of 640x480 pixels with the ability to take photos and videos. The manufacturer claims the possibility of interpolation up to 16 MP, although this should not be taken seriously. But the presence of autofocus, automatic white balance and exposure settings is really relevant. After all, the owner of the device does not have to manually adjust the camera depending on the lighting.

A curtain covering the lens is provided especially for users who are worried about network privacy or protecting the object from dust. It is worth considering that the sliding cover does not turn off the camera and the built-in microphone, but only covers the object. Among other features of the webcam is the presence of LED backlight, which illuminates both the user and the surrounding environment well in the dark. There is also a quick photo capture button located on the front panel of the device.

Unlike Sven, this model is compatible not only with Windows, but also with Mac OS. Otherwise, they are similar. The built-in USB cable is also used for connection, and drivers do not have to be installed. A special programme from the manufacturer, compatible only with Windows, will allow you to use additional image settings, for example, adjust brightness and contrast.

A4Tech PK-7G is a webcam for Skype communication for undemanding users. In comparison with Sven IC-300, it has a number of hardware and software advantages (for example, it is suitable for Apple computer users), but note that due to the original design, it cannot be fixed on the monitor.

Genius FaceCam 1000X

The Genius FaceCam 1000X webcam is slightly more expensive than the previous models from Sven and A4tech, but its cost is justified by the higher quality of video communication. The main feature of this camera is a 1 MP CMOS sensor, thanks to which the model is able to capture video at a resolution of 1280x720 pixels and a frequency of 30 frames per second. This means that the interlocutor will see a clear picture with good detail. It is possible to use a digital 3x zoom and take photos (with a modest resolution of 1 MP). Otherwise, the functionality of the camera is similar to other models in our selection.

The camera is mounted on a stand / clip, which will help to fix the device on a laptop or monitor, as well as put it on a flat surface. In addition, there is a hinge for turning the FaceCam 1000X 360° or, more simply, in the direction you need. The device is made in a compact and lightweight case with an interesting textured pattern on the front panel. It has a camera object with a sharpness ring installed on it – unfortunately, this model is not equipped with autofocus, so you will have to manually focus on the shooting object. And don't worry about the microphone — the camera has it and provides good sound quality when communicating over the Network.

Traditionally, Windows does not require the installation of drivers (connected and communicate) and a USB cable about 2 metres long is used. If desired, you can use the supplied disk or the manufacturer's website to install additional Arcsoft MiVE software. With it, you can use face tracking functions, as well as a variety of effects, filters and frames to personalize your photos and videos when communicating.

Genius FaceCam 1000X is a balanced webcam for active Skype users on Windows, Mac OS and Linux platforms who do not need to hold conferences in Full HD format.

Microsoft LifeCam Studio

The software giant is known not only for Windows and the Office suite. Very good peripherals are also produced under the Microsoft brand. LifeCam Studio is the leader among the manufacturer's webcams. It uses a sensor with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, which allows you to take Full HD photos and capture high-quality HD videos. At the same time, the picture turns out rich and clear. The wide-angle object allows you to capture several people and objects in the frame at the same time. And a special "visor" above it protects the lens from glare.

Despite the high resolution of the sensor itself, the software required to operate the camera limits the possibilities of video shooting. And to unlock the capture of Full HD video, you need to fork out for the purchase of commercial software. In addition, there are complaints about the work of autofocus, which does not always work accurately and is slow enough. The thing is that the camera has a complex system for tracking head positions and eye movements, for adjusting parameters and applying all kinds of effects. Proprietary software will help to adjust the settings, which, in addition to carefully adjusting the camera and adjusting the white balance and exposure, will help to adjust the sharpness manually.

The LifeCam Studio has a nice design and a metal case, and a rubber stand-mount securely fixes the camera on any device (laptop, monitor and TV) and allows you to rotate it 360 degrees. If necessary, Studio can also be installed on a tripod for recording webcasts and holding conferences. The built-in microphone provides excellent sound quality, it is sensitive enough that you can communicate even from a distance of several metres from the camera.

The camera works only under Windows and is certified to work with Skype and Lync. The button on the top panel is useful for quickly launching the Live Messenger communication service. The manufacturer also promises the camera to work with Windows 8 without additional software.

Microsoft LifeCam Studio is great for frequent communication with family, friends or business partners. It will provide the user with excellent sound and image quality, as well as branded "chips" from Microsoft, although this solution is not very cheap.

Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920 Price from 3 099 up to 9 378 ₴ →

Another flagship webcam in our selection from the Swiss manufacturer Logitech. Behind the strict appearance hides non-trivial functionality, which is rarely found even in webcams for demanding users.

The device is equipped with a high-performance matrix capable of shooting video in Full HD format with AVC H.264 compression to transmit high-quality images in real time. At the same time, you can not only communicate via Skype, but also record videos on your computer's hard drive. In addition, the webcam can take photos with an incredible resolution of 15 MP for such devices. The best image quality among Skype cameras is also provided by German Carl Zeiss optics (used, for example, in Sony cameras). It accurately directs light onto the matrix and thereby provides a detailed image with a minimum of distortion. Logitech Fluid Crystal technology is also used, which optimizes and improves video playback, as well as adjusts the colours and sound of video calls.

Among other features of the webcam, it is worth noting the 20-step autofocus system, which provides high-definition images of the shooting object at a large and very close distance. In addition, the wide stand of the device easily turns into a convenient mount for installing a webcam on a monitor of any depth, as well as a laptop and TV. If necessary, it can even be installed on a traditional tripod for communication away from the computer. The symmetrical inserts hide a stereo (dual) microphone with noise reduction. Therefore, you don't have to worry about the sound quality – the interlocutor will hear you clearly even if you arrange a conference in a noisy office.

If you are looking for the best camera for web conferences, video blogging or communicating with relatives, you should pay attention to the Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920. It has an impressive price tag, as for a webcam, but its video quality and functionality are no less striking.