Apple has recently incorporated the iSight cam into its new range of laptops |
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The words "horses" and "courses" come to mind. Most hardware used in schools and colleges, benefits from careful consideration of use, application and deployment and webcams are no exception. The three most commonly used webcam configurations are likely to be group-to-group discussion, individual-to-individual and mobile/laptop communication.
Group-to-group
Group-to-group discussion is most probably the most difficult set-up to manage with the basic requirement obviously being that the students can see and hear each other. A wide-angle lens is well suited to this situation, although students on the periphery of the image may not be best pleased.
It’s a common mistake to skimp on microphone quality, or to assume that a webcam’s built-in microphone or complementary headset will be adequate. Often they're not. Microphone quality is especially important in group use and noise cancelling software is essential. Look too for a directional mike or one designed for group participation.
Student-to-student
Student-to-student communication permits greater flexibility. There’s no necessity, for instance, to use a microphone. In a classroom environment a headset is likely to be a more effective, and considerably less noisy, form of communication.
Camera positioning is also important and this has been greatly aided by the advent of flat screen monitors in schools which virtually ensure eye-to-eye-contact.
The simplest, though not the cheapest, mobile solution, is to buy a laptop with a webcam built into the top of the screen. Apple has recently incorporated the iSight cam into its new range of laptops and many PC laptops have similar models.
Both Logitech and Creative Labs have a selection of laptop cams that hook over the top of the screen or are secured by a spring-loaded clip. For ease of use the best option would be a cam with a built-in microphone. Just plug it into the USB or FireWire connection and you’re away. A webcam/headset combination, however, allows the user greater freedom of movement which, arguably, encourages a more relaxed approach.
Essential Jargon
Webcam drivers - can be notoriously unstable and unreliable. Before buying, it’s worth putting a search into Google along the lines of “Model X webcam driver difficulties”. If your intended webcam unleashes a torrent of rants, steer well clear.
Noise Cancelling/Noise reduction - software ensures that you don’t get a “feedback” or echo effect between microphone and speakers.
FPS. Frames per Second - the speed at which video images are transmitted. Most webcams have a FPS between 15 and 30 with the Watchport (60) and the Philips SPC900NC (90) in a class of their own.
Connectivity - While Apple’s iSight uses a Firewire connection the PC world has opted for USB. Many newer webcams use USB2 which delivers much faster transmission speeds.
Face Tracking - is a relatively recent, though not entirely reliable, software tool. Creative and Logitech have webcams with motorised units that track users on- screen activity. A great idea but. . . . .
Lux Levels - are a measurement of how a camera operates in low light. The lower the Lux level the better a camera will ‘see’ in the dark. Not so important In a well lit classroom, perhaps, but crucial in a home environment.
CMOS or CCD? - The two different types of light sensor used in webcams. CCD is generally reckoned to provide better image quality.
Six of the best
Philips SPC900NC
Price: £50
Excellent quality, unbeatable FPS rate, USB2 and low lux rating. Supplied with face tracking and digital zoom software. Tremendous value for money.
Logitech Quickcam Fusion
Price: £66
High spec cam with USB 2 connectivity. Built in microphone and additional headset with noise-cancelling software. Wide field of view and capable of capturing 1.3 megapixel images.
Apple iSight
Price: £100
Webcam of choice for Apple users. Stylish aluminium tube houses autofocus lens and noise-suppressing microphone. Supplied with four different stands.
Watchport V2
Price: £150
Expensive, but excellent image quality and, uniquely, can be used with an optional set of interchangeable lenses; Works well in low light. Tripod thread
Logitech QuickCam Pro 5000
Price: £60
Mid range model with USB2 connectivity, noise cancelling built in mike and good image resolution.
Digital Blue Movie Creator
Price: £76
Strictly speaking a digital video camera but can be used as a webcam with surprisingly good image resolution. Good image editing software and excellent teacher resource manual
Online Resources
Cowboy Frank
Cowboy Frank. Incomparably the best webcam review site with advice on lighting and setting up cams as well as sample images taken by many current cams in a variety of lighting situations.
Tracker
Home of DVDriver, clever software that turns your video digicam into a webcam
Conquercam
Inexpensive way of managing more than one webcam on your system. Free trial download available.
Skype
Free internet telephony, now with video.
Vitaero
Software that allows you to communicate on Skype using bluetooth devices
Taglearning
Digital Movie Creator
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