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Best Cheap Webcams

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In this review:
  1. Best Cheap Webcams
  2. Best Webcams
  3. Cheap Webcam Review
  4. Discount Webcams Features Comparison Table
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Cheap Webcam Buying Guide

Webcams are basically small digital cameras that record videos like normal camcorders do, but rely on software to transfer the images to a computer through an Internet connection. Unless you plan to broadcast a web show or use the webcam as a security device, there's no need to purchase a camcorder-quality webcam; a cheap webcam will more than suffice.

Audio and video quality are certainly important factors to consider, but so are the webcam's compatibility with your current lineup of hardware and software, the presence of a built-in microphone, and its ease of set up and use.

Given that all Macs and many PC laptops feature built-in webcams and sales of desktop computer are falling, the market for stand-alone webcams is shrinking. Still, many companies, including Logitech, Microsoft, Creative Technology, Hewlett Packard (HP), and Philips, continue producing webcams with various features that sell for a range of prices. The more expensive webcams deliver higher quality audio and video and offer more photo storage space. The Logitech Webcam Pro 9000 (starting at $100, Amazon), for example, boasts advanced RightSound technology, which provides very clear sound and lets you store almost twice the number of photos as a cheap webcam. But for $45 or less, you can find several good quality cheap webcams that will meet your needs. Here's how to discover the best cheap webcam for you.

by Maralyn Edid (Google+ Profile)

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Best Cheap Webcams

HP Deluxe Webcam
Gold Medal

HP Deluxe Webcam

 One of few webcams that work with Mac computers, the HP Deluxe wins rave reviews from users for its ease of setup and use, wide IM compatibility range, and visual quality that approximates high-definition video. This webcam features 1280x1024 resolution, 5X zoom, 30 frames/second, autofocus that follows your face when you move around in front of the camera, and plenty of photo storage. Read more »
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Logitech Webcam C500
Gold Medal

Logitech Webcam C500

 A tad on the expensive side for a budget model, the Logitech C500 wins praise from experts and users for the glass lens that enables a clearer, more detailed camera image. With technology that can adjust to dim lighting, 1280x1024 pixel resolution, 30 frames/second, IM compatibility with popular instant messaging applications, and a built-in microphone, this webcam is hard to pass up. Read more »
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Good Cheap Webcams

Microsoft LifeCam VX-5000
Gold Medal

Microsoft LifeCam VX-5000

 A favorite of experts and users alike, the Microsoft LifeCamVX-5000 has good image quality given its 640x480 resolution, 30 frames/second, and 3X zoom; it also features a built-in microphone and unique features like live photo swap. The main downfall of this webcam: you can't use it with non-Microsoft computer programs. Read more »
Where to buy
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Creative Live Cam Video IM Pro
Gold Medal

Creative Live Cam Video IM Pro

 User reviews give the Creative Live Cam Video IM Pro a thumbs up for its built-in microphone, special effects, and ease of use. Users report that this webcam's sound and audio are good for the price, and they like the 640x480 pixel resolution, 30 frames/second, 4X zoom, and auto-tuning feature. Read more »
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Don't Bother Cheap Webcams

Ezonics EZCam II

Although the Ezonics EZCam II provides a decent color display and a multiple digital zoom feature, experts and consumers fault this webcam for its poor focus. They also say that despite its 30 frames/second capability and 640x480 pixel resolution, the frames seem to move more slowly and the camera doesn't pick up items in low-light situations very well. Read more »

Microsoft LifeCam VX-7000

Despite its high price, compact size, 4X zoom feature, 30 frames/second, and 800x600 pixel resolution, experts and users report that this camera leaves much to be desired in terms of visual quality at lower resolutions and choppiness at higher resolutions. The software packaged with this webcam also requires you to spend a great deal of time downloading programs you may never use. Read more »

 
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