Megapixels
The number of megapixels in the matrix that the camera is equipped with, in other words, the native resolution of the matrix. First of all, the maximum photo size directly depends on this indicator: for example, a 1600x1200 frame requires at least 1600 * 1200 = 1,920,000 pixels ≈ 2 MP. With video, the situation is somewhat different, where the actual resolution of the matrix can be noticeably higher than required for the frame.
There is an opinion that the more megapixels, the better the image is obtained. Formally, this is not the case: the resolution of the sensor only affects the detail, and in itself numerous megapixels can even worsen the picture — especially if the matrix is small. However, in fact, high-resolution sensors are often installed in fairly advanced cameras, in which high image quality is achieved through a number of characteristics.
HD filming (720p)
Historically the first of the high definition
HD (720p) standards. Initially, it assumed a resolution of 1280x720, however, in webcams, models with a different frame size are also included in this format — in particular, 960x720 and 1280x960, which have a 4:3 aspect ratio of the frame (unlike the original 1280x720, for which it is 16:9 ). Anyway, HD-models are relatively inexpensive and not particularly demanding on the quality of communication, however, they allow you to get a fairly detailed “picture”.
Full HD filming (1080p)
Further, after HD 720p, the development of high definition standards. Provides a standard frame size of 1920x1080; in addition, this category includes webcams that support 1600x1200 video — this resolution does not formally apply to
Full HD (1080p), but is comparable to it in detail. Anyway, cameras of this standard are quite advanced — in particular, they already allow showing documents and other objects with small details in the frame.
Quad HD filming
A kind of intermediate option between Full HD and UltraHD 4K: it noticeably surpasses the first standard in terms of detail, while being cheaper than the second and not so demanding on communication speed. The
Quad HD format does not have a strictly defined resolution, among webcams there are, in particular, 2048x1536 and 2592x1944.
Focus
Focus method — focus — provided in the design of the camera.
The simplest and most common option is manual focus; it requires some setup steps, but does not cause any particular difficulties, besides, it allows you to set the sharpness as you wish, without relying on automation.
Autofocus, in turn, saves the user from having to fiddle with the settings, however, it is also more expensive. In addition, autofocus systems may not work as you would like, and they still sometimes have to be adjusted manually (however, such a need is extremely rare).
Field of view
The viewing angle determines, first of all, how wide the field of view of the camera is, what area of the scene being shot falls into the frame. Accordingly,
a wide viewing angle allows you to capture more space and the lower the likelihood that something of what is happening will be behind the scenes. On the other hand, it should be taken into account that a strong increase in viewing angles leads to distortions of the “picture”, especially at the edges, as well as to a decrease in the size of visible objects and a decrease in detail.
File format
File formats in which the camera can save video footage.
This parameter is for reference only: modern computers are equipped with extensive sets of codecs that allow you to play almost all common formats, and in extreme cases, the missing codec can be installed separately. TVs in this regard have more limited capabilities, however, in webcams designed for them (see "Purpose"), this moment is initially taken into account.
