Tip #4788 - Getting the Most Out of Your Webcam
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Getting
the Most Out of Your Webcam
With the Internet
catching the fancy of millions and video conferencing becoming a norm,
it’s now more important than ever to make the most out of your
Webcam. And below is a simple guide you can follow that will help
you do just that. Let's get started!
Lighting
is Everything
Using a Webcam is really nothing more than photography. It just uses
moving images instead. However, the rules of photography apply to
it as well, with a major one being the lighting. If the subject is
properly illuminated, the image will appear brighter, sharper and
clearer. In fact, if you get the lighting right, you’re already
halfway done! When you're using your Webcam, it’s important
to place a table lamp, architect lamp or even a tube light in front
of you, but behind the computer monitor. That way, the light will
fall on your face and your Webcam pictures will be much clearer. Now,
it's even better if there’s a light falling on your face. To
accomplish that, you need to either bounce the light off the wall
before it reaches you or cover the bulb with white transparent paper
(typing paper). Essentially, indirect lighting is what you should
aim for, because direct lighting can result in over-exposed images.
Background
It's important
to pay extra attention to the background light. If it’s brighter
than the foreground light, you can do one of two things. First, you
can make your foreground light brighter by switching on an additional
light source or by switching off the background light. If that's not
possible, it’s best to get a collapsible background screen.
Go for 5x6 or 5x7, because Webcams have super wide-angle lenses and
they see the edges of any backdrop as smaller than 5x6.
Placement
is Key
When working with
a Webcam, it's very important to place it in the proper location.
It's best to place it at your eye level and preferably in front of
you to convey your face. Doing that gives off a professional look
and feel of you, particularly if you're in a business conference setting.
Therefore, it’s best to place the Webcam on top of your computer
monitor. Also, to avoid looking bulbous, don’t get too close
to the Webcam.
Monitor Settings
When you're using
a Webcam, it’s best to lower the brightness and contrast of
your monitor to the lowest digit possible. That helps to avoid monitor
glare on your face and on the Webcam itself. Also, it’s best
to wear a white shirt so that you have a good white balance and color
exposure. If you have an LCD monitor, remember that it emits polarized
light. To get rid of an eyeglass reflection, you can place a polarizing
filter in front of your Webcam.
Wait Before
You Record
If you want to
record or stream images live, give yourself a couple seconds before
you begin recording. Also, don’t move during the recording session,
because it takes time for the Webcam to set the focus and make the
picture more crisp. It’s also very likely that if you put the
most important information in during the first few seconds, some of
it might get garbled. Therefore, after you press Play, wait a few
seconds before you start moving, talking, singing, dancing or whatever
you have in mind.
Audio
Files
If you're particular
about the sound you get while using your Webcam, you shouldn't rely
on the Webcam's microphone. It's best to use a proper headset microphone
or a clip-on mic. If you use the microphone on the Webcam itself,
you probably won't get a very clear sound.
If you follow
all of these tips, your Webcam experience will be much more successful.
Have fun!
~ Zahid H. Javali
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