While most laptops today come with built-in webcams, there are still lots of reasons to invest in an external webcam, especially if you are a gamer using a PC. Getting the right, high-quality webcam matters whether you are streaming your games online, using it for online gaming with friends, or are recording yourself playing games for reviews to upload to YouTube. When looking for the right webcam, there are lots of important features and factors to keep in mind when it comes to finding the best option for your needs.
Resolution
A high resolution is a must when you are looking for Lenovo gaming webcams. The lower the resolution, the grainier and poorer quality the image is going to appear on the screen. Most modern gaming webcams will only support high-definition video capture, so it should not be too difficult for you to find a video capture resolution of 720p or more. For the best results, go for a 1080p webcam. These are becoming more common and at affordable prices.
Frame Rate
Along with the resolution, the frame rate is another important factor to consider. A high frame rate is important, as a webcam that has a lower frame rate is more likely to produce images that periodically freeze on the screen or stutter. Frame rate is measured in frames per second or FPS. If you want to stream video while gaming, you will need a minimum of 15 fps for good performance.
Microphone
Most webcams come with a built-in microphone. This may be something that you want but may not always be necessary if you have a separate microphone or a headset mic that you can use when gaming. However, over the years, microphone quality on webcams has been improving steadily, so you may find that you are able to use the webcam alone without having to invest in an additional mic if you get a high-end one.
Lens
The kind of lens that is offered by the webcam will impact its performance. Plastic lenses are common on entry-level models, however, if you want to get the best performance without significantly increasing the price that you are going to pay for your webcam, then a glass lens is likely to be the best option for you.
Still Images
Along with video, you may be interested in getting a webcam that is also going to have the ability to take still images. If this is a feature that is important to you, then look for a webcam that is able to take still images that are at least two megapixels. The good news is that photography on webcams has improved over the years and most current webcam models can take images that are much higher, with fifteen megapixels now being the standard.
A webcam can fill many important functions when gaming, including online gaming, recording video, and streaming your games. If you need a new webcam for gaming, then these are the most important features to look for.
