Webcamts are video cameras designed for use with computers for purposes such as video conferencing, streaming media and social media use. Webcams can be useful tools in online learning and training as well as live collaboration or distance learning sessions.

Webcams require adequate lighting in order to properly depict your face on camera, which means focusing on natural lighting from windows or positioning your webcam so it points toward an ample source of illumination, like a bright desk lamp or other bright source. Specialized streaming-specific lighting solutions like Elgato’s Key Light may help, but even regular desk lamps are sufficient.

A webcam’s field of view (FOV), or its range of vision, refers to its range of vision. The larger its FOV is, the wider its field. A typical screen-based webcam’s FOV typically sits around 60 degrees horizontally and vertically; higher resolution options may also be available; most people should find that 720p or 1080p webcams are adequate for daily video calls and remote learning purposes.

One of the main disadvantages of webcams is that cybercriminals can gain entry to them and spy on their owners for various purposes ranging from personal amusement to corporate espionage. But there are steps you can take to prevent this from occurring, including disconnecting it when not in use and covering its lens with tape or notes when active; additionally, avoid setting default passwords as hackers could easily discover this way of accessing them.