WebCam Questions

albionmoonlight · 08-01-2008, 12:53 PM

The in-laws want to buy a webcam so that they can video chat with us an see their grandson.

But they (and I) know nothing of such technology. I have a couple of quick questions.

(1) Are all web cams pretty much compatible with each other? There is no problem if they have brand X and we have brand Y, right?

(2) What are the best web chat programs to use, and does the type of program used raise any compatibility concerns?

(3) What is a good quality camera that will hold up but not break the banks. Don't really need bells and whistles. Just something that will let them see the grandkids.

Thanks a ton.

JediKooter · 08-01-2008, 01:13 PM

1. Which web cam you have doesn't matter, it's the program you use to see each other that's important...which is question 2 of yours.

2. Yahoo chat should work fine. As long as both computers are able to run it. There are a bunch of chat programs out there though. Most you probably have to set up an account with them first (a lot are free).

3. Don't actually have a webcam, but, I would find one that has a built in microphone so you don't have to wear a headset or have one of those Burger King microphones you have to talk into.

gstelmack · 08-01-2008, 01:29 PM

Get Yahoo accounts and whatever Logitech QuickCam you can find and you'll be set.

Passacaglia · 06-21-2010, 09:55 AM

bump

I'm in the same situation as albionmoonlight. My mom got a computer with a webcam built in. I don't know what kind, but that probably doesn't matter right. So I need to get something, too. I'm looking at this one that's $7, but does anyone know if it's missing something crucial that I should have if I spent $20 or so?

Amazon.com: USB 6-LED Night Vision Web Camera for PC Laptop Notebook: Computer & Accessories

DanGarion · 06-21-2010, 01:02 PM

Yes she will private chat you, but you usually have to pay with a credit card.

DanGarion · 06-21-2010, 01:02 PM

Didn't read question.

Doug5984 · 06-21-2010, 01:05 PM

Don't go to chatroulette...

Mizzou B-ball fan · 06-21-2010, 01:23 PM

We use Skype for our grandkid-grandparent chats. Very easy to set up and it's free. Would recommend it to anyone.

Passacaglia · 06-21-2010, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Passacaglia

bump

I'm in the same situation as albionmoonlight. My mom got a computer with a webcam built in. I don't know what kind, but that probably doesn't matter right. So I need to get something, too. I'm looking at this one that's $7, but does anyone know if it's missing something crucial that I should have if I spent $20 or so?

Amazon.com: USB 6-LED Night Vision Web Camera for PC Laptop Notebook: Computer & Accessories

I figured out what that one is missing -- a microphone. Now I'm looking at this one:

Amazon.com: Flexible 5.0 Megapixel USB PC Camera Webcam with…

This is 5.0 megapixels -- is that ridiculously low for a web cam? Does brand name matter?

08-01-2008, 01:13 PM	#2
JediKooter Coordinator Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Diego via Sausalito via San Jose via San Diego	1. Which web cam you have doesn't matter, it's the program you use to see each other that's important...which is question 2 of yours. 2. Yahoo chat should work fine. As long as both computers are able to run it. There are a bunch of chat programs out there though. Most you probably have to set up an account with them first (a lot are free). 3. Don't actually have a webcam, but, I would find one that has a built in microphone so you don't have to wear a headset or have one of those Burger King microphones you have to talk into. __________________ I'm no longer a Chargers fan, they are dead to me Coming this summer to a movie theater near you: The Adventures of Jedikooter: Part 4

08-01-2008, 01:29 PM	#3
gstelmack Pro Starter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Cary, NC	Get Yahoo accounts and whatever Logitech QuickCam you can find and you'll be set. __________________ -- Greg -- Author of various FOF utilities

06-21-2010, 01:02 PM	#5
DanGarion Coordinator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: The Great Northwest	Yes she will private chat you, but you usually have to pay with a credit card. __________________ Los Angeles Dodgers Check out the FOFC Groups on Facebook! and Reddit! DON'T REPORT ME BRO!

06-21-2010, 01:02 PM	#6
DanGarion Coordinator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: The Great Northwest	Didn't read question. __________________ Los Angeles Dodgers Check out the FOFC Groups on Facebook! and Reddit! DON'T REPORT ME BRO!

06-21-2010, 09:55 AM	#4
Passacaglia Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Big Ten Country	bump I'm in the same situation as albionmoonlight. My mom got a computer with a webcam built in. I don't know what kind, but that probably doesn't matter right. So I need to get something, too. I'm looking at this one that's $7, but does anyone know if it's missing something crucial that I should have if I spent $20 or so? Amazon.com: USB 6-LED Night Vision Web Camera for PC Laptop Notebook: Computer & Accessories

06-21-2010, 01:05 PM	#7
Doug5984 College Benchwarmer Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Louisiana	Don't go to chatroulette...

06-21-2010, 01:23 PM	#8
Mizzou B-ball fan General Manager Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kansas City, MO	We use Skype for our grandkid-grandparent chats. Very easy to set up and it's free. Would recommend it to anyone.

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