Continued....
While webcams are most frequently
used by online conference participants, it is also possible to
get the work done with a digital video camera. Which webcam or
digital video camera you opt for depends on your needs. Here are
some points to consider when making your selection.
Webcams
Nowadays, web cams can be found
for under $20 and go all the way up to $150. The difference
between the high end cameras and the starter web cams are
usually due to the quality of image that is put out.
First, take a look at the
resolution of the camera. Ideally you should get a webcam that
can produce at least a 640x480 resolution.
Then check how many frames per
second the camera can handle. For video conferencing the ideal
level is 30 frames per second (fps).
Finally, find out what kind of
sensor the camera uses. The better web cams use CCD technology
instead of CMOS. Also, remember that most webcams connect to
computers with a USB cable.
Digital Video
Cameras
For an even better result
(sharper and faster images), you can use digital video cameras.
These are the same devices that are used to record home movies,
etc. Digital video cameras start as low as $250 and go up to
thousands of dollars. In order to use a digital video camera,
you need to make sure that the device supports a USB or a
Firewire output and that it can be used as a webcam and connect
you with online applications.
Whether you use a webcam or a
digital video camera depends on the type of conferencing that
you will be doing.
When
you think of video conferencing you probably picture a
webcam perched on a computer or monitor recording your
image and sending it out to the world. 
