Camera buying guide: What you need to know
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There are two basic kinds of cameras: smartphones and everything else. Phone cameras have gotten so good that they have mostly killed off the “point and shoot” class of budget devices for capturing daily life.
But the size constraints of a smartphone limit its abilities. Bigger cameras can offer longer zoom, larger sensors that capture better detail, and sophisticated optics for refined effects like shallow depth of field in portraits. This camera buying guide takes you through the limits of smartphones and the added features you can get from other types of devices, such as bridge cameras, DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.
Types of cameras
Why you can trust Tom’s Guide
Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what’s best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.
Phone cameras
(Image credit: Future)
Phone Cameras: Key Specs
Price Range: $100 to $1,400
Pros: Easily share images and videos over cellular and Wi-Fi networks; no need to bring an extra camera; huge number of photo apps let you tweak your photos; image quality as least as good as a point-and-shoot’s; small sensors provide deep depth of field.
Cons: Tiny image sensors tend to produce digital grain — aka “noise” — in low-light images; small built-in lenses provide limited optical zoom range.
Key Features: Connectivity; convenience; sharing; burst (rapid) shot and panorama modes; image stabilization on some models; 4K and better video on higher-end models.
Key Accessories: Phone cases; photo apps; add-on lenses, grips and tripods in some cases.
The range of smartphones on the market today means a lot of variety in photographic capabilities.
In addition to a selfie cam on the front, entry-level smartphones may have just a single rear-facing camera. But higher-end models boast two or even three rear cameras to capture images at different focal lengths. All smartphones come with a moderate wide-angle lens rear camera. Two-camera phones typically add an ultra-wide lens, and three-camera models include a slight telephoto lens that provides a bit of zoom for portraits or other closeups.
Smartphone camera resolution is all over the place. Some smartphone makers, like Apple, hold the line at resolution and focus on increasing the size of the pixels on the sensor, which leads to better images, especially in lower light. The iPhone 12 Pro, for instance, has three 12-megapixel rear cameras (which is plenty resolution for most photography). Other phones max out on resolution. The Samsung Galaxy S21, for example, includes a 64MP camera, and the Xiaomi Mi 10 5G features a 108MP sensor. Such high resolution allows you to crop heavily into a photo and still have plenty of pixels.
Many modern smartphones capture 4K video, and some go up to 8K.
The best smartphone cameras also have more sophisticated software features to improve color, contrast and detail or to perform tricks like erasing stray subjects from the frame or creating a shallow depth of field effect. Better smartphone cameras also include slow-motion video options.
One advantage that the Apple iPhone has over other smartphones is that there are many iPhone lens kits that will help you get more out of that phone’s camera.
Can’t decide what’s right for you? See out lineup of best camera phones.
Mirrorless cameras
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
Mirrorless cameras: Key specs
Price Range: $500 to $6,500
Pros: Equal to DSLR-level image quality in smaller camera bodies with smaller lenses; fewer moving parts to break; highest burst speeds; some models provide in-body 5-axis image stabilization.
Cons: Fewer lens options compared to DSLRs; lower-end models provide only a rear screen for previewing shots; digital viewfinders may not match the fidelity of a DSLR optical system.
Key Features: Smaller interchangeable lenses; smaller camera bodies; large sensor.
Key Accessories: External flash; external electronic viewfinder; external microphone for video; video light; protective case; bag or backpack for holding entire system.
With their smaller interchangeable lenses, mirrorless cameras (also known as compact system or micro four thirds cameras) offer DSLR quality in a smaller package. Unlike DSLRs, these models don’t use a mirror-based optical viewfinder system — allowing them to be smaller and lighter. You instead preview photos using a rear screen and sometimes an LCD or OLED viewfinder.
Lacking a mirror, bridge cameras can generally shoot faster bursts of photos than DSLRs in the same price range. Also, many more mirrorless cameras can shoot video in 4K than can DSLR cameras, so they can be more suited for videographers and vloggers. However, mirrorless cameras as a whole have smaller image sensors than DSLRs, and there’s not as wide a range of lenses.
For a more detailed breakdown, be sure to check out our DSLR vs. mirrorless camera guide to see which is best for your needs.
Currently, our top pick is the Sony Alpha a6100, but we have other picks on our best mirrorless cameras page, including several other Sony models, the excellent Fujifilm X-T30 and for Canon and Nikon diehards the likes of the Nikon Z5 and Canon EOS M6 Mark II.
DSLR cameras
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
DSLR cameras: Key specs
Price Range: $500 to $6,500
Pros: Widest selection of lenses; larger image sensors capture sharper photos, especially in dark conditions; ability to preview exactly what the lens sees.
Cons: The biggest and heaviest camera type; expensive, especially if you purchase high-quality lenses.
Key Features: Both fully automatic and fully manual controls; interchangeable lens options; burst shooting modes for taking multiple shots in quick succession; optical viewfinder.
Higher-end models shoot 4K video.
Key Accessories: External flash; wide variety of lenses; tripod; external microphone for video; video light; remote control
DSLR cameras are more or less the traditional Single Lens Reflex camera adapted for a digital age. Because of their large sensors, these cameras have long been the standard bearers for image quality, going back to the days of film. All DSLR cameras use a mirror and prism-based system that lets photographers see exactly what they’re about to shoot through the lens via an optical viewfinder. When you press the shutter, the mirror flips up, exposing the image sensor to light.
DSLRs are among the fastest cameras, and have traditionally been used by sports photographers and photojournalists for action assignments. These cameras use interchangeable lenses, giving photographers a range of options for going wide or zooming in. Because they’ve been around for so long, DSLRs have the widest range of lenses from which to choose,
Our best pick for everyday shooters is the Canon EOS Rebel T8i, for its combination of features and price.
However, we have other picks on our best DSLR cameras page.
Action cameras
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
Action cameras: Key specs
Price range: Less than $100 to $600
Pros: Cameras can be affixed to nearly anything. Wide-angle and high-resolution cameras help ensure that you capture the action. Ruggedly built for all kinds of weather. Very compact.
Cons: Typically no optical zoom; generally small sensors limit image quality; awkward to use as a point-and-shoot.
Key features: Image stabilization; high burst rates for photos; wide-angle image capture; ruggedized designs.
Key accessories: A wide variety of mounts for any surface; protective covers, waterproof housings, selfie sticks, steadicam handles, micro-SD cards.
Action cameras do just what the name says. They can handle jolts, water and temperature extremes that you might encounter doing sports and other outdoor activities.
These cameras typically capture very wide-angle photos and videos, often at resolutions of 4K or higher, as on the GoPro Hero9 Black (which shoots up to 5K and has motion stabilization).
The cameras are quite compact, generally smaller than point and shoots. Most have a touchscreen on the rear which lets you adjust settings, and many of the better models will let you control them via a smartphone app. See our list of best action cameras to make your choice, though the majority of the top models are made by GoPro.
Point and shoot cameras
(Image credit: Sony)
Point-and-shoot cameras: Key specs
Price range: Under $100 to $400
Pros: Extremely portable and often small enough to fit into a pocket; fully automated; minimal investment for budget models.
Cons: Image quality not a lot better–and possibly worse–than what you’d get with your smartphone; very small image sensors produce photos with some noise in low light.
Key Features: Portability; automated photo functions; optical zoom lens; built-in image stabilization; rugged and waterproof options.
Key Accessories: SD Memory cards; protective case, hand strap.
Compact, or point-and-shoot cameras are simple models you can often fit in your pocket. Popular models such as the Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 don’t offer much benefit over a smartphone camera, except optical zoom, which ranges from about 5x to 12x in this category. More-expensive point-and-shoots may include optical image stabilization as well as Wi-Fi for transferring photos to a smartphone.
Point and shoots can also provide special capabilities, such as rugged, waterproof designs. The Olympus Tough TG-6, for example, can survive under 50 feet of water and function at temperatures down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit.
The point-and-shoot category has also revived instant photography. Inexpensive models from Lomo, Fujifilm and Canon capture images on film or include mini digital printers.
Check our roster of the best point-and-shoot cameras.
Bridge cameras
(Image credit: Future)
Bridge cameras: Key specs
Price Range: $400 to $3,300
Pros: Many advanced features in a more-compact design; superzoom lenses let you get very close to the action; both automatic and manual control give you picture-taking convenience and creative options.
Cons: Can’t match the quality of mirrorless and DSLR cameras, especially in low light; may perform more slowly than interchangeable-lens cameras; may not be much smaller than mirrorless models.
Key Features: Large sensors or superzoom lenses; all-in-one portable design; tilt-out LCD screen; higher-grade optics than found in point-and-shoots.
Key Accessories: Hand or shoulder strap; protective case; external flash; external stereo microphone for video.
Bridge cameras sit between point-and-shoots and interchangeable lens models.
They tend to go in one of two directions: large sensors or long zoom lenses. (Basic physics prevents having both in a compact design.) Large sensors typically measure 1 inch or more, about four times bigger than a point-and-shoot sensor; they may also include ultrafast phase-detection autofocus. These models, such as the Sony RX100 VII, tend to have higher-grade optics than point-and-shoots, such as “fast” lenses with very large apertures for low-light photography and shallow depth of field. They may also have high burst speeds and shoot 4K as well as slow-motion video.
Superzoom camera models range from about 30x to 125x (the Nikon Coolpix P1000) — literally long enough to shoot the Moon in detail. Both types of bridge cameras tend to have large rear-screens and often LCD or OLED viewfinders. Others will have features only found on more advanced cameras, such as multiple mode dials.
Important camera features and specs
Megapixels/Resolution
The amount of megapixels a camera’s sensor captures determines how much detail appears in photos and video.
But there’s a trade-off. Cramming too many megapixels onto a sensor — especially the small chips in point-and-shoot and smartphone cameras — means small pixels with less surface area to capture light. The result can be noisy (grainy) photos, especially when shooting in dim conditions without flash. Bottom line: Don’t worry about how many megapixels your camera has. Anything at or above 8MP is fine in a phone or point-and-shoot (although the resolutions can go much higher). Larger cameras typically offer 20 megapixels or more, which is plenty, even for large prints. Read our explainer on How Many Megapixels Do You Really Need.
Aperture
In basic terms, aperture is the size of the opening in a lens. In advanced cameras, such as digital SLRs, mirrorless compact system cameras, bridge cameras, and even many point-and-shoot models, the photographer can manually set the aperture to control the amount of light that reaches the imaging sensor. Look for lenses with a larger maximum aperture — which are inversely expressed with a lower number, such as f/2.
8 or f/1.8. They let more light hit the sensor, so you can shoot brighter, sharper images in dark conditions. They can also be set to blur the background, bringing attention to the subject of the photo.
Smartphones tend to have very large apertures, as do some bridge cameras. (But smartphone apertures usually aren’t adjustable.) Budget interchangeable lenses (especially zooms) may offer only a max aperture of f/3.5 or smaller. You’ll pay a lot more for interchangeable lenses with larger max apertures, such as f/2.8.
MORE: Best Photo Editing Apps
Image Stabilization
Optical technology that helps reduce blur caused by hand shake comes in two varieties: in-lens and in-body. In-lens systems physically shift an element in a lens to counteract shake, allowing them to compensate for some degree of movement along two axes—horizontal and vertical. You’ll find two-axis systems in some smartphones, in higher-end point-and-shoot cameras, and in many bridge cameras and lenses for mirrorless and DSLR cameras.
Some mirrorless cameras, and even some high-end smartphones, shift the image sensor for stabilization along up to five axes (horizontal, vertical, pitch, yaw and roll). You’ll find it in cameras such as the mirrorless Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV and the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Cheaper smartphones and point-and-shoots, as well as very small cameras such as action cameras and drones, may have only digital stabilization, which uses in-camera software to correct image blur, but results are often not as sharp as with optical stabilization.
Focal Length
Focal length describes how close a lens can make a subject appear. Zoom lenses provide variable focal length, from wide-angle shots to telephoto close-ups. Focal length is specified in millimeters — such as with the roughly 18mm-55mm zoom lens bundled with many DSLR cameras — or by a magnification factor, such as 5x, 10x or 20x. With most cameras, focal length is given as its equivalent on a full-frame camera with the largest sensor type.
DSLR and mirrorless lenses are specified by their actual focal length, which will produce different results on full-frame vs smaller-sensor interchangeable-lens cameras. 50mm on a full-frame camera is roughly equivalent to how you see naturally. Shorter focal lengths are wider and longer ones are more telephoto. Some lenses, called “primes,” have a fixed focal length, such as 35mm or 50mm. While less flexible, prime lenses typically produce better image quality and are less expensive than equal-quality zooms because of their simpler design. A good prime lens is generally capable of a larger aperture.
Sensor Type and Size
The sensor converts light into electronic signals to create a picture. Generally speaking, the bigger a sensor, the better the photos. Bigger imaging sensors allow for some combination of more megapixels and larger pixels that can capture more light.
The largest sensor in a consumer camera is the “full-frame” sensor of high-end DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, so named because it’s about the same size as a piece of 35mm film.
APS-C sensors, which are slightly smaller than full-frame sensors, are in mainstream digital SLRs and many mirrorless cameras. Other mirrorless cameras use sensors slightly smaller than APS-C, known as Micro Four Thirds. Smaller still are the sensors in bridge cameras, which range from point-and-shoot size to slightly larger (but usually smaller than a mirrorless camera’s). Finally, cellphones (with a few exceptions) have the smallest image sensors. For more information on sensor size see our explainer How Many Megapixels Do You Really Need.
Virtually all camera sensors today use CMOS chip technology. Variations, such as back-illuminated or stacked CMOS sensors, improve low-light performance.
ISO Rating
ISO speed, a standard used to denote film sensitivity, has carried over to digital cameras. The higher you set the ISO, the more effective the camera is at capturing images in low light without a flash. However, there is a trade-off: Higher ISO sensitivity produces more distortion, or “noise,” which shows up as graininess in a photo.
All things being equal, a larger sensor — with larger pixels — is capable of better image quality at a higher ISO.
A maximum ISO capability of 6400 or greater will allow you to capture images in dim conditions inside and out, but the amount of noise will depend on the size and quality of the sensor and the ability of the camera’s image processor to clean up noise. The highest ISO settings on cameras generally provide poor results.
Shutter Speed
The shutter speed is the amount of time the shutter is open to expose the sensor to light. The faster the shutter speed, the more clearly a moving object can be captured. Shutter speed settings are typically measured in tenths or hundredths of a second.
Cameras capable of faster shutter speeds are better for freezing action, so if you like sports photography, you want a camera that can shoot at 1/500 of second and faster. Many DSLRs and mirrorless cameras are capable of shooting at 1/8,000, which is nice if you photograph car racing, but it’s faster than most photographers probably need.
Some mirrorless and bridge cameras offer electronic shutters, which are even faster.
Shooting Rate (FPS)
Most cameras have a feature allowing them to capture a burst of images just by holding down the shutter button. Often referred to as continuous shooting or burst mode, these modes are measured as frames per second (FPS). Some DSLRs — and even some point-and-shoots and smartphones — offer burst rates up to 10 fps. All things being equal, cameras without a mirror can shoot even faster using an electronic shutter.
Some mirrorless cameras and cellphone cameras are capable of speeds up to about 20fps. If you like shooting fast action, such as sports, get a camera with a fast burst rate so you can choose the best image from a series. (Make sure this spec is for the number of photos shot with continuous autofocus. Otherwise a lot of your burst shots may be blurry.)
Other Features
HD Video
Once a luxury feature, the ability to record HD video at up to 1080p is now common in everything from smartphone cameras to DSLRs.
In fact, Ultra HD (or 4K, which is 3840 x 2160 pixels) video is becoming common in higher-end cameras of all types, including smartphones. Even 8K resolution video (7,680 by 4,320 pixels) is starting to appear in some cameras, such as smartphones and drones.
Frame rates vary, including 60p (i.e. 60 frames per second) for smooth video of fast action, 24fps for a film-like look and even 240fps (in all iPhone 12 models) for playing back footage in slow motion.
Wi-Fi Connectivity
Wi-Fi for sending photos to a smartphone—or controlling a camera from a smartphone—is turning up in more digital cameras these days. The process of pairing a camera to a phone has gotten easier with recent devices.
GPS Tagging
Some cameras (including all smartphones) have built-in GPS to geotag your photos. After your shots are geotagged with latitude and longitude, you can import them into mapping software — such as in Apple’s iPhoto — and the images will pop up on a digital map over the location where they were shot.
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Sean Captain is a freelance technology and science writer, editor and photographer. At Tom’s Guide, he has reviewed cameras, including most of Sony’s Alpha A6000-series mirrorless cameras, as well as other photography-related content. He has also written for Fast Company, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Wired.
Camera buying guide: What you need to know
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
There are two basic kinds of cameras: smartphones and everything else. Phone cameras have gotten so good that they have mostly killed off the “point and shoot” class of budget devices for capturing daily life.
But the size constraints of a smartphone limit its abilities.
Bigger cameras can offer longer zoom, larger sensors that capture better detail, and sophisticated optics for refined effects like shallow depth of field in portraits. This camera buying guide takes you through the limits of smartphones and the added features you can get from other types of devices, such as bridge cameras, DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.
Types of cameras
Why you can trust Tom’s Guide
Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what’s best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.
Phone cameras
(Image credit: Future)
Phone Cameras: Key Specs
Price Range: $100 to $1,400
Pros: Easily share images and videos over cellular and Wi-Fi networks; no need to bring an extra camera; huge number of photo apps let you tweak your photos; image quality as least as good as a point-and-shoot’s; small sensors provide deep depth of field.
Cons: Tiny image sensors tend to produce digital grain — aka “noise” — in low-light images; small built-in lenses provide limited optical zoom range.
Key Features: Connectivity; convenience; sharing; burst (rapid) shot and panorama modes; image stabilization on some models; 4K and better video on higher-end models.
Key Accessories: Phone cases; photo apps; add-on lenses, grips and tripods in some cases.
The range of smartphones on the market today means a lot of variety in photographic capabilities. In addition to a selfie cam on the front, entry-level smartphones may have just a single rear-facing camera. But higher-end models boast two or even three rear cameras to capture images at different focal lengths. All smartphones come with a moderate wide-angle lens rear camera. Two-camera phones typically add an ultra-wide lens, and three-camera models include a slight telephoto lens that provides a bit of zoom for portraits or other closeups.
Smartphone camera resolution is all over the place. Some smartphone makers, like Apple, hold the line at resolution and focus on increasing the size of the pixels on the sensor, which leads to better images, especially in lower light. The iPhone 12 Pro, for instance, has three 12-megapixel rear cameras (which is plenty resolution for most photography). Other phones max out on resolution. The Samsung Galaxy S21, for example, includes a 64MP camera, and the Xiaomi Mi 10 5G features a 108MP sensor. Such high resolution allows you to crop heavily into a photo and still have plenty of pixels.
Many modern smartphones capture 4K video, and some go up to 8K.
The best smartphone cameras also have more sophisticated software features to improve color, contrast and detail or to perform tricks like erasing stray subjects from the frame or creating a shallow depth of field effect. Better smartphone cameras also include slow-motion video options.
One advantage that the Apple iPhone has over other smartphones is that there are many iPhone lens kits that will help you get more out of that phone’s camera.
Can’t decide what’s right for you? See out lineup of best camera phones.
Mirrorless cameras
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
Mirrorless cameras: Key specs
Price Range: $500 to $6,500
Pros: Equal to DSLR-level image quality in smaller camera bodies with smaller lenses; fewer moving parts to break; highest burst speeds; some models provide in-body 5-axis image stabilization.
Cons: Fewer lens options compared to DSLRs; lower-end models provide only a rear screen for previewing shots; digital viewfinders may not match the fidelity of a DSLR optical system.
Key Features: Smaller interchangeable lenses; smaller camera bodies; large sensor.
Key Accessories: External flash; external electronic viewfinder; external microphone for video; video light; protective case; bag or backpack for holding entire system.
With their smaller interchangeable lenses, mirrorless cameras (also known as compact system or micro four thirds cameras) offer DSLR quality in a smaller package.
Unlike DSLRs, these models don’t use a mirror-based optical viewfinder system — allowing them to be smaller and lighter. You instead preview photos using a rear screen and sometimes an LCD or OLED viewfinder.
Lacking a mirror, bridge cameras can generally shoot faster bursts of photos than DSLRs in the same price range. Also, many more mirrorless cameras can shoot video in 4K than can DSLR cameras, so they can be more suited for videographers and vloggers. However, mirrorless cameras as a whole have smaller image sensors than DSLRs, and there’s not as wide a range of lenses. For a more detailed breakdown, be sure to check out our DSLR vs. mirrorless camera guide to see which is best for your needs.
Currently, our top pick is the Sony Alpha a6100, but we have other picks on our best mirrorless cameras page, including several other Sony models, the excellent Fujifilm X-T30 and for Canon and Nikon diehards the likes of the Nikon Z5 and Canon EOS M6 Mark II.
DSLR cameras
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
DSLR cameras: Key specs
Price Range: $500 to $6,500
Pros: Widest selection of lenses; larger image sensors capture sharper photos, especially in dark conditions; ability to preview exactly what the lens sees.
Cons: The biggest and heaviest camera type; expensive, especially if you purchase high-quality lenses.
Key Features: Both fully automatic and fully manual controls; interchangeable lens options; burst shooting modes for taking multiple shots in quick succession; optical viewfinder. Higher-end models shoot 4K video.
Key Accessories: External flash; wide variety of lenses; tripod; external microphone for video; video light; remote control
DSLR cameras are more or less the traditional Single Lens Reflex camera adapted for a digital age. Because of their large sensors, these cameras have long been the standard bearers for image quality, going back to the days of film. All DSLR cameras use a mirror and prism-based system that lets photographers see exactly what they’re about to shoot through the lens via an optical viewfinder. When you press the shutter, the mirror flips up, exposing the image sensor to light.
DSLRs are among the fastest cameras, and have traditionally been used by sports photographers and photojournalists for action assignments.
These cameras use interchangeable lenses, giving photographers a range of options for going wide or zooming in. Because they’ve been around for so long, DSLRs have the widest range of lenses from which to choose,
Our best pick for everyday shooters is the Canon EOS Rebel T8i, for its combination of features and price. However, we have other picks on our best DSLR cameras page.
Action cameras
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
Action cameras: Key specs
Price range: Less than $100 to $600
Pros: Cameras can be affixed to nearly anything. Wide-angle and high-resolution cameras help ensure that you capture the action. Ruggedly built for all kinds of weather. Very compact.
Cons: Typically no optical zoom; generally small sensors limit image quality; awkward to use as a point-and-shoot.
Key features: Image stabilization; high burst rates for photos; wide-angle image capture; ruggedized designs.
Key accessories: A wide variety of mounts for any surface; protective covers, waterproof housings, selfie sticks, steadicam handles, micro-SD cards.
Action cameras do just what the name says. They can handle jolts, water and temperature extremes that you might encounter doing sports and other outdoor activities. These cameras typically capture very wide-angle photos and videos, often at resolutions of 4K or higher, as on the GoPro Hero9 Black (which shoots up to 5K and has motion stabilization).
The cameras are quite compact, generally smaller than point and shoots. Most have a touchscreen on the rear which lets you adjust settings, and many of the better models will let you control them via a smartphone app. See our list of best action cameras to make your choice, though the majority of the top models are made by GoPro.
Point and shoot cameras
(Image credit: Sony)
Point-and-shoot cameras: Key specs
Price range: Under $100 to $400
Pros: Extremely portable and often small enough to fit into a pocket; fully automated; minimal investment for budget models.
Cons: Image quality not a lot better–and possibly worse–than what you’d get with your smartphone; very small image sensors produce photos with some noise in low light.
Key Features: Portability; automated photo functions; optical zoom lens; built-in image stabilization; rugged and waterproof options.
Key Accessories: SD Memory cards; protective case, hand strap.
Compact, or point-and-shoot cameras are simple models you can often fit in your pocket. Popular models such as the Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 don’t offer much benefit over a smartphone camera, except optical zoom, which ranges from about 5x to 12x in this category. More-expensive point-and-shoots may include optical image stabilization as well as Wi-Fi for transferring photos to a smartphone.
Point and shoots can also provide special capabilities, such as rugged, waterproof designs. The Olympus Tough TG-6, for example, can survive under 50 feet of water and function at temperatures down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit.
The point-and-shoot category has also revived instant photography. Inexpensive models from Lomo, Fujifilm and Canon capture images on film or include mini digital printers.
Check our roster of the best point-and-shoot cameras.
Bridge cameras
(Image credit: Future)
Bridge cameras: Key specs
Price Range: $400 to $3,300
Pros: Many advanced features in a more-compact design; superzoom lenses let you get very close to the action; both automatic and manual control give you picture-taking convenience and creative options.
Cons: Can’t match the quality of mirrorless and DSLR cameras, especially in low light; may perform more slowly than interchangeable-lens cameras; may not be much smaller than mirrorless models.
Key Features: Large sensors or superzoom lenses; all-in-one portable design; tilt-out LCD screen; higher-grade optics than found in point-and-shoots.
Key Accessories: Hand or shoulder strap; protective case; external flash; external stereo microphone for video.
Bridge cameras sit between point-and-shoots and interchangeable lens models. They tend to go in one of two directions: large sensors or long zoom lenses. (Basic physics prevents having both in a compact design.) Large sensors typically measure 1 inch or more, about four times bigger than a point-and-shoot sensor; they may also include ultrafast phase-detection autofocus. These models, such as the Sony RX100 VII, tend to have higher-grade optics than point-and-shoots, such as “fast” lenses with very large apertures for low-light photography and shallow depth of field. They may also have high burst speeds and shoot 4K as well as slow-motion video.
Superzoom camera models range from about 30x to 125x (the Nikon Coolpix P1000) — literally long enough to shoot the Moon in detail. Both types of bridge cameras tend to have large rear-screens and often LCD or OLED viewfinders. Others will have features only found on more advanced cameras, such as multiple mode dials.
Important camera features and specs
Megapixels/Resolution
The amount of megapixels a camera’s sensor captures determines how much detail appears in photos and video.
But there’s a trade-off. Cramming too many megapixels onto a sensor — especially the small chips in point-and-shoot and smartphone cameras — means small pixels with less surface area to capture light. The result can be noisy (grainy) photos, especially when shooting in dim conditions without flash. Bottom line: Don’t worry about how many megapixels your camera has. Anything at or above 8MP is fine in a phone or point-and-shoot (although the resolutions can go much higher). Larger cameras typically offer 20 megapixels or more, which is plenty, even for large prints. Read our explainer on How Many Megapixels Do You Really Need.
Aperture
In basic terms, aperture is the size of the opening in a lens. In advanced cameras, such as digital SLRs, mirrorless compact system cameras, bridge cameras, and even many point-and-shoot models, the photographer can manually set the aperture to control the amount of light that reaches the imaging sensor. Look for lenses with a larger maximum aperture — which are inversely expressed with a lower number, such as f/2.
8 or f/1.8. They let more light hit the sensor, so you can shoot brighter, sharper images in dark conditions. They can also be set to blur the background, bringing attention to the subject of the photo.
Smartphones tend to have very large apertures, as do some bridge cameras. (But smartphone apertures usually aren’t adjustable.) Budget interchangeable lenses (especially zooms) may offer only a max aperture of f/3.5 or smaller. You’ll pay a lot more for interchangeable lenses with larger max apertures, such as f/2.8.
MORE: Best Photo Editing Apps
Image Stabilization
Optical technology that helps reduce blur caused by hand shake comes in two varieties: in-lens and in-body. In-lens systems physically shift an element in a lens to counteract shake, allowing them to compensate for some degree of movement along two axes—horizontal and vertical. You’ll find two-axis systems in some smartphones, in higher-end point-and-shoot cameras, and in many bridge cameras and lenses for mirrorless and DSLR cameras.
Some mirrorless cameras, and even some high-end smartphones, shift the image sensor for stabilization along up to five axes (horizontal, vertical, pitch, yaw and roll). You’ll find it in cameras such as the mirrorless Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV and the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Cheaper smartphones and point-and-shoots, as well as very small cameras such as action cameras and drones, may have only digital stabilization, which uses in-camera software to correct image blur, but results are often not as sharp as with optical stabilization.
Focal Length
Focal length describes how close a lens can make a subject appear. Zoom lenses provide variable focal length, from wide-angle shots to telephoto close-ups. Focal length is specified in millimeters — such as with the roughly 18mm-55mm zoom lens bundled with many DSLR cameras — or by a magnification factor, such as 5x, 10x or 20x. With most cameras, focal length is given as its equivalent on a full-frame camera with the largest sensor type.
DSLR and mirrorless lenses are specified by their actual focal length, which will produce different results on full-frame vs smaller-sensor interchangeable-lens cameras. 50mm on a full-frame camera is roughly equivalent to how you see naturally. Shorter focal lengths are wider and longer ones are more telephoto. Some lenses, called “primes,” have a fixed focal length, such as 35mm or 50mm. While less flexible, prime lenses typically produce better image quality and are less expensive than equal-quality zooms because of their simpler design. A good prime lens is generally capable of a larger aperture.
Sensor Type and Size
The sensor converts light into electronic signals to create a picture. Generally speaking, the bigger a sensor, the better the photos. Bigger imaging sensors allow for some combination of more megapixels and larger pixels that can capture more light.
The largest sensor in a consumer camera is the “full-frame” sensor of high-end DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, so named because it’s about the same size as a piece of 35mm film.
APS-C sensors, which are slightly smaller than full-frame sensors, are in mainstream digital SLRs and many mirrorless cameras. Other mirrorless cameras use sensors slightly smaller than APS-C, known as Micro Four Thirds. Smaller still are the sensors in bridge cameras, which range from point-and-shoot size to slightly larger (but usually smaller than a mirrorless camera’s). Finally, cellphones (with a few exceptions) have the smallest image sensors. For more information on sensor size see our explainer How Many Megapixels Do You Really Need.
Virtually all camera sensors today use CMOS chip technology. Variations, such as back-illuminated or stacked CMOS sensors, improve low-light performance.
ISO Rating
ISO speed, a standard used to denote film sensitivity, has carried over to digital cameras. The higher you set the ISO, the more effective the camera is at capturing images in low light without a flash. However, there is a trade-off: Higher ISO sensitivity produces more distortion, or “noise,” which shows up as graininess in a photo.
All things being equal, a larger sensor — with larger pixels — is capable of better image quality at a higher ISO.
A maximum ISO capability of 6400 or greater will allow you to capture images in dim conditions inside and out, but the amount of noise will depend on the size and quality of the sensor and the ability of the camera’s image processor to clean up noise. The highest ISO settings on cameras generally provide poor results.
Shutter Speed
The shutter speed is the amount of time the shutter is open to expose the sensor to light. The faster the shutter speed, the more clearly a moving object can be captured. Shutter speed settings are typically measured in tenths or hundredths of a second.
Cameras capable of faster shutter speeds are better for freezing action, so if you like sports photography, you want a camera that can shoot at 1/500 of second and faster. Many DSLRs and mirrorless cameras are capable of shooting at 1/8,000, which is nice if you photograph car racing, but it’s faster than most photographers probably need.
Some mirrorless and bridge cameras offer electronic shutters, which are even faster.
Shooting Rate (FPS)
Most cameras have a feature allowing them to capture a burst of images just by holding down the shutter button. Often referred to as continuous shooting or burst mode, these modes are measured as frames per second (FPS). Some DSLRs — and even some point-and-shoots and smartphones — offer burst rates up to 10 fps. All things being equal, cameras without a mirror can shoot even faster using an electronic shutter.
Some mirrorless cameras and cellphone cameras are capable of speeds up to about 20fps. If you like shooting fast action, such as sports, get a camera with a fast burst rate so you can choose the best image from a series. (Make sure this spec is for the number of photos shot with continuous autofocus. Otherwise a lot of your burst shots may be blurry.)
Other Features
HD Video
Once a luxury feature, the ability to record HD video at up to 1080p is now common in everything from smartphone cameras to DSLRs.
In fact, Ultra HD (or 4K, which is 3840 x 2160 pixels) video is becoming common in higher-end cameras of all types, including smartphones. Even 8K resolution video (7,680 by 4,320 pixels) is starting to appear in some cameras, such as smartphones and drones.
Frame rates vary, including 60p (i.e. 60 frames per second) for smooth video of fast action, 24fps for a film-like look and even 240fps (in all iPhone 12 models) for playing back footage in slow motion.
Wi-Fi Connectivity
Wi-Fi for sending photos to a smartphone—or controlling a camera from a smartphone—is turning up in more digital cameras these days. The process of pairing a camera to a phone has gotten easier with recent devices.
GPS Tagging
Some cameras (including all smartphones) have built-in GPS to geotag your photos. After your shots are geotagged with latitude and longitude, you can import them into mapping software — such as in Apple’s iPhoto — and the images will pop up on a digital map over the location where they were shot.
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Sean Captain is a freelance technology and science writer, editor and photographer. At Tom’s Guide, he has reviewed cameras, including most of Sony’s Alpha A6000-series mirrorless cameras, as well as other photography-related content. He has also written for Fast Company, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Wired.
Old Soviet Lens Buyer’s Guide – Cinemap
As you may or may not know, Tito Ferradans is a tireless lens enthusiast and author of the Anamorphic Cookbook course. He recently wrote a guide to finding vintage Soviet-era lenses, bringing together almost a decade of knowledge into an easily accessible resource. So, without further ado, let’s give him the floor. Guest post by Tito Ferradans.
We can all agree that there is something special about vintage lenses.
Whether it’s the fact that they’re no longer being made, what age has done to glass, or how optics were calculated back then. Either way, the results are unique. The train has left the station!
Major filmmakers choose sophisticated and unorthodox optics for their Hollywood projects – Greg Fraser in Batman or Zack Snyder in Army of the Dead. Remanufacturing companies are devastating the rare lens market and driving up prices by reworking the simple mechanics that these lenses originally had over the toughness and standards needed to survive on set.
Lens Rubin-1
Why do I want Soviet lenses?
Much has been said about the Canon FD, Leica R, Nikon AI and so on… But outside of these more popular options, one lens stands above them all: the Helios 44. In addition to being the #1 vintage lens recommended for those who enters the world of fully manual control does not belong to any of the more popular and recognized brands.
Helios 44 is a Soviet lens, and I can say that most people end their acquaintance with Soviet optics on it.
And this is a big loss. At one time, the Soviet Union was a major technology powerhouse that rivaled the United States and developed several award-winning optical designs and lenses. How do they stay so cheap to this day when every other brand of vintage glass has gone up in price?
Soviet lenses have a very strong personality. You can easily tell this from the Helios 44. And unlike many other brands where you can adapt the lens to your style, here I would say you have to adapt your style to the lenses. It doesn’t sound great at first, but in that case, working with constraints is one of the best ways to push your creativity and inspire new ideas, right?
Result from modified Helios 44-2
Glance
If you have any complaints about the latest and greatest autofocus lenses on the market, if you find Zeiss optics too sharp, or Samyang too clean, or even the Canon L series a little boring, then you, have probably already begun to go down the rabbit hole of vintage lenses.
What attracts me most about Soviet glass is that you can get completely different instances of the same lens – to this day I have three different Helios 44s that I use for different visual styles.
Cleaning the lens with Helios 44-2
Their availability allows experimentation. You can pick up a few lenses for a couple of hundred dollars and find the ones you like best. You can determine which ones go well with each other. I love how easy they are to give highlights and how those highlights look. My best set has a matching blue finish and gives the images a unique warm tone.
I’m a big fan of these flashes!
The wide angle image is a very personal discussion, and while you can get pretty clean copies, there are plenty of guides and information out there on how to avoid lemons! However, a lemon might be just the thing for you if you’re looking for some optical imperfections that no one can replicate in a post!
Collection of vintage lenses.
How it all began
About ten years ago I became interested in vintage Soviet optics.
This was an offshoot of my research into anamorphic lenses. Since then, I have had over a hundred Helios 44 lenses and all other focal lengths produced in the Soviet Union.
This path of experimentation has greatly enriched my understanding of vintage lenses and allowed me to understand what suits my style and what doesn’t. I fell in love with the low contrast, slight highlights and versatility of the M42 mount. Of course, these lenses are available in other mounts, but the M42 was my top choice because it can be easily adapted to EF and in most cases it is suitable for full frame cameras as it was designed for 35mm film cameras.
The famous “early serial numbers”, or “red p” lenses.
In the process, I learned to disassemble half a dozen of these lenses, including the most popular ones such as the inevitable Helios 44, as well as Mir 1 and Jupiter 9. And, as with anamorphic lenses, in the process I learned that many of the information and stories about vintage soviet lenses are scattered all over the place, hard to find and hidden in long forgotten forums.
This was the challenge I needed.
Make it available
After gathering loads and loads of information that had to be accompanied by loads and loads of lenses, I decided to put it all together in an accessible – and inexpensive way! – a guide detailing good options, discussing some of the myths and hard truths about these lenses. Among reviewers and sources, I could count on Roman B. from the RetroFotoHouse YouTube channel and eBay store, as well as Ilya Volkov, a Soviet lens maker from the Moscow Optical Workshop.
Banner “USSR Lens Buyer’s Guide”.
This guide is dedicated to the M42 lenses as they can be used on almost any camera and will help you determine which lenses you like as well as provide an easy way to purchase them. You’ll learn the names of Soviet lenses, learn myths about them online, and read about extremely rare optics like the Mir 46, 35mm f/1.4, for which only a few were made!
If you’d like to view the first few pages, you can do so here, and use code CINED at checkout for 30% off!
Have you ever shot with vintage Soviet glass? What’s your favorite rare lens design? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
Best Streaming Webcam 2019
Published on 02/24/2019, 18:01 Comments:15
The webcam is considered an integral part of the streamer.
Often broadcasts that include a webcam are more popular.
This helps viewers perceive the content as something unique and not just in-game footage. It also provides better connectivity.
between the streamer and his audience. Let’s take a look at the most noteworthy webcams you can get right now, and which one
counts
the best webcam for streaming!
Content:
- Review: Top 5 Live Stream Webcams Today
- Logitech HD Pro C920
- Logitech C922x
- Logitech C270
- Microsoft LifeCam Cinema
- Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000
- How to choose the best webcam for streaming?
- Best webcam output for streaming
Review: Top 5 Live Stream Webcams Today
Here are the very best webcams today.
Logitech HD Pro C920
About webcam
Logitech was founded in 1981 and they have grown into a renowned and prestigious company that we know and love for their high quality products in a number of industries.
hardware. Their first product, which we consider, fully lives up to this reputation.
The
Logitech HD Pro C920 is an excellent webcam capable of capturing not only clear videos but also photos. It is a compact and flexible camera that
can perform any task perfectly, thanks to many useful and convenient functions.
Features
- Video quality
The C920 is one of two cameras capable of capturing 1080p high-definition video. But video quality isn’t just about digital resolution and megapixels!
More importantly, this webcam works with a high-quality Carl Zeiss glass lens, which is additionally equipped with an intelligent and flexible
autofocus. All this ensures that the material captured by the camera is clear, well focused.
Full HD video resolution is made possible by a smart implementation of H.264 encoding that intelligently compresses video on the fly. final
The result is considered to be a large amount of saved space and bandwidth, while there is practically no noticeable loss in the quality of the
video.
- Sound quality
Unlike most other webcams, the C920 includes a stereo rather than a mono microphone, complete with background noise reduction. This provides convenient
a way to make video calls, but for streaming it’s always best to use a dedicated microphone. - Additional features
Often, poor lighting results in poor video quality, rather than the perceived poor quality of the camera. Everyone knows that grainy, analog-like
video that is the result of this.
Luckily C920 effectively combats this with its automatic light correction function. Camera records digital lighting correction in video or
image during recording, which allows the user to shoot video with maximum clarity even in suboptimal lighting conditions. - Compatibility
This webcam is fully compatible with Windows 7 and all later versions. It has limited compatibility with Mac OS 10.10, Chrome OS,
Android 5.0 and any newer versions.
Deficiency
- High price – Logitech HD Pro C920 is the best webcam of its kind, much more expensive than other devices of this type. Order it directly
Logitech would mean paying $80, but authorized resellers and resellers offer it for just $50. Although it may be
more than most would be comfortable paying for a webcam, it’s more than worth the investment if you’re aiming for professional broadcasting.
Order it directly| Benefits | Disadvantages |
| Full HD video recording | |
| Clear and crisp video quality | Expensive |
| Quality stereo microphone |
Logitech C922x
About webcam
Next, we have another webcam from Logitech and it represents a limited improvement over the C920, although this is an improvement that some
may find definitely worthwhile.
The webcam in question is the Logitech C922x, an expensive top-of-the-line solution for those who demand the very best. Visually, it is very similar to the C920,
although it appears to be a more premium product, it’s all thanks to the all-black glass front.
Features
- Video quality
Like the C920, this camera can record at 1080p, has a 15-megapixel sensor, comes with a high-quality lens and
video compression. However, C922x does a better job of correcting light, making the lighting look more natural. - Sound quality
Like the C920, the C922x is equipped with two microphones, although they are noticeably better, recording clearer sound with little to no background noise. It is one
one of the best mics you’ll find in a webcam, though it still can’t match a good external mic. - Additional features
Rather than introducing any particular new features, the C922x focuses on improving those found on its humbler counterpart. As already mentioned
earlier, it handles exposure better, providing more natural light. - Compatibility
Like the C920, the C922x is compatible with Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, but has limited support for Chrome OS, macOS 10.10, and Android 5, as well as
any new versions of these operating systems.
Shortage
- Expensive. Given that the C920’s main downside was its price tag, it’s no surprise that this holds true for the premium variant, and even more so. Starting at $99
and rarely available for less, the C922x is definitely a product that will appeal mainly to those with deeper pockets or just those who need
good webcam.
| Benefits | Disadvantages |
| Full HD video recording | |
| Superb video quality and easy editing | Expensive |
| Excellent stereo microphone |
Logitech C270
About webcam
For the third entry, we have another solution from Logitech, albeit more modest than C920 or C922x. The C270 is just a simple looking webcam with no
any really great elements included in its design.
The main body of the camera is oval in shape and the exterior has a somewhat dull gray color scheme.
The camera itself is located on the left side of the main body
device accompanied by a microphone and a single green LED indicator.
Features
- Video quality
The C270 can record in 720p, which is considered the standard for most webcams today. Despite the fact that it is used, scant
3 megapixel camera, Logitech’s great software innovations play a major role in helping this webcam deliver high quality video
clarity.
It uses two key technologies: Logitech Fluid Crystal technology and automatic light correction. What are these actually doing?
two?
The aptly named Logitech Fluid Crystal technology is key to improving video quality on all fronts: sharpness, color, contrast, and
The overall clarity will be greatly improved thanks to this software development skill. And, secondly, automatic lighting correction is
a feature that is already covered in a previous article – it greatly improves video/image quality in low light conditions, though not
matches what more expensive webcams can do. - Sound quality
The C270 is equipped with a monaural microphone that is built in next to the camera lens. While the word “mono” may seem daunting at first glance, this
the microphone is still good enough – at least for video calls. It also uses noise cancellation to ensure clear audio during video calls,
but this is far from enough for streaming. - Compatibility
The Logitech C270 is fully compatible with Windows 7 and all later versions. It also works with MacOS 10.10 or higher, ChromeOS, and Android 5 and higher.
Shortage
- Secure Mount – The camera can be easily mounted on top of any monitor using the included clips. Even then it remains very
unstable. Of course, this is not too much of a problem for desktop computers, but it can create quite a few problems for laptop users.
| Benefits | Disadvantages |
| Excellent video quality | |
| Better value | Mounting mechanism could be better |
| Surprisingly good microphone |
Microsoft LifeCam Cinema
About webcam
Here we have a product from one of the most famous companies in the world of information technology.
It’s nothing but Microsoft and they’re here to
provide one of the highest quality webcams on this list – and its name says it all.
The
Microsoft LifeCam Cinema is quite different from most mainstream webcams in that it uses a cylindrical body that more closely resembles the real thing.
cinematic camera, hence the name. It uses a sleek black and silver color scheme and a microphone on top and has an exceptionally durable
construction.
Features
- Video quality
While it can record in “just” 720p, resolution isn’t everything. The main strength of this webcam lies in its
wide angle glass lens. The lens should be noted as it provides a larger and deeper depth of field. Of course, like
most other webcams, it also has autofocus.
From a software perspective, LifeCam Cinema uses TrueColor technology with face tracking. Benefits? Much finer focus and
exposure to present you clearly and in the best possible light. - Sound quality
The webcam includes a top-mount monaural microphone. It also has noise cancellation capabilities and is generally considered a very good microphone. - Compatibility
LifeCam Cinema only has full functionality on Windows 8 and later, while it has limited functionality on Windows 7.
Similarly, it has limited support for macOS 10.10 and does not support Android devices.
It also has noise cancellation capabilities and is generally considered a very good microphone. Deficiency
- Awkward autofocus – The webcam’s autofocus feature may become overactive at times, especially in low light conditions.
illumination. This is far from a production flaw, but repeated blurring can be an annoyance.
| Benefits | Disadvantages |
| Wide angle lens for wider recording angle and better depth of field | |
| Solid base | Somewhat unreliable autofocus, mostly in low light |
| Better than average webcam microphone | |
| Excellent balance between price and quality |
Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000
About webcam
There is another webcam from Microsoft, though not as luxurious as their LifeCam Cinema.
This product is closer to a budget solution, although it is
rather a product “in the middle”, which is on the border between low and medium prices.
The webcam in question is another one in the Microsoft LifeCam series, the HD-3000. This is in line with the overall approach of this product line to exterior design, with
mostly black body and silvery highlights. It’s far from the best webcam for streaming, but it can get the job done. Today he
it only costs $20, making it a good entry-level solution if you’re short on funds.
Features
- Video quality
The HD-3000 records video in 720p, but with a simple plastic lens. And while it still has autofocus and TrueColor features on Windows 8 and up,
it lacks most of the other powerful features found in more expensive LifeCam products. - Sound quality
The HD-3000 uses a simple noise canceling mono microphone. Although it may not be obvious from what is presented on paper, for a few
microphones lower than other LifeCam microphones. This is convenient for regular video calls, but hardly suitable for professional streaming. - Compatibility
The HD-3000 has the same OS compatibility features as LifeCam Cinema: full support for Windows 8 and above, and partial support for Windows 7 and macOS 10.10.
This is convenient for regular video calls, but hardly suitable for professional streaming. Shortage
- No tilt adjustment – most webcams have this feature to help users find the ideal viewing angles. This is a particularly important feature if
you have a low desk or a monitor that is too high, and because of its lack, some may have trouble finding the ideal position for this webcam.
| Benefits | Disadvantages |
| Decent video quality for the money | Optimal tuning can be a problem |
| Available |
How to choose the best webcam for streaming?
Requirements vary from user to user, as do budgets.
In this regard, a brief guide will be presented, which discusses,
how important certain webcam features are, which ones to consider, and ultimately how to find the perfect webcam for your needs.
Consider all points!
Resolution – do you really need Full HD?
We’ve all felt, at some point, that obsessive need to own a piece of technology because of its amazing paper specs. However, only the most
the thrifty of us ever wonder if they really need all those fancy high-tech features.
Take a moment to think about what you will be using your webcam for. If you just need to add a “front camera” to your stream, then the choice between 720p
and 1080p is hardly considered a critical factor. This happens because the video it records will only take up a small part of the screen. Having it in
mind, people will need to view webcam footage across the screen to tell the difference between “HD Ready” resolutions
and Full HD.
The maximum video resolution should not be the deciding factor in your final choice.
If you can afford it
it’s certainly nice to have 1080p recording capabilities as it’s more future-proof, but it’s not worth posting any
big money.
Plastic and glass lenses – is there a difference?
The big difference between a cheaper and more expensive webcam is the material the lens is made from. It doesn’t affect the quality much.
Images. Rather, the choice between plastic and glass is more relevant for glasses or contact lenses.
Microphone – is it relevant?
As mentioned earlier, webcam microphones are generally unremarkable. They are included solely to make video calls more
comfortable, and that is the purpose they serve admirably.
If you want to broadcast live, you need a dedicated microphone. Desktop mic they’re better in every way imaginable,
offering many useful features and greatly exceeding the overall sound quality.
Is image correction working?
Technologies that improve image quality through light correction and color enhancement are more important than you think.
Poor lighting is often the main cause of poor webcam video quality and most people are unlikely to be able to
proper cinematic lighting on your desk. Some webcams can counteract this digitally by applying various
effects that create natural, crisp images even in low light conditions.
If a webcam has this feature, it does not mean that it can achieve the desired effect, like any other webcam.
Best webcam output for streaming
Given all of the above, we can conclude that the best webcam for streaming is the first device considered, the Logitech HD Pro C920.
What exactly makes this webcam a clear step above the competition?
It really offers the best value for money. Despite the $80 MSRP, you can get it for almost half that price at
Amazon and other sellers. This allows you to get a really high quality webcam at an affordable mid-range price and also makes it more
more profitable than C922x in our book.
The C920 simply has it all.