Anyone that has used Skype or another video chat client has doubtless seen some very bad quality video images.
While the price and quality of a webcam may be a decisive factor in determining just how good of an image a user can get, it is totally possible to get vibrant, rich images from even the cheapestwebcam. Making some simple adjustments to the overall environment around the computer can greatly improve webcam image quality.
The four key areas are:
- Light source
- Background
- Focus
- Monitor adjustment
To fix many webcam image quality problems follow these simple instrusctions.
Use A Good Light Source
Many people use fluorescent lighting in the workplace to save energy, but fluorescent lights often give off a bluish colored light that makes the subject looked washed out and faded. While it may be possible to adjust for this in the software a more practical alternative is to make sure the light source is providing realistic light on the subject's face.
Traditional light bulbs work well for this, especially soft-white bulbs. Lower wattage bulbs are often sufficient for this purpose, and some professionals recommend filtering the light further by passing the light through a piece of paper to diffuse the light and make it less harsh in close up shots. Also consider the location of the light source, if it can be moved position it in a place that will not cause reflections off of the user's glasses or other objects.
Frame The Subject Within A Good Background
While this is not a primary concern for most people, the color and images behind the subject of a webcam image still need to be considered. Solid color backgrounds work best, and can be lightly or darkly colored depending on the subject's personal taste.
Avoid having photographs or other images with reflective glass coverings in the background. Remember that the background image can affect a person's impressions of a conversation. A cheap, dark wood panelling background would not work well for some situations, while a plain, white background would be inappropriate for others.
Focus On The Subject
Although many webcams come with auto focus the vast majority of cheap webcams use manually focused lenses. Get the subject in frame, in the position they will be when the video is being taken, and adjust the focus ring on the camera lens until the image is sharp and clear.
Don't Be Afraid To Adjust The Monitor
One of the most common problems with webcam video images is the reflection of the screen on a user's eyeglasses or painting the user's face with a wash a color from the monitor. Turn the brightness of the monitor down to the point that it does not cast any colors or reflections on the person being captured by thewebcam.
Once all of these suggestions have been taken into account if the image is still not at the quality level required the next step is to attempt to make some adjustments in the webcam software.
Between these two areas of adjustment (environment and software) most webcam images can be brought up to acceptable quality. Some users will have success using an online tool to help adjust their camera software settings. If not, the one remaining option is to try a different webcam and repeat the suggestions shown above.
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