Live Webcams Can Connect You to the World

Webcams are devices that capture and transmit still or live pictures and videos over the Internet, either locally or remotely. They can be built into laptops, tablets and monitors or bought as standalone units. Some of them come with software that enables them to act as videoconferencing cameras. Some webcams, like Apple’s iSight camera on the latest Mac computers and iMacs, also allow users to chat via instant messaging applications such as Messages.

The first webcam was pointed at a pot of coffee in 1993, and since then they have woven themselves into the fabric of modern life. The thousands of webcams available today can take you on a visual odyssey around the world, connecting you to an extraordinary tapestry of cultures and natural wonders.

You can find live streaming webcams online that are operated by schools and daycare centers, businesses like glass-blowing studios, and even public places such as zoos and museums. Some of these webcams broadcast in high-definition, and others have a zoom feature that allows you to get up close and personal with your subject.

When choosing a webcam, make sure it’s certified for business use and has a wide field of view to ensure your whole face is in the frame. Check the resolution to ensure that your images are sharp, and look for a webcam with an auto light correction feature that makes it easy to produce quality video in any lighting condition. Finally, consider the frame rate—usually quoted in terms of frames per second (fps), which determines how smooth your stream will be. Live webcams