Can someone advise me on buying a web cam with microphone?
There are many offers on Amazon at this time.
I am thinking of offering on line flamenco guitar lessons with the use of this technology.

Tomas, When I bought my new HP laptop it had all that built in. I haven't tried it yet, but others that have say it is very good picture and sound. For your use I would think something of good quality with a remote.

I have now understood that the web cam must be compatible with my computer.
I have a dell computer and my system is windows vista and I wish to use the web cam with Skype.
Compatibility is not so easy.
I have been reading on the Internet and people are saying that even when a product claims compatibility they cannot get it to work.
If anyone here knows more please let me know.

Saludos

Tomás

I bought a random Philips webcam at a local PC store. I didn't check to see if it would be compatible with anything; I just plugged it in a free USB socket, it powered up and went searching for software. I use Windows XP and Skype.


Alan

Yes, compatibility is not usually much of a problem. Just check the package to see that it has a Windows logo on it and you'll be fine. Pretty much all are USB and compatible with Mac and Windows.

I do lessons over Skype using a built-in mic and camera. Works fine. I know that some teachers use Adobe Connect and I've seen a teacher in NYC using iChat/AIM. That part doesn't really seem to be the problem. What I've found is that your connection speed is the biggest issue. Skype can be a problem at any time and a good connection is crucial. I had problems initially doing the lessons over my wifi router. I had contention problems with other routers in my building. I switched to a wired connection and it was fine.

When you setup using Skype just make sure that your Skype settings are set to the webcam and mic input. Have someone help you with a test of sound and cam position. Send me a private email and I'll work with you on that if you like.

If both sides use headphones it helps.

byron

Many thanks for all the help here.
I have bought a cam and will set it up in a few days so I will post to say how it is going and thanks Byron, if I get stuck I will ask for help.
Saludos

Tomás

Very good. I'm sure you'll find it's pretty easy. Feel free to contact me for a test.

Tomas, I've arrived a bit late since you already bought a webcam. Still, it might be worth mentioning that a wide-angle webcam is best for guitarists in order to capture what both hands are doing without having to angle oneself towards the camera or sit further back.

I snatched the Microsoft LifeCam Cinema HD went it was offered for sale. Its regular price is now what was my "sale price". I think it's excellent and I also like how it handles colors. It's not as good in low-light as its competitor from Logitech but that's not an issue in my home office.

Below is a comparison between it and the Logitech Quickcam 9000 Pro. There have since been some new entries from Logitech to the webcam market.