Web cams have grown in popularity because they have become more affordable in recent years. When they were first developed they were the domain of people with the fastest internet connections, like that provided by a T1 line. As processing and graphics power on many computers have increased, so have the abilities of the everyday online connection, making it practical for home users to try web cams for themselves.
Todays Web Cam Applications
The single most popular application of the web cam is for use in chat rooms and other online communication programs. Web cams allow you to see the other people you are speaking to. They are capable of streaming video, so you know what everyone is doing or saying simultaneously.
Modern web cams have come a long way since they were first introduced. Today they are capable of much higher resolutions thanks to more powerful graphics processors and increased up- and download speeds. Running a web cam on a 4 Kbps connection was impossible because of the lack of data transmission, but DSL and Cable have made true video possible.
There is also software that can allow you to shoot short video clips with web cams, which is useful for sharing a humorous blurb from television or even a cutscene from a movie or video game. Web cams are typically mounted for stationary use, but can be moved around and manipulated to take images of things within the lenss range. The web cams only real limitation is the limits on their ability to focus.
