Portability
The devices are easily portable and you can quickly disconnect one from your computer and connect it to another computer including a desktop or laptop model. You can also attach a USB webcam to a USB hub and extend its distance from your computer and allow a wider field of view. This is ideal for when you need to capture a large panel of people during a video conference or you want the camera to capture your entire office during a meeting or other event. Just bear in mind you may lose quality in this instance.
Attachments and Quality
Most webcams come with a stand or hooks for placing the device on a flat surface or to attach it to a shelf, monitor, or another area. USB webcams also contain larger, adjustable lenses that result in better overall picture quality than built-in laptop webcams. A lot of webcams now, even smaller ones offer an Autofocus feature and almost all have Zoom functions. Smaller cameras utilise a Digital Zoom feature whereas more premium options have both Digital and Optical Zoom features giving you an amazing image making them ideal for video calls and streaming.
Webcam features and abilities
Your standard desk-based webcam is a good simple camera, often with a built-in microphone. Recently updates have been made on these to incorporate Auto-Framing, Auto-Focus, and a degree of noise cancellation.
With Teleworking and streaming becoming more common, more demands have been made of USB cameras so, we now see the above extra features and more reasons to look at these, better options to your standard built-in camera commonly found in Laptops
Compatibility and Availability
USB webcams are compatible with a variety of platforms including Windows, Mac, Linux, and some gaming systems like the Sony PlayStation. The webcams vary in price and are available from brick-and-mortar stores as well as online outlets, online auction websites, and directly from webcam manufacturers including Microsoft, Logitech, Yealink, Poly, Sennheiser, and many others.
Most smaller webcams operate exclusively via USB, some more premium options can also utilise HDMI.
