Not many people get excited about run-of-the-mill WebCams anymore. That’s why manufacturers are packing ever more functions into their WebCam offerings these days. So-called DualCams are intended to fill the gap between simple WebCams and the significantly more expensive realm of digital cameras.
DualCams can be used just like WebCams – as a stationary device that sits next to a computer and takes a lot of motion images of whatever the cameras pointed at. But they can also be taken on the road to serve as a digital camera.Yet, potential buyers should not to pin too many hopes on the capabilities of these dual purpose cameras.Part of the problem may be that WebCams have long been regarded as toys. That’s primarily because of their poor picture quality, even in the most experienced of hands.For many WebCam users, however, picture quality is not a big issue. These users typically save their pictures only in digital form, and for this, the 640 by 480 pixel resolution of a WebCam is sufficient. For those looking for a cheap picture phone, WebCams are an easy solution.Up until now, however, WebCam users had no way to use their device for snapshots outside the home. DualCams now make this possible. Customers will have to dig a little deeper into their wallets, however. Even an introductory model such as the Clicksmart 310 by Logitech runs around 95 dollars. The device is robust and easy to operate, and almost anything that comes in front of its lens can be captured and shared via e-mail.The Clicksmart 510, a more expensive model, aims to pack in even more functionality. The Logitech camera’s eight megabyte storage card can hold multiple photos or a video of up to 90 seconds. Yet at a resolution of only up to 1.3 megapixels, expectations for image quality again should not be too high.Chip manufacturer Intel has built a storage card of 16 megabytes into its Pocket Digital PC camera. With this amount of storage, the camera can hold up to 256 low-resolution photos. The device also includes a built-in flash and microphone, so that moving images can include sound.“The WebCam is intended for anyone who wants to spice up their Internet communication with pictures,” says Intel’s Christian Anderka. He does not view the WebCams as competition for expensive digital cameras, though. “Those cameras are significantly different in terms of functionality and price, and are intended for entirely different areas of use.” The Intel Pocket Digital PC camera sells for around 180 dollars.The target group for these DualCams is largely newcomers to the world of digital photography. Among the advantages of the DualCams is their ease of use.Buyers should not simply grab the first camera available, but rather should ask for sales assistance. Those looking for a DualCam should be prepared to spend at least 150 dollars. Otherwise, it’s advisable to buy a good WebCam for now and a digital camera later.Ambitious users will still need to spend around 500 dollars to get a good digital camera. “Those looking to take real photographs should invest their money in a digital camera with good optics and quality sensors. Sometimes a little patience is advisable: new digital cameras often drop rapidly in price.
