A member on another board asked me about what web cam I might recommend for her.
I asked her if she had a digital camera and she said she did. I explained that most digital cameras can in fact be used as web cams.
The following apply:
-Many digital cameras come with software and drivers that will enable it to be used as a webcam. Sometimes all you have to do is plug it in and you're all set. Go to a site such as
Justin_TV (click) and it will allow you to create a profile, it will "find" the camera on your system and install the necessary drivers and make any necessary adjustments
-You may want to go to the camera's website, and get any driver/software updates that may be applicable.
-Sometimes camera makers will have a driver upgrade, to handle changes that the messenger (MSN, Yahoo, AIM) services have made, recently.
-you will need to purchase an AC adapter to provide constant power to the camera. Otherwise you will go through batteries relatively quickly.
-you may need to adjust the camera so it doesn't go on standby after a few minutes. It's possible that some cameras do not have an adjustment for that feature.
One disadvantage to using a digital camera as a web cam is that they don't have an adjustable swivel base so you need to get creative to position the camera where you want it.