Lens

A web camera on a laptop functions the same way a regular camera does. One of the main parts of a web camera is the lens, which comes in many different forms. The lens of a web camera directs the light that it captures to mimic the image on the digital sensor. The most common type of lens is one that is made out of plastic and can be adjusted into focus. On the other hand, fixed focus lenses cannot be adjusted. The depth of field of a camera is generally larger for small images. Thus, webcams have such a great capacity for depth of field that having a fixed focus lens does not have much impact on the quality of the image.

Sensors

Another important component that allows a web camera on a laptop to work is the image sensors. The most common formats are charge coupled device (CCD) and complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS). Both have the capability to change light into electronic signals that can be understood by the computer software.

Software

What makes a camera suitable for use in a laptop it is the installation of software into the computer's system. The required software depends on the model of the web camera, such as the Microsoft NX-6000. Whatever the kind of program it is, it allows the computer to process the images captured by the camera at a specific rate called the frame rate, which is usually at one image every 30 seconds. The software then transfers it in a location which makes it suitable for viewing. A higher frame rate, no less than 15 to 30 frames per second, is needed for streaming video over the Internet.

Technology

Once the image has been captured, an Internet connection is needed to broadcast it. The most common way to do this is through uploading the file through a technology called file transfer protocol (FTP). FTP is a term used to refer to the ability of moving a file from a computer to a web server.

Use

A web camera on a laptop can be used to directly email videos or pictures to other people. Take note that longer videos will be attached to the message as a bigger file. For the person receiving the email, there is no need for any special computer program to view the file. One of the most common uses of web cameras on laptops is through instant messaging. This feature allows people to communicate with one another in real time. Most programs that allow people to chat have an option to transmit images captured by a web camera onto a laptop.