Top Five Best USB Webcams Under $100

Webcams have vastly improved in performance and quality since the first commercial webcam was introduced in 1994. Thanks to popular video sites like Youtube, webcams are enjoying more popularity than ever. A webcam is a great, fun tool for things like keeping in touch with family and friends, video-conferencing with co-workers, recording your own webcast or even a cheap home security system. Modern USB webcam technology is now capable of delivering true high definition resolution at a price that anyone can afford. Here are the top five webcams for under $100.

If you want full 720p HD video chats, look no further than the Logitech C510. The C510 also takes crisp, vivid 8 megapixel still pictures. This versatile webcam is equipped with “RightLight” and “RightSound” technology which ensures proper lighting and optimal sound settings for every video. The bundled Logitech software offers the ability for one-click uploads to YouTube and Facebook, as well as fun collection of video special effects. For quality and clarity, the Logitech C510 webcam is a great buy for under $50.

The Microsoft LifeCam Cinema is a full-featured webcam that can produce smooth high definition 720p video quality. The audio quality of the built-in noise-cancelling microphone is also excellent. The LifeCam Cinema can capture video at up to 30 frames per second with an auto-focusing high precision lens. The Microsoft LifeCam Dashboard software interface makes it easy to add special effects and integrate with other Microsoft Live applications like Windows Live Movie Maker. No other webcam in this price range offers as many features as the Microsoft LifeCam Cinema 720p HD.

The Logitech Webcam Pro 9000 has been around for a while and there is good reason why. The Pro 9000 was one of the first webcams to offer outstanding 720p HD video quality and sound at an affordable price. The Logitech Webcam Pro 9000 features a “Carl Zeiss” lens system that produces sharp, jerk-free video and extremely smooth auto-focusing ability. The Pro 9000 uses “RightLight2” and “RightSound” technology for perfect sound and lighting even in the dimmest conditions. This Pro 9000 is compatible with all instant messaging programs and comes with Logitech Vid which allows for instant, easy video calling.

The HP HD-3110 720p webcam uses “TrueVision” technology to provide clear, smooth video with the ability to adapt to external lighting conditions. The HD-3110 offers accurate, true color through the built-in use of automatic white balancing. An excellent face-tracking option allows users to remain in the center of a video shot in every frame. The HP HD-3110 webcam may not offer as many extended features of other HD webcams, but for price, it is an excellent webcam that can get the job done.

Whether you're at home or away, this compact notebook HD webcam makes recording clear video calls easy. The Portable Webcam C905 provides everything you need to be there face-to-face in true-to-life 720p HD detail. The C905 features the “Carl Zeiss” lens technology supplies super smooth auto-focus and “RightLight2” technology for the best possible picture in darker situations. The built-in premium microphone can suppress background noise and deliver audio in stunning quality. The Logitech C905 HD webcam also comes with a protective travel case and Logitech Vid for fast, easy video calling. The C905 is superior to built-in notebook webcams and is packed with more features to enhance the online video experience.