Webcams have made connecting with people in the contemporary world a lot easier and more efficient, as they transmit image and video signals to the computer in real-time. Every device that we use, like a laptop, computer, etc. has built-in webcams but one can also install them separately. Since their invention in 1993, webcams have come a long way. Let us know more detail about ‘Why Are Webcams So Expensive?’.
Why Are Webcams So Expensive?
Webcams have been immensely used during the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused their overall shortage in supply as demand skyrocketed which boosted the price. Moreover, webcams can be expensive considering the technology that is used to manufacture them; the lens quality, facial recognition, movement sensors in webcams used for security purposes, etc. In addition, the quality of the image a webcam depicts also has an impact on price. This also includes the night-vision capabilities of the webcam and any accessories that come with it. Price is also reliant upon what brand the webcam belongs to, like Logitech, etc.
Impact of COVID-19 on price of webcams
During the pandemic, people found themselves working from home, which meant conducting everything via a computer/laptop. Webcams played a primary role in accomplishing this.
Webcams were used for:
- Online meetings
- Distance learning in schools
- Telemedicine purposes
The increase in demand caused:
- 179 percent hike in the prices of webcams
- Empty shelves of webcams and accessories at online stores like Amazon, Walmart
- Hike in the markup
- Hike in the bonus payment in addition to the regular rates of webcams
Examples of price hikes during COVID-19
- The C270 webcam from Logitech faced a price increase from USD 24.99 to USD 130
- C930E webcam faced a price increase from USD 129.99 to USD 200
- C920 webcam faced a price increase from USD 249 to USD 329
- Webcams on eBay were priced up to USD 420
Other factors impacting the price
1. The technology
Webcams were invented in 1993 using intricate technology like:
- Light detectors of a microscopic size
- Chips that sense images, which are CCD (charge-couple device) or CMOS sensor
- Binary number technology used to convert the information from sensors into real- time images
Using this technology to aid people in having a real-time connection with anyone, anywhere on earth comes at a price, which is why webcams are expensive.
2. Many uses
Webcams are a device that can be used for multiple purposes, which impacts their price.
- Used in offices to conduct meetings
- Installed in buildings for security
- Installed in homes for security
- Can be used as a monitor for infants
3. Features
Features of the webcam have directly impacted the price, more features packed in webcams means the pricier they will be.
Some of the features (that make the webcams expensive) are:
- Quality of the image
- 4K video capability
- HD video capability
- Ability to automatically focus, which is not in every webcam
- Microphones, whether they are built-in or not
- Quality of the videos in a darker light, like performance at night
- Frame rate
- The storage capability of the webcam
- Quality of the hardware
- What the design of the webcam is; sleek, small, etc.
- Whether the webcam has facial recognition, which usually takes the price 100 USD higher
- What quality lens the webcam is fitted with, different lenses have different prices
- Rotation capabilities of the webcam
4. Accessories
The webcams can be pricier for the person purchasing them if they must purchase accessories for it, like monitors with webcams, and additional wires, or if they must buy the microphone or lens separately (not built into the webcam).
Some of the accessories and their prices are:
- Aluminum desks stand for USD 24
- An arm used for webcam support costs USD 19
- Headset H390 for USD 25
5. Brand
Brands always impact price. What brand of webcam you buy determines its price. Brands that have more sales and a good reputation can often be more expensive.
Some brands are:
- Logitech (most expensive)
- Dell
- Ausdom (affordable)
- Microsoft
- Razer Kiyo
Prices
Prices differ according to different brands. Below are the prices of webcams on an expensive end:
- Insta360 Link UDH AI Webcam for USD 299
- Logitech BRIO Ultra HD Pro Webcam for USD 199
- Logitech 4K Pro Webcam for USD 199
- Dell Ultra Sharp 4K Webcam for USD 199
- Logitech C920s HD Pro Webcam for USD 94
- Logitech Brio 500 1080p Webcam for USD 129
- Logitech C930 Webcam for USD 129
- Elgato Facecam Full HD Webcam for USD 169
- Microsoft LifeCam Cinema Webcam for USD 52
- Avaya Webcam HC020 for USD 199
Webcams on a more affordable scale for you to buy are:
- XCellon HDWC10 Full HD for USD 19
- Logitech C615 Webcam for USD 29
- Logitech C270 HD Webcam for USD 29
- Logitech C310 HD Webcam for USD 34
- Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 Webcam for USD 29
- Adesso CyberTrack H4 1080p USB Webcam for USD 37
- PTZOptics Webcam 80 V2 for USD 37
- MEE Audio-1920 1080p webcam for USD 44
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Webcams
Many individuals conduct a cost-benefit analysis before spending money on a webcam, which means that they consider what benefits they are receiving given the amount of money they will invest.
Below are the details of what certain webcam specialties are, this will help you balance out the benefits you receive versus the amount you will spend.
1. If 720p resolution is enough for you, then Logitech C310 is suitable
- Includes the automatic focus
- Noise reduction capability
- For regular Skype calls
2. Insta360 Link Webcam is suitable for those who want many features
- 4K video
- 1080p resolution
- Artificial intelligence
3. If the main aim of buying a webcam is for security at night, then Razer Kiyo Pro is suitable
- 1080p resolution
- The automatic focus at night
- Included HDR quality video
4. If you aim to stream and create content on social media, then the Elgato Facecam webcam is the one for you
- 1080p resolution
- Focus is fixed
- Software is easy to use
5. If you wish to appear professional and have numerous official meetings in a day (online), then the Mevo Start webcam is suitable
- 1080p resolution
- Is wireless and portable
- Software is easy to use
Tips to bypass expensive webcams:
Webcams have become a need rather than a luxury, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic when everything was conducted online.
However, it can be a hassle to spend so much money on purchasing them.
Below are a few tips that may help and serve as an alternative:
Using a mobile phone
You can use your phone rather than an expensive webcam, both serve a similar purpose give or take. Phones have excellent quality microphones and cameras built in them and can seamlessly connect you through a video call for online meetings.
Angle
It might be a hassle to keep the phone in your hand at a visible angle for hours. This, invest in buying accessories like:
- A camera arm, which costs about USD 15 to 20
- A tripod for your phone which costs about USD 15
Battery
Buy a battery charging device to keep your phone plugged in since video calls take up a lot of battery.
Sale
Figure out when the webcam you want goes on sale in a tech store, or if you are buying online, wait for the items to go on sale. This way, webcams can be more affordable.
Sales usually happen on online stores like Amazon, Best Buy, etc. Logitech C615 camera is priced 20 dollars lesser on a sale on the Best Buy website.
Deals
Many online stores have deals on technology units. Figure out a way to opt for a bundle deal with accessories since it can be cheaper.
Some deals are:
- Monoprice 2MP 1080p USB Webcam, plus a lens cover at Amazon for USD 15
- Logitech C920 webcam, plus a shutter for the lens for USD 69 at Best Buy
- Logitech C922 webcam, plus a tripod for USD 99 at Best Buy
Type of webcam
Assess what type of webcam is most suitable to your needs, since their prices vary according to their type, brand, and model.
- The basic webcam for capturing videos
- IP network webcams for using real-time feed through a network connection
- Assess if your webcam needs are external (for security) or in-house (for online meetings, etc.)
Conclusion
Webcams are not produced in mass quantity, they come as per the demand. During the COVID-19 pandemic, their prices raised to the extent that they became unaffordable for some, especially students on a budget. However, with some research, you can ascertain what type of webcam is best for your use, considering all the features and prices.
FAQs
- What is the price of the Nexigo N60 webcam?
It is priced at USD 40 on Amazon.
- Why is the Insta360 Link webcam so expensive?
This webcam has a lot of features like 1080p quality, an in-built microphone that automatically cancels noise, artificial intelligence aspects, video can be made vertically, etc. Thus, the price is USD 300.
