Resolution: up to 2K | Mic: Yes | Software support: Yes | Features: autofocus, built-in lens cover, dual stereo mics, omnidirectional vocal pickup

We primarily test webcams by putting them through as much real-world use as possible. We examine their design, how flexible they are and how easy they are to reposition, and make note of how heavy they are and if that affects their ability to stay put while sitting on top of a screen. We use each webcam for at least a week straight as our primary camera for all video chats, and we make sure to use the device in different lighting environments to test low-light performance. We also use any built-in microphones as our primary audio inputs on video calls as well. Finally, although most of these webcams are plug-and-play, we test out any proprietary software that’s intended to work with each webcam, tweaking things like field of view, video resolution and effects, and using any special features like Show Mode on Logitech webcams.

Polarized eyewear reduces glare, enhances visual acuity and contrast sensitivity, and improves overall visual comfort. Applications of polarized light in eyewear extend beyond sunglasses to include various types of eyewear, such as swimming and ski goggles. Polarization is also applied to non-eyewear surfaces such as windshields and windows.

Ophthalmic laser systems increasingly utilize polarized light to ensure precise tissue ablation or photocoagulation during various surgical procedures. The controlled delivery of polarized light in these surgeries improves the accuracy and precision of tissue targeting. Some of the key ophthalmic procedures that involve the use of polarized light in laser surgery include:

All light possesses polarization. Light, commonly termed "unpolarized," lacks organized polarization, instead exhibiting randomized polarization. Randomly polarized light is a type of light in which the electric field vector oscillates in random directions perpendicular to the direction of the light's propagation. In other words, the light waves are not aligned in any particular direction and are constantly changing orientation.[3] As a result, the light cannot be blocked or transmitted by a polarizer, which is a material that only allows light waves of a specific polarization orientation to pass through.

You’re also able to control the camera’s resolution and field of view with this software, too. The C200 webcam defaults to a 2K resolution, but you can bring it down to 1080p, 720p or even 360p if you wish. Same goes for field of view: The default is 95 degrees, but I bumped mine down to 78 degrees to spare my colleagues a wider view of my messy home office.

LLLT uses polarized light at specific wavelengths to modulate cellular processes, such as mitochondrial respiration, and promote tissue healing. This noninvasive therapy has shown promising results in managing ocular conditions, such as dry eye syndrome, by reducing inflammation and stimulating the production of tear film components. Additionally, LLLT has been explored as a potential treatment for retinal diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy and AMD, by promoting cellular repair mechanisms and reducing oxidative stress.[30]

Computer camera app

Polarization of light refers to the process by which the oscillations of the electric field vector within an electromagnetic (EM) wave become restricted to a single plane.[1] The plane of polarization is determined by the direction of propagation and the orientation of the electric-field oscillations. Different types of polarization, such as linear, circular, and elliptical, exhibit distinct characteristics and behaviors.[2]

Elgato made a few important upgrades in the new Facecam MK.2: it now supports HDR, a slightly wider field of view and a new pan-tilt-zoom feature that can either keep you in the center of the frame at all times or move the camera to follow you as you point to a whiteboard beside you. The latest model supports 1080p/60fps video recording and it has a built-in lens cover that you can slide out from the side when you’re not using the peripheral. Video quality is pretty good, with natural colors, good detail and decent lighting regardless of the available illumination in your space. In addition to its solid overall quality, streamers will appreciate the level of control Elgato’s Camera Hub software provides over things like white balance, exposure, contrast and more, and the fact that the Facecam MK.2 integrates seamlessly with the Steam Deck.

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Resolution: 4K | Mic: Yes | Software support: Yes | Features: Auto-exposure, auto white balance, noise reduction, and autofocus

The interprofessional team should be prepared to explain these benefits to patients, assisting them in making informed decisions about their eyewear. Further, using polarized light in advanced imaging techniques such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) is essential. OCT is a non-invasive imaging test that uses light waves to take cross-section pictures of the retina.

Circularly polarized light occurs when the electric field vector rotates around the direction of the light's propagation in a circle, with a constant amplitude and frequency; it can be thought of as a combination of two linearly polarized waves of equal amplitude and perpendicular polarization directions, with a phase difference of 90 degrees between them.[6] Circularly polarized light can be generated by passing linearly polarized light through a quarter-wave plate or a circular polarizer.[7]

Polarization of light is a fundamental optical phenomenon with significant implications in ophthalmology and optometry, enhancing diagnostic and therapeutic techniques for various ocular conditions.

But $130 might be a lot for some people to spend on a webcam. We think it’s worth it if you’re primarily a hybrid or remote worker, but there is a cheaper option for those with tight budgets. The Logitech Brio 300 has many of the same core features as the Brio 500: 1080p resolution, auto light correction, a built-in privacy shutter and USB-C connectivity. However, you won’t get HDR support, an adjustable field of view, Show Mode or omnidirectional mics (although it does have a noise-reducing microphone of its own). It’s a pared-down version of the Brio 500 and it’ll only cost you $70.

SLP is a noninvasive imaging technique that utilizes polarized light to measure the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL). The RNFL consists of axons of retinal ganglion cells responsible for transmitting visual information from the retina to the brain. The change in polarization as light moves through the layer is directly proportional to the thickness of the RNFL. SLP is beneficial as it is a rapid and quantitative assessment of the RNFL in high resolution. However, ocular media opacities, such as cataracts or corneal irregularities, can affect SLP, which may influence the accuracy of RNFL thickness measurements. In addition, the birefringence of the RNFL may vary among individuals, which can impact the accuracy of SLP measurements.[20]

The dual omnidirectional mics inside the Logitech Streamcam delivered my voice loud and clear during video calls. If you stream often and find yourself without an external mic, it’s nice to know that you could get by with the Streamcam’s built-in ones in a pinch. The microphones also have noise reduction to keep your voice font and center.

This Logitech webcam works with the LogiTune software, which lets you customize camera settings like field of view, autofocus, contrast, brightness and more, plus lets you enable Show Mode and RightSight features. The former lets you present things on your desk just by tilting the camera down while the latter will automatically keep you in frame during calls even if you move around. RightSight works much like Apple’s Center Stage feature does on iOS devices, and most people will likely get more use out of this feature than Show Mode. If you prefer to keep things more consistent (or control how much of your background is visible), you can choose from 90-, 78- or 65-degree field of views instead of enabling RightSight.

Field of view (FOV) controls how much can fit in the frame when you’re recording. Most webcams I tested had a default field of view of around 78 degrees, which captured me and enough of my background to prove that I really need to organize my home office. On cheaper webcams you’ll usually see narrower fields of view (around 60 degrees), and those aren’t necessarily bad. They won’t show as much of your background, but that also means you won’t be able to squeeze as many friends or family members into frame when you’re having Zoom birthday parties. On the flip side, more expensive webcams may let you adjust the field of view to be even wider than average, and some even offer features like digital zoom.

Linearly polarized light occurs when the electric field vector oscillates in a single plane perpendicular to the direction of the light's propagation. The direction of polarization is typically denoted as either vertical or horizontal but can be at any angle relative to the viewer. Light can be linearly polarized with a polarizer that selectively transmits light waves in a desired polarization direction while blocking others.[4] Various methods can be employed to generate polarized light, including reflection, refraction, scattering, and absorption.[5]

Circular polarization filters are incorporated into many slit lamps and ophthalmoscopes. Corneal reflections can hinder the clinician's ability to view ocular structures, especially when examining the anterior segment. When circularly polarized light interacts with the cornea, the reflected light changes its polarization state. A circular polarizing filter placed in the observation pathway, oriented perpendicular to the first filter on the light source, effectively filters out the altered polarization state of the corneal reflections. This process results in a clearer and more detailed view of other ocular structures.[23]

My biggest complaints about the C200 webcam are that it’s a bit cumbersome to adjust its angle when it’s perched on your screen. Unlike most webcams, Anker’s doesn’t have a short neck of sorts that connects the camera to its adjustable base – it’s just one, chunky piece of plastic that I had to use both hands to adjust. Also, the C200 comes with a USB cable that’s much shorter than others. This won’t be a problem if you’re connecting the webcam directly to your laptop, but it’s not as flexible if you have a standing desk converter or a more complicated setup that requires long cables.

In the same vein is auto framing, a feature that some high-end webcams now offer. Similarly to Apple’s Center Stage feature, the camera automatically adjusts to keep you in the center of the frame even as you move around. This used to be a feature only available on the most premium webcams, but now you can find it on sub-$200 devices.

Polarized light is utilized in various diagnostic and therapeutic techniques in ophthalmology, such as anterior segment imaging, retinal imaging, photodynamic therapy, low-level light therapy, and laser surgery. The unique properties of polarized light offer numerous benefits for enhancing patient care, from improving visual performance to facilitating the diagnosis and management of various ocular conditions.

Streamers will not only appreciate the high quality image coming from this high-resolution cam, but also its HDR support, tasteful background blurring and face-tracking autofocus that swiftly transitions from zeroing-in on their face to whatever object they may be showing off to their viewers. It works with Razer’s Synapse software, too, so you can customize your image to your liking, tweaking things like zoom, pan, tilt, ISO and shutter speed. Just know that Synapse only works on Windows devices, so you’ll be stuck with default settings if you’re on macOS or Linux.

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As far as design goes, the Streamcam is a bit larger than your standard cam. It’s a chunky almost-square that can easily be positioned on a monitor or mounted on a tripod, and a unique feature of its design is its ability to shoot either vertically or horizontally. I kept mine in the standard 16:9 format, but some content creators and streamers who post to social media often will like the 9:16 format that’s best for Instagram and TikTok. Logitech also made sure the Streamcam was optimized for OBS, XSplit and Streamlabs, so you can use it directly out of the box for your next live session.

The use of polarized light in corneal examination allows for the visualization of corneal stress patterns, which can indicate structural changes in the cornea.[15] These patterns can help clinicians diagnose and monitor conditions such as keratoconus, post-LASIK ectasia, and other corneal thinning disorders.[16] Additionally, evaluating corneal stress patterns can help assess the success of corneal cross-linking procedures, which strengthen and stabilize the cornea in patients with progressive corneal ectasia.[17]

While polarized lenses are generally beneficial in reducing glare and enhancing visual comfort, they can interfere with the visibility of certain displays, such as computer and liquid crystal display (LCD) screens, that use polarization to display images. This is due to the orientation of the polarizing filters in the lenses, which may block or distort the light emitted from these screens. Users may experience a darkening or color shift when viewing computer monitors, smartphones, tablets, or other devices with LCD screens while wearing polarized eyewear.[28] Additionally, polarized lenses can interfere with the visibility of certain instruments or displays in vehicles and aircraft, such as GPS systems or heads-up displays, potentially affecting the performance of these devices.

Live webcam

Resolution: up to 4K | Mic: Yes | Software support: Yes | Features: background blurring, face-tracking autofocus, physical shutter

Elliptically polarized light is a type in which the electric field vector traces out an ellipse as it propagates, with varying amplitude and phase. This type of polarization can be considered a combination of two linearly polarized waves of unequal amplitude and perpendicular polarization directions, with a phase difference between them that is not necessarily 90 degrees.[8] Elliptically polarized light can be generated by passing linearly polarized light through a material that induces a phase shift between the two perpendicular polarization directions, such as a birefringent crystal.[9]

PS-OCT combines the principles of optical coherence tomography (OCT) with polarization-sensitive detection. PS-OCT provides depth-resolved, high-resolution images of the retina, choroid, and optic nerve head, along with information on their polarization properties. This enables the assessment of structural changes and the birefringence of the tissues, which can indicate various pathological conditions.[13] Compared with OCT, PS-OCT offers improved contrast between different retinal layers and structures and can evaluate birefringent tissues, such as the RNFL, Henle fiber layer, and RPE. Compared with SLP, PS-OCT allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the retina, choroid, and optic nerve head, making it useful for diagnosing and monitoring a range of ocular conditions.[22]

While some newer computers have 1080p webcams, most built-in cameras have a resolution of 720p, so you’ll want to look for an external webcam that has a higher resolution. FHD webcams will give you better video quality; ideally, you’re looking for something that can handle 1080p at 60fps or 30fps. If you’re considering a cheap 720p webcam, make sure to get one that supports at least 30fps (most will) or, even better, 60fps. However, if your primary concern is better picture quality during video calls, 1080p is the way to go.

I was immediately impressed with the C200’s video quality: 2K is likely more than most people need (1080p should do just fine), but the extra sharpness and clarity is a nice touch. The webcam’s autofocus is quite fast, and its larger f/2.0 aperture captures more light so you stay illuminated even in darker settings.

Webcams with autofocus will keep the image quality sharp without much work on your part. You should be able to move around, step back and forth, and remain in focus the whole time. Some standalone webcam models let you manually adjust focus, too, if you have specific needs. Devices with fixed focus are less convenient, but they tend to be more affordable.

In addition to a built-in lens cover that you can slide closed for privacy, the C200 has dual stereo mics that actually do a good job of capturing your voice loud and clear. You can also choose directional or omnidirectional vocal pickup in the AnkerWork settings, with the latter being better if you have multiple people speaking on your end.

Web camera online

You’ll also see other “auto” features listed in webcam specs, most notably auto light correction. This will adjust the camera’s settings to make up for a dimly lit room. If you don’t have bright lights, or often take calls in places where you can’t control the lighting, this feature will be valuable. Alternatively, you might consider using your mirrorless camera as a high-quality webcam solution, taking all of the benefits and features with you (albeit in a cumbersome package).

Opticians need to understand light polarization to provide the best advice on eyewear selection. The advantages of polarized lenses can be substantial for patients with specific needs, such as those involved in particular sports or professions. Different lens materials affect the polarization of light in varying ways. Knowledge of this is essential when recommending lens materials or coatings. For instance, some lenses may have a polarizing filter or coating that can reduce glare and increase visual comfort.[35]

Resolution: up to 1080p | Mic: Yes | Software support: Yes | Features: auto-light correction, Show Mode, RightSight, built-in lens cover

Logitech also updated the design of the Brio 500. It’s made of recycled plastic and it comes in three different colors that you can match to other Logitech peripherals. The camera attaches magnetically to its base and it easily swivels from side to side when you need to adjust its position, plus it has a built-in lens cover for extra privacy when you’re not using it. Overall, it has the best mix of essential features and handy extras of any webcam we tested.

Light polarization plays a vital role for the interprofessional healthcare team to ensure the best patient outcomes and satisfaction with their vision. The understanding and practical application of polarized light requires collaborative efforts from ophthalmologists, optometrists, opticians, and optical technologists or nurses. Opticians and optical technologists play a key role in assisting patients with the selection of polarized eyewear. These lenses can reduce glare and improve visual comfort, particularly in bright conditions or during outdoor activities.

A few webcams go above and beyond by adding hardware extras like built-in lights and lens covers, too. The former can help you stand out in a dark room, while the latter makes it so hackers can’t view you through your webcam without your knowledge.

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Logitech Webcam

The development of specialized instrumentation and devices has facilitated the utilization of polarized light in clinical practice, allowing for assessing and managing various ocular conditions. Further advancements in polarized light-based technologies have the potential to contribute to the evolution of patient care, offering more accurate and noninvasive diagnostic modalities, as well as innovative treatment approaches.

Trained technicians and nurses must be knowledgeable about operating these machines and obtaining quality results to provide the most accurate diagnostic information for the patient's condition. The interprofessional team's comprehensive understanding of light polarization can significantly improve patient outcomes and satisfaction. Effective coordination among ophthalmologists, optometrists, opticians, and optical technologists or nurses ensures patients receive the most appropriate and beneficial ocular care.

Anker’s cube-like PowerConf C200 webcam has has a lot of the same perks as our top pick, and it's one of the best budget webcams out there thanks to its $60 price tag. Setup is equally as easy as it was for out top pick – just plug it into your computer or docking station and start using it. You can download the AnkerWork software to edit things like brightness, sharpness and contrast ratio, but I just kept all the defaults.

Webcam

Polarization of light has been an area of interest in ophthalmology and optometry due to its potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The unique properties of polarized light enable various applications, such as eyewear with contrast sensitivity and glare reduction, advanced imaging techniques, and enhanced treatment options.

Titmus Fly stereotest, Randot stereotest, and Lang stereotest are among the commonly used stereo tests in clinical practice.[26][27] These tests use polarized glasses to present a series of images or patterns with different disparities, requiring the integration of visual information from both eyes to correctly perceive the depth or three-dimensional structure in the images or patterns. In the Titmus Fly Stereotest, for example, patients wearing polarized glasses are asked to identify a three-dimensional fly. Similarly, in the Randot stereotest, patients must identify three-dimensional shapes among two-dimensional images.

The mounting clip sturdily attaches to a laptop screen or monitor, but it can be removed as well if you prefer a tripod mount. But the clip is also flexible enough for you to vertically angle the camera downward to activate Logitech’s Show Mode, which lets you more easily show off what’s on your desk while on a video call. That, plus the built-in lens cover, are two stand-out features on the MX Brio Ultra (aside from the stellar image quality), and Logitech even gives you the option to customize your video using companion software that has brightness, contrast, field of view and other adjusters. Admittedly, a lot of these perks are nice-to-haves rather than necessities; we’d recommend the MX Brio Ultra only to those who spend more time on video calls than not, or anyone who has a deep love for the MX lineup of productivity accessories.

Our previous top pick, the Logitech C920s Pro HD webcam remains a solid option for those with less than $100 to spend and really only need a basic 1080p camera to upgrade their setup, or something affordable to make them look better on those inevitable Zoom calls. It has a 78-degree field of view, decent microphones and handy privacy shutter built in. The Brio 500 took the top spot away from this model thanks to its advanced light correction, auto-framing and Show Mode.

Some webcams can shoot in 4K, but that’s overkill for most people. Not to mention most video conferencing services like Zoom, Google Meet and Skype don’t even support 4K video. When it comes to streaming, Twitch maxes out at 1080p video, but YouTube added 4K live streaming back in 2016. Ultimately, with 4K webcam shots having such limited use, most people can get by with a solid 1080p camera.

The Kiyo Pro Ultra is compatible with Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) and XSplit, so most streamers will be able to unbox it and get right to producing content. We also appreciate that you can twist the camera’s frame to physically shutter the lens, giving you more privacy when you need it. Undoubtedly, the Kiyo Pro Ultra is one of the most powerful webcams we tried out and it may even be overkill for streamers just starting out (our final pick might be better for those folks), but serious and professional content creators will love the quality video and customization options they get. If you want a similar level of quality and the ability to tweak settings on a Mac, Elgato’s Facecam Pro is a good alternative webcam. It costs the same as the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra, can record video at 4K/60fps and its Camera Hub software works on macOS and Windows.

Webcamfor PC

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Everything about the MX Brio Ultra feels premium, from its sleek aluminum housing to its magnetic mounting clop to the twisting lens cover that gives you more privacy when you need it. This webcam uses a Sony Starvis sensor to record video at up to 4k/30fps, which is more than most people will need but provides a noticeable boost in video quality. The MX Brio also has better dynamic range and low-light sensitivity, making it a great option for someone like me, whose home office can get pretty cave-like on a rainy day.

If you're tired of showing up to video calls looking like a shadowy figure, it's time to upgrade your setup with one of the best webcams around. Whether you're working from home, catching up with friends or live streaming, having a great video camera for your PC can make all the difference. With so many options out there, finding the perfect one that delivers top-notch video quality can feel like a challenge. But don't worry, we've got you covered. In this buying guide, we'll dive into the best webcams that will help you look sharp and professional, no matter where you're dialing in from.

In stereo testing, the role of polarization is significant. Polarized glasses are employed to deliver different images to each eye, simulating the binocular disparity that is inherent in natural vision. This process effectively tests the patient's ability to perceive depth and integrate binocular visual information. Polarized glasses used in these tests have differently oriented filters for each eye, allowing different images to be presented to each eye simultaneously.

There aren’t a ton of fascinating breakthroughs when it comes to external webcam design. Most are round or rectangular devices that clip onto a monitor or your laptop screen. Some have the ability to swivel or screw onto a tripod stand and others can simply sit on your desk beside your computer. But unless you really like having people stare up your nose, the latter isn’t ideal. We recommend clipping your webcam to your monitor and ensuring that it’s at or slightly above eye level.

Birefringence refers to the phenomenon where a material causes the polarization state of light to change as it passes through. This occurs because the material has different refractive indices along different axes, causing the components of the light wave polarized parallel to each axis to travel at different speeds, resulting in a phase shift. Several ocular structures exhibit birefringence due to their cellular arrangement.

Stereo testing, also known as stereopsis or depth perception testing, is a critical element in the comprehensive eye examinations conducted in optometry and ophthalmology.[24] Stereopsis is the visual perception of depth and three-dimensional structure. This perception is primarily due to the slight differences in the images projected onto the retinas of the two eyes, a concept known as binocular disparity.[25]

The glaucoma diagnostics (GDx) test utilizes SLP to measure RNFL thickness, allowing for the detection of glaucomatous damage and monitoring of disease progression. The GDx test has two main iterations: the GDx Nerve Fiber Analyzer and the GDx VCC (variable corneal compensation). The GDx Nerve Fiber Analyzer was the first-generation device that used a fixed corneal compensation algorithm to account for corneal birefringence. However, this fixed compensation could not accurately account for the variability in corneal birefringence between individuals, leading to potential measurement errors. To address this limitation, the GDx VCC was developed, incorporating a variable corneal compensation algorithm that individually measures and compensates for the corneal birefringence of each patient. This improvement allows for more accurate RNFL measurements, making the GDx VCC a valuable tool in glaucoma assessment.[21]

Webcam review

Spending $150 or more means you might get advanced features that tend to be present in a pro webcam like 4K resolution, vertical and horizontal recording options, stereo mics, customizable video settings and more. But unless you’re spending hours on video calls each day or streaming multiple times each week, you can settle on a budget webcam and safely skip most of those high-end options.

All of those perks remain the same even when you’re shooting in low-light conditions. The Streamcam’s auto-exposure feature made up for the darkness in my office on gloomy days with excellent low-light performance. And it has the best kind of autofocus — the kind that you never notice in action.

In PDT, polarized light activates photosensitizing agents that selectively target pathological tissues, such as neovascular membranes in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or tumor cells in ocular malignancies. The photosensitizing agents absorb the polarized light, which triggers a series of chemical reactions that produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). The ROS then cause localized cellular damage and death, ultimately destroying the targeted tissue. Polarized light in PDT ensures that the light is precisely delivered to the target tissue, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy structures.[29]

As our understanding of the principles underlying light polarization and its applications in ophthalmology and optometry continues to grow, healthcare professionals must remain informed of the latest developments and consider integrating these technologies into their clinical practice when appropriate. Interprofessional collaboration and education are essential in leveraging the benefits of polarized light to enhance the patient experience and contribute to the ongoing advancement of the fields of ophthalmology and optometry.

The Logitech Brio 500 is essentially an upgraded version of the beloved C920s HD Pro. It shoots the same quality of video — up to 1080p 30fps — but it has a wider field of view, an upgraded zoom, improved auto-light correction, a better mic array and a USB-C connecting cable that offers overall better performance. The biggest difference I noticed in testing the Brio 500 was the improved light correction. My home office can feel very cave-like when the blinds are shut or when it’s raining, but you wouldn’t know it when on a video call with me. Logitech’s RightLight 4 technology does a great job of brightening the whole shot when you’re in a dim or dark environment.

Razer built the Kiyo Pro Ultra as the ultimate video streaming webcam and that’s immediately apparent as soon as you take the webcam out of the box. It’s huge. Its circular frame measures three inches in diameter and about two inches thick. It follows the design language of other Kiyo webcams, but it’s definitely the biggest of the bunch and that’s probably because Razer stuffed a lot into this peripheral. It has the biggest sensor of any Kiyo webcam (1/1.2 inches to be exact), and the company claims it’s the largest in any webcam, period. The Pro Ultra has a F/1.7 aperture lens as well, which lets in a ton of light and results in a super crisp image. It certainly delivered the best quality image of all the webcams I tested, which isn’t a surprise since it can capture raw 4k/30fps (or 1080p/60fps) footage.

webcam是什么

Of all the webcams I tested, I had the most fun using Logitech’s Streamcam. While it’s a bit weird to say I “had fun” with such an innocuous piece of tech, I found the Streamcam to be remarkable in many ways. First and foremost, the video quality is excellent, coming in at a sharp 1080p/60fps. Details in my clothing came through much better and, whether I liked it or not, so did some of the texture on my skin. The Streamcam was also one of the best video streaming webcams I tested when it came to color reproduction.

Most webcams have built-in microphones that, depending on your setup, might end up being closer to you than your computer’s own mics. Check to see if the model you’re considering has mono or stereo mics, as the latter is better. Some even use noise-reduction technology to keep your voice loud and clear. While audiophiles and streamers will want to invest in a standalone microphone, most others can get by using a webcam’s built-in mic.

Unpolarized light, possessing random polarization, is passed through a linear polarizer to create linearly polarized light, then passed through a quarter-wave plate to create circularly polarized light. Contributed by Garrett Manion

Most external webcams that are just good enough to be a step up from your computer’s built-in camera cost between $60 and $150. If the webcam has the same resolution as the internal one on your laptop, you should look out for other specs like auto light correction, a wider field of view or an extra-long connecting cable that can provide a step-up in quality or ease of use.

Polarized light is particularly valuable in enhancing the contrast of anterior segment structures, making it easier to visualize and diagnose various ocular conditions. For instance, polarized light can improve the visualization of the trabecular meshwork in gonioscopy.[18] Similarly, AS-OCT and Scheimpflug imaging can use polarized light to provide high-resolution images of the cornea, iris, and anterior chamber, enabling clinicians to detect and monitor conditions like corneal dystrophies, pterygium, and iridocorneal endothelial syndromes.[19]