Webcams in Linux, Part 1

“Webcams are everywhere these days: they’re standard on a lot of
laptops, LCD monitors are starting to incorporate them, and decent
standalone USB webcams can be had for less than $40. In this
two-part series we’ll set up a Webcam on Linux, and then use it to
perform a number of amazing and fun tasks.

“You won’t get television-quality video with an inexpensive
Webcam; you’ll get small fuzzy herky-jerky. But it’s acceptable
herky-jerky. A low-end Webcam typically supports 15 frames per
second at 320 x 240 pixels. For comparison, movies run at 24 fps.
Spending a bit more money will get you some silky smooth video. One
example is the Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000. For $99.99 you get a
built-in microphone, autofocus, good-quality optics, 30 frames per
second, and high-quality video capture size up to 960 x 720
pixels…”

Complete
Story