I've never used a webcam

Put this one in the file for "new user/GM needs a break". I've joined Roll20 and want to run something with it in a few weeks if I can get it and myself organized. I have the problem (admittedly minor but annoying) that I have never owned or used a webcam. My understanding is that a lot of players and GMs do use webcams during live play as opposed to resorting to chat or similar functions. Talking is, after all, faster than typing. I'm not quite up on how they function, how to get them to work, how and where to set them up, and all that sort of thing. And I certainly have no idea which one to buy! Any suggestions?

I don't use a web camera in my campaign. It is setup to be totally optional and so is the voice chat. If you want voice chat, you can use the built in options or if you already have mumble, skype, or any of the other voice chat programs out there, you can use them also. As a DM you can go into your room settings and change the settings to suit you. I have voice and video disabled in my room because we all use skype (we are all familar with it),

Metroknight said: I don't use a web camera in my campaign. It is setup to be totally optional and so is the voice chat. If you want voice chat, you can use the built in options or if you already have mumble, skype, or any of the other voice chat programs out there, you can use them also. As a DM you can go into your room settings and change the settings to suit you. I have voice and video disabled in my room because we all use skype (we are all familar with it), I am not as familiar with Skype, as I don't use it very often. I have used Ventrillo in other gaming, with the codicil that you have to do some keyboard things to speak.

Well, I can vouch for the easy of use of the Logitech webcams.  I'd never used one either till I bought it.  But most USB webcams are very easy to set up and have minimal system requirements.  Generally, like any other peripheral, you just follow the setup instructions.  For mine, I didn't even need to use the install disc.  Windows automatically detected it and installed all the relevant drivers.  No fuss at all -- though the camera software is fun since you get to add some goofy effects to your video, but that's hardly necessary. :)

I second Sarah and Riley. Sorry about misreading the OP first post and assuming he was asking if he should use one or not. Most USB Web cameras are just plug and play with Windows. I have an old intel web camera (about 8+ yrs old) that I just plugged in and it went live instantly. The easiest way to tell if your camera is working is after you plug it in, click on your start button, go to my computers (or computers) and look for it listing in your hardware. You should see all your cd/ or dvd drives, hard drives, and any usb plugged in . If you see it then just click on it. It should bring up a window with a live feed from your camera. Not only does this let you know it is working, it will allow you to see what it sees and then you can position it to get a clear image.

Metroknight said: The easiest way to tell if your camera is working is after you plug it in, click on your start button, go to my computers (or computers) and look for it listing in your hardware. You should see all your cd/ or dvd drives, hard drives, and any usb plugged in . If you see it then just click on it. It should bring up a window with a live feed from your camera. Not only does this let you know it is working, it will allow you to see what it sees and then you can position it to get a clear image. Thanks. My apartment is not very exciting (though there are a couple of funny "motivator" posters I had printed, they'll probably be out of camera range) but I'm curious how it would look. Looks like I have something to spend a little of my tax refund on.