If you buy a laptop these days chances are it comes with a webcam attached to your computer just above your monitor. If you purchase a PC you may or may not have this feature come with your purchase. So what kind of device do you need?
If you intend to use the camera as nothing more than a webcam than the resolution of the camera doesn’t have to be extensive. There is a limit to the resolution that will be seen most computer screens so a the top of the line high mega-pixel camera may be more than your system can use. So, be reasonable with your purchase.
If you intend to use your camera for online calls through something like Skype, you will also need a microphone. Some cameras come with a microphone in the same unit. A word of caution, if you have difficulty hearing and need to turn your speakers up loud to hear the other caller the microphone may pick up the sound of the speaker causing some audio issues in the call. In this case it is better to purchase headphones with a microphone as apposed to getting the microphone on board with the camera.
Some digital cameras can also double as a webcam. It is probably best to divide these two uses of cameras to different devices as you will need very different qualities in each camera. It’s important to know exactly what you want to use the camera for before you purchase it. This will help you make the best decision when you are in the store or searching online.