The Primary Factors Determining Your Webcam fps
Computer processor: fps for webcam screen capture is limited by the power of your computer. The faster the computer, the more fps you will get. fps for a camera is limited by the camera, the type of connection, and cpu power. (eg: it is difficult to get 30fps out of a webcam connected via usb 2.0 due to bandwidth limitations). The most fps I have gotten on my PC while recording from a webcam is 29 fps. (dual core AMD Turion 2.0GHz 64 bit).
Power: Most laptops default power settings are set to limit the CPU power when running on batteries (run the computer slower) so that battery power lasts longer. When you plug it into the power, it will change to the AC power settings that are set to full speed. (you can change these settings but your computer won't run as long on battery power). Always have your power cord plugged in when using a webcam.
Bandwidth: A third factor affecting fps is using the webcam over the Internet. The reason is the amount of Internet bandwidth consumed by the webcam, and the limitations of the speed of the upstream connection. Most DSL and Cable connections have upstream bandwidth of 356kb or less. A recent study showed that a webcam operating at 15 fps on a person with low movement consumed between 174 and 298kbps. To operate at 30fps, on a rapidly moving person, could easily require a T-1 Internet connection (1.5Mbps). If the appropriate bandwidth is not available, the result will be choppiness in the video and lost frames.
Power: Most laptops default power settings are set to limit the CPU power when running on batteries (run the computer slower) so that battery power lasts longer. When you plug it into the power, it will change to the AC power settings that are set to full speed. (you can change these settings but your computer won't run as long on battery power). Always have your power cord plugged in when using a webcam.
Bandwidth: A third factor affecting fps is using the webcam over the Internet. The reason is the amount of Internet bandwidth consumed by the webcam, and the limitations of the speed of the upstream connection. Most DSL and Cable connections have upstream bandwidth of 356kb or less. A recent study showed that a webcam operating at 15 fps on a person with low movement consumed between 174 and 298kbps. To operate at 30fps, on a rapidly moving person, could easily require a T-1 Internet connection (1.5Mbps). If the appropriate bandwidth is not available, the result will be choppiness in the video and lost frames.