Webcam
Strictly speaking, the presence of a webcam is optional unless you need to add a “talking head” element or some live physical demonstration to your screencasts. Again, we are confronted with the price versus quality issue. While it is technically possible for you to use the entry-level webcam that is built into the bezel of your monitor, if you are at all serious about screencasting then you will need to purchase a dedicated device.
The good news is that you can purchase a portable webcam that records in High Definition (HD) for less than $100 USD.
The vast majority of affordable webcams connect to your computer via the USB or FireWire interface. Again, the video recording circuitry is built right into the webcam and is not dependent upon your computer’s video card. Figure 4 shows a basic configuration that includes a webcam.
Figure 4 Screencast setup with webcam
The same rule applies for webcam drivers and operating systems as it does for audio interfaces and microphones.