Why Some Computers Lack Cameras: An Exploration

Many people are unsure whether their computer has a built-in camera. Most PC laptops do have a built-in camera, but most PC desktop computers do not. If you're looking to buy a laptop without a camera, there are several options available, including the ASUS ROG Zephyrus 14, which forgoes the webcam to prioritize performance, and the ASUS TUF Gaming Laptop, which offers excellent performance and aesthetic design without a webcam. Some people prefer their laptops without a camera due to privacy concerns, a preference for narrow bezels and thin display profiles, or a preference for the quality of external models.

Privacy concerns: Some users are wary of potential spying and cyber-attacks

Privacy is a fundamental human right, and modern digital technologies pose a significant threat to this right. The use of networked digital technologies, such as computers and smartphones, can turn them into surveillance devices, allowing access to personal information and the ability to monitor an individual's life. This has led to an increasing number of people becoming concerned about their privacy and the potential for spying and cyber-attacks.

The presence of a camera on a computer, especially one that is built-in, can be a major privacy concern for users. While most PC desktop computers do not have built-in cameras, PC laptops and all-in-one computers usually do. Additionally, Mac computers, including laptops and all-in-one computers like the iMac, typically include a built-in FaceTime or FaceTime HD camera. These cameras can be a potential vector for spying or cyber-attacks if they are accessed without the user's knowledge or consent. As such, some users prefer to purchase laptops without built-in webcams to address these privacy concerns.

The use of external USB webcams or DSLR cameras for video conferencing or other purposes can be a solution for those who want to avoid built-in cameras. However, this may not always be a feasible option, and even if a computer does not have a built-in camera, there are still other ways for malicious actors to access a user's webcam and spy on them. For example, malware, spyware, and other hacking tools can be used to gain access to a computer's webcam without the user's knowledge. This further highlights the importance of effective regulation and security measures to protect users' privacy.

The potential for spying and cyber-attacks is not limited to webcams, as other forms of personal data are also at risk. This includes information such as tax and employment details, physical attributes, financial circumstances, health information, addresses, online browsing habits, search histories, social media activities, and more. Both companies and government agencies collect and have access to vast amounts of personal data. While this data can be used for legitimate purposes, such as improving services or combating terrorism and crime, it can also be misused or fall into the wrong hands. As a result, individuals may find themselves subjected to spying, identity theft, financial fraud, or other cyber-attacks.

To protect themselves from potential spying and cyber-attacks, individuals should take steps to secure their personal information and be wary of potential threats. This includes being cautious about the information they share online, regularly reviewing privacy policies and settings, using security software, and staying informed about data privacy laws and regulations. Additionally, individuals can choose to purchase computers or other devices that do not have built-in cameras to reduce the potential vectors for spying or cyber-attacks.

Aesthetics: No webcam allows for narrow bezels and thin display profiles

While some people may consider the lack of a webcam a deal-breaker, others prefer their laptops without one. One of the reasons for this preference is aesthetics. Indeed, the absence of a webcam allows for narrow bezels and thin display profiles, resulting in a more refined and polished look. This is especially true for gaming laptops, where performance is the top priority.

For instance, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus 14 (2021) forgoes the webcam to prioritize performance. It features a bright and vibrant screen with small bezels and the latest AMD and Nvidia graphics cards. The narrow bezels contribute to a more immersive viewing experience, enhancing the overall gaming and multimedia capabilities of the laptop.

Similarly, the ASUS TUF Gaming Laptop, another gaming laptop without a webcam, offers a sleek and aesthetically pleasing design. By eliminating the webcam, ASUS has trimmed down the bezel, giving the laptop a more elegant appearance. This design choice not only improves the visuals but also helps reduce the overall weight of the laptop, making it more portable and lightweight.

In addition to the aesthetic advantages, the absence of a webcam can also provide privacy and security benefits. It adds an extra layer of protection against potential online fraud and identity theft. Moreover, it allows manufacturers to focus their resources on enhancing other critical aspects of the laptop, such as performance, cooling systems, and battery life.

While most laptops nowadays come with built-in webcams, there is still a demand for those without. By eliminating the webcam, manufacturers can cater to users who prioritize privacy, aesthetics, and performance. This design choice enables narrow bezels and thin display profiles, contributing to a more attractive and functional laptop design.

External webcams: Users may prefer the quality and flexibility of an external camera

While most laptops and select desktop computers have built-in webcams, many users may prefer the quality and flexibility offered by an external camera. External webcams offer several advantages over their built-in counterparts, including superior image quality, flexibility, privacy features, better low-light performance, a wider field of view, and additional features.

Superior Image Quality

One of the main advantages of external webcams is their ability to deliver better image quality. Built-in webcams often have low-resolution image sensors and lack advanced optics, resulting in grainy and dark images, especially in less-than-optimal lighting conditions. In contrast, external webcams offer higher resolutions, such as 1080p Full HD or even 4K, providing much greater picture quality. They also have larger image sensors, which allow for better low-light performance and improved image clarity.

Flexibility and Adjustability

External webcams offer greater flexibility and adjustability compared to built-in webcams. They can be mounted on a tripod or the top of a monitor, and many include adjustable arms that can be rotated or tilted to find the perfect angle. Additionally, external webcams are detachable, allowing users to use them with different devices, such as both desktop and laptop computers.

Privacy and Security

Privacy and security are important considerations when using any camera, and external webcams often come with built-in features to address these concerns. They typically have physical shutters that can be closed when the camera is not in use, as well as indicator lights that notify users when the webcam is active. These features provide users with greater control and peace of mind.

Wider Field of View

External webcams usually offer a wider field of view than built-in webcams, which tend to have a narrow field of view designed for single-person use. The wider field of view in external webcams is advantageous when multiple people are on a video call or when users want to show more of their surroundings.

Additional Features

External webcams often include additional features not found in built-in webcams, such as auto-tracking functionality, built-in microphones with superior sound quality, gesture and voice control, filters, and fine-grained image quality control. These features enhance the overall user experience and provide more options for customization.

In conclusion, while built-in webcams offer convenience and cost savings, external webcams provide users with superior image and audio quality, increased flexibility, and additional privacy and security features. For users who regularly rely on video conferencing or content creation, investing in an external webcam can significantly enhance their virtual collaboration and communication experiences.

Cost: Webcam-less laptops can be more affordable, especially for gamers

While most laptops these days come with built-in webcams, there are still models that don't have this feature. Webcam-less laptops can be more affordable, especially for gamers who often require more powerful hardware components that can drive up the cost.

The absence of a built-in webcam can be advantageous for those who prioritise other specifications or have privacy concerns. Additionally, some users may prefer the quality and flexibility offered by external webcams.

• ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 14" (2020 and 2021 models): These laptops offer powerful AMD Ryzen processors, NVIDIA GeForce graphics, and a compact 14-inch form factor. With a focus on performance and portability, the absence of a webcam helps keep the cost competitive.
• Dell Latitude E5470 (2016): This older model from Dell may not have a webcam, but it can still be a reliable option for basic computing tasks. The absence of a webcam contributes to its affordability, making it a budget-friendly choice.
• HP ProBook Series (2021 models): The HP ProBook series offers a range of configurations, including models with and without webcams. By opting for a webcam-less version, you can often find more affordable options within this series, making them suitable for students or business professionals who don't require video conferencing capabilities.
• Lenovo ThinkPad T460S (2016) and T480 (2018): These Lenovo ThinkPad models provide solid performance and durability without the added cost of a built-in webcam. They are ideal for users who prioritise functionality and longevity over video capabilities.

When considering the cost of webcam-less laptops, it's important to weigh the benefits of having a dedicated external webcam. External webcams can offer improved video and audio quality, enhanced privacy features, and the flexibility to be used with multiple devices. For gamers, an external webcam can be a worthwhile investment, as it allows them to prioritise their budget on high-performance hardware without sacrificing video streaming capabilities.

Performance: Removing the webcam can improve processing power and speed

Computers without built-in cameras are often preferred by people who are concerned about their privacy. Removing the webcam can also allow for thinner display profiles and narrow bezels. While most laptops have built-in webcams, there are several models that do not. These include:

• ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 14″ (2020)
• ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 14″ (2021)
• ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo SE 15
• ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 (2021)
• ASUS ROG Zephyrus S15 (2020)
• ASUS ROG Zephyrus M15 (2020)
• ASUS ROG Zephyrus S17 (2021)
• ASUS ROG Strix G17 (2021)
• ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 (2020)
• ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 (2021)
• ASUS TUF Dash F15 (2021)
• Dell Precision 7510 (2016)
• Dell Latitude E5470 (2016)
• Dell Latitude 7480 (2017)
• HP ProBook 445 G8 (2021)
• HP ProBook 440 G8 (2021)
• HP ProBook 450 G8 (2021)
• HP ProBook 455 G8 (2021)
• HP ProBook 635 Aero G8 (2021)
• HP ProBook 640 G8 (2021)
• HP ProBook 650 G8 (2021)
• HP EliteBook 830 G8 (2021)
• HP EliteBook 835 G8 (2021)
• HP EliteBook 840 G8 (2021)
• HP EliteBook 845 G8 (2021)
• HP EliteBook 850 G8 (2021)
• HP EliteBook 855 G8 (2021)
• HP ZBook Power G7 Workstation (2020)
• HP Zbook Power G8 Workstation (2021)
• HP ZBook Fury 15 G7 (2020)
• HP ZBook Fury 17 G7 (2020)
• HP ZBook Firefly 15 G7 (2020)
• HP ZBook Firefly 15 G8 (2021)
• HP ZBook Firefly 14 G7 (2020)
• HP ZBook Firefly 14 G8 (2021)
• Lenovo ThinkPad T460S (2016)
• Lenovo ThinkPad T480 (2018)

Removing the webcam can also improve processing power and speed. Here are some ways in which this can be achieved:

• Close unnecessary programs: When open, programs use part of the CPU processing speed and memory, even if they are minimised and not actively being used. Closing any unnecessary programs will free up processing capacity and memory for the webcam, improving its performance.
• Check the webcam's refresh rate: Newer webcams can capture 60 frames per second, but the frame rate drops significantly when transferred over the internet. Setting the refresh rate as high as possible will ensure the least amount of delay.
• Switch to high-speed internet: A high-speed internet connection of at least 128 Mbps is required for lag-free webcam video. Upgrading to a higher-tier internet service plan can improve the performance of the webcam.
• Disconnect and reconnect the webcam: Try plugging the webcam into a different USB port, preferably a high-speed or 2.0 port, to improve the video quality.
• Select a lower resolution: If the webcam resolution is too high, it may cause the video to lag. Lowering the resolution can help to reduce this lag and improve the overall performance of the webcam.
• Increase the brightness: Low lighting conditions can decrease the quality of the webcam video. Increasing the brightness or adding more light to the room can improve the performance of the webcam.
• Reduce the computer's graphics hardware acceleration: Reducing the graphics hardware acceleration can free up resources and improve the performance of the webcam.

Frequently asked questions