Bobby Maddex interviews Elizabeth Crispina Johnson, the author of the new AFP children’s book In the Candle’s Glow.

Host Bobby Maddex interviews Amandine Wanert, the French artist who just recently illustrated the beautiful AFP picture book In the Candle's Glow, written by Elizabeth Crispina Johnson.

On a new “classics” edition of Ex Libris, the podcast of Ancient Faith Publishing, we re-explore one of the more timeless AFP offerings. Featured today is the book We Came, We Saw, We Converted: The Lighter Side of Orthodoxy in America by Fr. Joseph Huneycutt.

Dr. John Mark answers the question, "How do I teach Socratically and still have an Orthodox faith with lots of really set beliefs that I don't spend a lot of time reexamining?"

Dr. John Mark Reynolds talks about the importance of education--learning to think well--in our society.

Dr. John Mark Reynolds describes the nature of Christian education, including ideas for Sunday Church Schools.

Dr. John Mark Reynolds talks about how Christian education and the secular world can work together.

Dr. John Mark Reynolds talks about determining what books are most helpful for Christian education.

Hippocratic pro-life medical professionals are increasingly being pressured to practice their science and art without regard to their personal faith or conscience beliefs.

Yesterday's views of depredation have become today's banal norms.

If you think it is respectable to consider babies, whether born or unborn, to be an inferior stage of human life, you can easily come to think that they have few rights that fully developed persons are bound to respect.

Is the "right to die" more important than religious liberty?

Why is our culture obsessed with death, and how can remembrance of death help us to overcome it?

Do "doctors of death" need any specialized training to diagnosis and prescribe lethal drugs to patients who want to die?

Will healthcare providers who hold to the sanctity of human life be allowed work in the emerging secular society?

Wesley J. Smith shares the story of his friend, Robert Salamanca, who died peacefully with dignity of ALS.

If you’re a remote worker, or even work remotely part-time, you can step up your video conference game by investing in a good webcam. Built-in cameras on laptops and desktops have improved in recent years, but you typically still get higher quality and more personalized controls with an external webcam. And if you plan on video chatting with friends across the country or game-streaming regularly, you’ll want the best webcam experience possible. But there’s a lot of junk out there, as is typical in an overcrowded space. In this buying guide, we'll dive into the best webcams that will help you look sharp, no matter where you're dialing in from.

Factors to consider before buying a webcam

Resolution and field of view

While some newer computers have 1080p webcams, most built-in cameras have a resolution of 720p, so you’ll want to look for an external webcam that has a higher resolution. FHD webcams will give you better video quality; ideally, you’re looking for something that can handle 1080p at 60fps or 30fps. If you’re considering a cheap 720p webcam, make sure to get one that supports at least 30fps (most will) or, even better, 60fps. However, if your primary concern is better picture quality during video calls, 1080p is the way to go.

Some webcams can shoot in 4K, but that’s overkill for most people. Not to mention most video conferencing services like Zoom, Google Meet and Skype don’t even support 4K video. When it comes to streaming, Twitch maxes out at 1080p video, but YouTube added 4K live streaming back in 2016. Ultimately, with 4K webcam shots having such limited use, most people can get by with a solid 1080p camera.

Field of view (FOV) controls how much can fit in the frame when you’re recording. Most webcams I tested had a default field of view of around 78 degrees, which captured me and enough of my background to prove that I really need to organize my home office. On cheaper webcams you’ll usually see narrower fields of view (around 60 degrees), and those aren’t necessarily bad. They won’t show as much of your background, but that also means you won’t be able to squeeze as many friends or family members into frame when you’re having Zoom birthday parties. On the flip side, more expensive webcams may let you adjust the field of view to be even wider than average, and some even offer features like digital zoom.

Autofocus and other “auto” features

Webcams with autofocus will keep the image quality sharp without much work on your part. You should be able to move around, step back and forth, and remain in focus the whole time. Some standalone webcam models let you manually adjust focus, too, if you have specific needs. Devices with fixed focus are less convenient, but they tend to be more affordable.

In the same vein is auto framing, a feature that some high-end webcams now offer. Similarly to Apple’s Center Stage feature, the camera automatically adjusts to keep you in the center of the frame even as you move around. This used to be a feature only available on the most premium webcams, but now you can find it on sub-$200 devices.

You’ll also see other “auto” features listed in webcam specs, most notably auto light correction. This will adjust the camera’s settings to make up for a dimly lit room. If you don’t have bright lights, or often take calls in places where you can’t control the lighting, this feature will be valuable. Alternatively, you might consider using your mirrorless camera as a high-quality webcam solution, taking all of the benefits and features with you (albeit in a cumbersome package).

Microphones

Most webcams have built-in microphones that, depending on your setup, might end up being closer to you than your computer’s own mics. Check to see if the model you’re considering has mono or stereo mics, as the latter is better. Some even use noise-reduction technology to keep your voice loud and clear. While audiophiles and streamers will want to invest in a standalone microphone, most others can get by using a webcam’s built-in mic.

Design

There aren’t a ton of fascinating breakthroughs when it comes to external webcam design. Most are round or rectangular devices that clip onto a monitor or your laptop screen. Some have the ability to swivel or screw onto a tripod stand and others can simply sit on your desk beside your computer. But unless you really like having people stare up your nose, the latter isn’t ideal. We recommend clipping your webcam to your monitor and ensuring that it’s at or slightly above eye level.

A few webcams go above and beyond by adding hardware extras like built-in lights and lens covers, too. The former can help you stand out in a dark room, while the latter makes it so hackers can’t view you through your webcam without your knowledge.

Price

Most external webcams that are just good enough to be a step up from your computer’s built-in camera cost between $60 and $150. If the webcam has the same resolution as the internal one on your laptop, you should look out for other specs like auto light correction, a wider field of view or an extra-long connecting cable that can provide a step-up in quality or ease of use.

Spending $150 or more means you might get advanced features that tend to be present in a pro webcam like 4K resolution, vertical and horizontal recording options, stereo mics, customizable video settings and more. But unless you’re spending hours on video calls each day or streaming multiple times each week, you can settle on a budget webcam and safely skip most of those high-end options.

How we test webcams

We primarily test webcams by putting them through as much real-world use as possible. We examine their design, how flexible they are and how easy they are to reposition, and make note of how heavy they are and if that affects their ability to stay put while sitting on top of a screen. We use each webcam for at least a week straight as our primary camera for all video chats, and we make sure to use the device in different lighting environments to test low-light performance. We also use any built-in microphones as our primary audio inputs on video calls as well. Finally, although most of these webcams are plug-and-play, we test out any proprietary software that’s intended to work with each webcam, tweaking things like field of view, video resolution and effects, and using any special features like Show Mode on Logitech webcams.

Best webcams for 2024

Others webcams we tested

Logitech C920s Pro HD

Our previous top pick, the Logitech C920s Pro HD webcam remains a solid option for those with less than $100 to spend and really only need a basic 1080p camera to upgrade their setup, or something affordable to make them look better on those inevitable Zoom calls. It has a 78-degree field of view, decent microphones and handy privacy shutter built in. The Brio 500 took the top spot away from this model thanks to its advanced light correction, auto-framing and Show Mode.

LG Display’s new free-form screen technology can expand from 12 to 18 inches, with a resolution of 100ppi. The display also uses a micro-LED light source smaller than 40 micrometers, so it can apparently be stretched over 10,000 times. While this probably isn’t your next smartphone, we could see the tech in clothing, car panels and more.

LG Display has pushed the boundaries of screen tech for a while, revealing folding screens before foldable phones appeared, roll-up TVS before roll-up TVs went on sale and transparent displays before they appeared in fancy stores, theme parks and elsewhere. So expect to see this Bop-it of displays somewhere, eventually.

— Mat Smith

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Netflix’s ad tier has attracted more than 70 million subscribers

However, many have probably downgraded from a premium tier.

Netflix is crowing that its ad-supported tier now boasts 70 million global users. Amy Reinhard, president of advertising at Netflix, says the company continues “to see steady progress across all countries’ member bases.” But there isn’t any information about existing customers. It’s very possible a lot of people downgraded from a premium tier to an ad-supported tier.

Continue reading.

Fujifilm is developing a 102MP medium format cinema camera

With a new sensor 1.7 times larger than full frame.

Fujifilm is developing a medium-format, 102-megapixel cinema camera, the company said in a surprise announcement. Due next year, the GFX Eterna will carry a boxy, modular design reminiscent of Sony’s FX6. The new camera will have a medium format GFX 102-megapixel (MP) CMOS II HS sensor, the same one used on the GFX100 II. That sensor is 43.8mm x 32.9 mm in size — that’s 1.7 times larger than the full-frame sensor on the FX.

The benefits will be extra dynamic range, potentially high resolution and a very shallow depth of field, which should enable cinematic shots with the right lens. Having said that, Fujifilm currently has no GFX glass designed specifically for film production. It’s working on it, though.

Continue reading.

What is the difference between a career and a vocation? Dr. Rossi tells a personal story from his days as a Monk.

Dr. Rossi's guest is Rev. Dr. Sarah Fogg, Director of Pastoral Care at St. John's Riverside Hospital in Yonkers, New York. Dr. Fogg has long been an instructor in pastoral care for the seminary students at St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary. She also gave the commencement address at St. Vladimir's.

Dr. Rossi interviews His Grace Bishop Gregory of Nyssa of the American Carpatho-Russian Archdiocese and the liaison between OCF and the Assembly of Bishops. They discuss discerning God's calling on your life.

Dr. Rossi talks about the pre-marital communications period and how important it is to understand your future spouse.

Dr. Rossi interviews Dr. Dan Hinshaw, a surgeon who wrote the book Suffering and the Nature of Healing, published by SVS Press.

Today Dr. Rossi reflects on the town of Nazareth in the New Testament and specifically on the life of Christ in that town.

Today, Dr. Rossi interviews a wife and mother of two small children who is fighting cancer and has gone through several surgeries, treatments, and procedures. What can be learned from such an experience and where does God come into the picture?

Dr. Albert Rossi interviews Dr. Philip Mamalakis on the 2018 Orthodox Christian Association of Medicine, Psychology and Religion (OCAMPR) Conference titled "Compliance and Resistance: Discerning the Spirit". This year's conference will be held on November 8-10 at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Cultural Center in Somerset, New Jersey.

Dr. Rossi interviews the Very Rev. Alexander Rentel on the topic of Canon Law. Fr. Rentel is the Director of the Master of Divinity Program, Ecclesiarch, Assistant Professor of Canon Law and Byzantine Studies and The John and Paraskeva Skvir Lecturer in Practical Theology at St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary in Yonker, NY.

Dr. Albert Rossi interviews Dr. Carla Thomas, M.D., Trustee of St. Vladimir's Seminary, on the topic of using music as a healing therapy. Dr. Thomas is a Family Practice physician, Board Member of Orthodox Prison Ministry, member of the Brotherhood of St. Moses the Black and parishioner at St. Luke Orthodox Church in Anniston, Alabama (OCA).

Dr. Albert Rossi interviews The Right Reverend Paul, Bishop of Chicago and the Midwest in the Orthodox Church in America, on the present condition of polarization within the Church and the United States.

Dr. Rossi reflects on the book titled On the Invocation of the Name of Jesus by Lev Gillet.

Dr. Rossi continues his reflections on the book titled On the Invocation of the Name of Jesus by Lev Gillet.

Dr. Albert Rossi interviews Chaplain Sarah Byrne-Martelli, co-host of the AFR podcast "A Wounded Healer," on the upcoming OCAMPR conference. OCAMPR stands for The Orthodox Christian Association of Medicine, Psychology and Religion.

Dr. Albert Rossi reflects on the topic of political correctness and shares his views on a better to be in relationship with one another.

Dr. Albert Rossi reflects on the mystery of the relationship that the Orthodox Church has with the Theotokos through the poetic expressions that the Church uses to describe her.

Dr. Albert Rossi encourage us to assume the best of others, seeking to love all who come into our lives, while resisting a judgmental spirit.

Fr. Philip LeMasters, Dean of the School of Social Sciences and Religion at McMurry University, tries to account for why homosexuality has become the defining issue of our time, arguing that it was the civil rights movement and the sexual revolution that has turned us all into political hedonists.

Fr. Lawrence Farley reminds us that our God is the God who rises above logic and nature and frustrates laws which mere creation finds inflexible.

Fr. Lawrence Farley discusses what it was that made the Child of the Desert so controversial—namely, baptizing Jews.

There is variety in Orthodox theology, but there is no plurality in dogma—and that is where the unity of the Orthodox faith lies. Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick explains.