Webcam effective range

[Bob]

I hope this is the right group. If not please direct me to a group that is.

I'm seated about 10 feet away from a 37" monitor.
Searched this group and Google but wasn't able to find any info regarding
webcam specs that tells me anything about the effective range. The webcam
would be used primarily for Instant Messaging. What should I be looking for?
Any suggestions for specific webcams?
Thanks.

 

[Mick Murphy]

You can see a whole room in the background when you view a person's webcam.
It is up to you how close you want to be to it!
They are all about the same

 

[Bob]

Thanks Mick.
What specs set webcams apart in regards to the quality of the image?