As much as I know about photography, I know very little about webcams. It seems they are mostly wide view, auto focus type. This won't work because the lens needs to be longer focal length ("zoomed in" or "telephoto") and must also have manual focus. A regular digital camera with zoom lens might be better (if it has connection for computer, like USB) It's possible that you could use a small webcam (so it can be closer to mirror but not block too much of the view) and use a convex mirror with less strong curve (more like standard security mirrors... cheaper too) It's hard to find specifics about webcam lenses... not listed in specs. I'll keep looking around... still think this is a good idea.