Are you using a desktop computer? Is your laptop's webcam broken? Treat yourself to a webcam to chat with your friends and family, make videos or stream on Twitch. With so many choices, it's not easy to make an informed choice. To make it easier for you, we offer you this guide to the best webcams.
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Our selection
"The Logitech BRIO 960-001105 was designed specifically for businesses to enable them to conduct quality video conferences or recordings. It offers sharp and true-to-life images,…"
"The Aode 2K-0113-CAM0 webcam combines aesthetics and versatility. Compatible with many operating systems and equipped with a hypersensitive microphone, it is the ideal ally for…"
"The PTZoptics 20X-USB Camera is the ideal solution for broadcasting your video conferences. It is easy to install and works perfectly with Skype for Business,…"
"This camera has a high resolution of 1080p and a lossless 12x optical zoom that delivers crisp, high quality images. It can be used with…"
The Logitech BRIO 960-001105 was designed specifically for businesses to enable them to conduct quality video conferences or recordings. It offers sharp and true-to-life images, even in low light.
240 £ on AmazonThe Logitech BRIO 960-001105 features a glass lens, 4K image sensor, and auto focus to produce superior video. Light adjustment is done automatically via exposure and contrast adjustment. The 5X HD Zoom offers three different fields of view and up to 90° for the same HD resolution. Its connectivity provides you with the USB2.0 type A connection, as well as USB3.0 type A and C. It should be noted that the 4K capture mode works on Windows 8.x, as well as on Windows 10 without a driver.
The Aode 2K-0113-CAM0 webcam combines aesthetics and versatility. Compatible with many operating systems and equipped with a hypersensitive microphone, it is the ideal ally for live broadcasts, for online studies.
28,54 £ on AmazonThe Aode 2K-0113-CAM0 webcam has a high-resolution Full HD 1440 P lens, which allows you to record and video-conference with perfect reality, whether on a MAC or PC. The digital stereo microphone is not to be outdone, as it reproduces a clear dialogue even in a noisy environment. The Full HD 1440P webcam is compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems, as well as popular chat, gaming and conferencing software. Installation is easy, as you simply plug in your webcam and attach it with the clip to your PC or laptop.
The PTZoptics 20X-USB Camera is the ideal solution for broadcasting your video conferences. It is easy to install and works perfectly with Skype for Business, WebEx or GoToMeeting. Its software allows you to customize your commands.
1 679 £ on AmazonThe PTZoptics 20X-USB Camera has a Full HD 1920 x 1080 p resolution offering extremely clear and sharp images. Its 20x lossless optical zoom gives you a wide field of view of 60.7°. With its high resolution, the PTZoptics 20X-USB Camera is perfectly equipped for low-light broadcasts, while its microphone has a 3D noise detector. For greater flexibility in shooting, the PTZoptics 20X-USB Camera is finally equipped with three simultaneous video outputs: from HDMI, USB3.0, as well as H.264 or H.265IP. The output format of the videos produced is MPEG-H.
This camera has a high resolution of 1080p and a lossless 12x optical zoom that delivers crisp, high quality images. It can be used with online video conferencing services.
1 599 £ on AmazonAny specific needs?
The best webcam for professionals
Your guide :
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| TOP OF THE LINE | CHEAP | TOP OF THE LINE | EXCELLENT | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
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| OUR SELECTION |
Logitech BRIO 960-001105
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Aode 2K-0113-CAM03
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PTZoptics 20X-USB Camera
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PTZOptics PT12X-USB-GY-G2
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The Logitech BRIO 960-001105 was designed specifically for businesses to enable them to conduct quality video conferences or recordings. It offers sharp and true-to-life images, even in low light.
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The Aode 2K-0113-CAM0 webcam combines aesthetics and versatility. Compatible with many operating systems and equipped with a hypersensitive microphone, it is the ideal ally for live broadcasts, for online studies.
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The PTZoptics 20X-USB Camera is the ideal solution for broadcasting your video conferences. It is easy to install and works perfectly with Skype for Business, WebEx or GoToMeeting. Its software allows you to customize your commands.
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This camera has a high resolution of 1080p and a lossless 12x optical zoom that delivers crisp, high quality images. It can be used with online video conferencing services.
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Spectacular video quality
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1440P 2K HD Webcam
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Full HD 1920 x 1080p resolution
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Full HD 1920 x 1080p resolution
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Superb in any light
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Plug and Play & Rotating Base
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Three simultaneous video outputs
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USB plug and play connection
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5X HD zoom
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Clear Stereo Microphone
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20x zoom lens
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12x zoom
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4K recording and streaming windows
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Compatibility with Many Applicable Software & Scenarios
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Open source camera control
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Wide field of view
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Ideal for business
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Multiple Operating Systems
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When buying your webcam, you should first pay special attention to the type of sensor. If your device is primarily intended for video conferencing, a CMOS model should satisfy your requirements. On the other hand, if you plan to use your future equipment as a backup camera, you should choose CCD sensors. These offer images of much higher quality than CMOS sensors. Regarding the resolution, rely on the one without software processing. It should be 640 x 480 pixels or more.
Classical webcams will allow you to make video conferences and take a few photos of acceptable quality. Some newer models in the mid- and high-end segments offer other interesting features. They can include a "face tracking" function that can be useful for taking pictures of a moving person. Some devices also offer a motion detection function and can work autonomously (without a PC). The choice of features depends mainly on the use you want to make of your equipment. However, it is best to invest in a versatile device. Although some features will seem superfluous in the immediate future, they could well prove to be of great use in the near future.
As a general rule, webcams must be connected to a USB port. For better transmission and image quality, we recommend investing in hardware that supports USB 2.0.
Don
't overlook this criterion. It plays an important role in the comfort of use of your equipment and will allow you to avoid possible damage due to a fall. If you plan to install your equipment on a flat screen or cathode ray tube, the ideal would be to opt for a model with a non-slip or flexible base. In case you want to install it on a laptop, prefer models equipped with a clamp adapted to the thickness of your slab.
The least expensive webcams offer limited functionality and often come with standard software. Buying this type of equipment will save you a lot of money, for limited possibilities. To avoid the expense of purchasing a more powerful device, opt for a versatile webcam that comes with a variety of useful software from your first investment. Among the most interesting programs offered by manufacturers, we can mention the one allowing to make video surveillance, photo and video processing software.
Sound matters more than you think. People can watch a recording or live broadcast with good audio and bad video and still understand what was shared, but a similar recording with excellent video and poor audio will be difficult to understand.
Most people focus so much on the image when recording video that they forget how important it is to have good audio as well. If you intend to use the standard microphone that comes with most laptops or that can be built into your webcam, be sure to create a test recording to make sure you like the way the sound is reproduced. We recommend using a USB microphone that minimizes background noise.
Also be sure to do what you can to minimize other sounds in the room. Turn off any machines or fans that might create excessive white noise. And if noise from outside the room is an issue, you can place a sign on your door that lets people know that a recording is in progress and that it will make less noise.
There are 2 main types of webcams: internal webcams and external webcams.
Internal webcams are built into a monitor frame and are usually located just above the screen. Internal webcams are most common on laptops, but they are also built into some standalone monitors and all-in-one PCs.
Internal webcams have a small lens that looks like the tiny camera lenses found on many cell phones. These lenses are so small and unobtrusive that some people may not even notice that they have a webcam on their laptop.
External webcams are much larger and are located on the outside of your computer. They must be plugged into your PC with a USB cable. Most external webcams come with hooks to hang them from the edge of your monitor or a stand to put them on a flat surface.
If you've ever used a laptop, you've probably come across a webcam. Almost every laptop sold in the last 20 years has a built-in webcam, usually located on the top edge of the screen.
If your device doesn't have a built-in webcam, you can buy an external model. The main use of webcams is for video calls. Their mission is simple, so quality is not a priority. Because of the size of webcams, they sacrifice quality and clarity for convenience.
Webcams work best in well-lit rooms and for close-up shooting, resulting in an average quality video stream designed for a video call. But as soon as the lighting conditions are not optimal, the quality degrades sharply. The same is true for too much light exposure.
Nothing beats the right tool to get the job done right. You won't use a butter knife to remove a flathead screw, you'll use a screwdriver. Most webcams are designed for multiple use cases, like a Swiss Army knife, making sacrifices for a broader feature set.
Dedicated streaming cameras are a relatively new type of camera on the market with only a few models currently available on the market. They do one thing, and they do it well: live video streaming.
With built-in mini-computers, camera chips that work in a variety of situations, and lenses that produce a clear image, dedicated streaming cameras beat webcams and smartphones to live streaming. Stream cameras are standalone devices. That means you can place them almost anywhere via Wi-Fi and control them via smartphone.
In this time of pandemic, if you're looking for a device to make video calls or conferences, a simple webcam will do. However, if you want to start streaming, you will absolutely need a dedicated camera. A simple webcam won't be enough to give you decent image quality.
To take full advantage of email software
Currently, many messaging programs are available to professionals and individuals. To take full advantage of the possibilities offered by these programs, you must equip yourself with a webcam. The latter will allow you to make video and audio exchanges with your friends or colleagues.
Note that some webcams do not have a built-in microphone. To be able to communicate by voice, you will have to invest in a microphone specially designed for messaging systems or simply a headset.
To replace the webcam on a laptop
Most laptops have a built-in webcam. Although the webcam is generally very well made, its immobile nature can have a negative impact on its comfort of use. To enjoy greater freedom of movement, you can invest in another webcam. However, before buying any equipment, check if it meets your requirements in terms of mobility, but also in terms of aesthetics.
To record videos
The webcam is the essential equipment to record videos to put online on the web. If you have a YouTube channel, it will allow you to create content that can be monetized at a lower cost. For optimal image quality, choose a high-definition webcam with a CCD sensor, offering a minimum frame rate of 30 fps.
For remote monitoring
Just like creating videos for the web, a webcam can be used to monitor a room, an apartment or even a store without breaking the bank. This small accessory can be exceptionally effective in spaces of varying sizes, provided it has a motion detector and night vision (infrared or not).
Use soft lighting from the front
All cameras capture better quality video when there is a good light source, and webcams are no exception. When selecting a location to record, avoid places with low light or too much backlighting. Poor lighting can make your video look washed out or, worse, give you the appearance of a dark silhouette.
In our opinion, the best brands of webcams in 2022 are :
Logitech has become a leader in computer hardware and well positioned in the video game industry. Logitech also makes great webcams for a variety of needs.
AUKEY® is a leading innovator in power and charging technologies. The company strives to provide the best charging experience possible and empower the digital lives of people around the world. It also offers some great webcam models.
Razer is the world's leading brand for gamers. Razer's three-headed snake is one of the most recognized logos in the gaming and esports communities around the world. It's only fitting that Razer should offer gamers a quality webcam.
Technology giant Microsoft has invested heavily in video conferencing technologies in recent years, especially since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. There is no doubt that the webcams offered by the multinational are of excellent quality.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Secure your webcam
When faced with hacking, configure your security settings for better protection. Update your computer's protection software. Periodically upgrade your computer's security against malicious people on the Internet.
Clean the webcam lens
Dust is a foreign object that can damage the lens. Simply blow air on the lens. Then take a microfiber cloth and gently rub the webcam lens in circular motions. Daily cleaning is essential for the good quality of the videos taken.
Boost your productivity
Dialog live with your caller and share your presentation slides. A person practicing telecommuting should have a laptop, a reliable Internet connection and a webcam. There will certainly be times when you should video conference with a partner and colleagues. The external webcam will be the eyes of your audience.
Accord to the importance of lighting
Choose the right lighting so that your face is seen by the other person. For a dark room, adjust the front lighting by installing, for example, an architect's lamp on an articulated arm. During the day, face the window and add a curtain to filter the sunlight. The latter can be an asset and a disruptive element for the webcam.
Be attentive
Look at the webcam when you address your interlocutor. This simple gesture shows that you are interested in what they are saying and that you are listening even if the discussion is online. Avoid looking away, as this is a sign of rudeness on your part.
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