It is important to have a high-end webcam since continued safety restrictions continuing have made it a bit difficult to meet in person. This is especially relevant as video conferencing is becoming a crucial tool for working with coworkers, clients, and customers in the corporate sector.
There are a lot of options available in the market, but not all of them are created equal. To help you find the best option for your needs, we’ve put together a list of the 5 best webcams for video conferencing in 2022. No matter what your budget is or what features you’re looking for, you will definitely find the perfect choice on our list!
What to look for in a webcam
If you are looking for a webcam for video conferencing or streaming, there are certain features you should look for:
1) Resolution
The screen image seems grainier the lower the resolution is. Only high-definition video capture is supported by the majority of current cameras. You should look for a camera that is capable of capturing resolution that is at least 720p or greater. The 1080p ones are more widely available and more reasonably priced than the higher-tier products.
2) Frame-rate
High frame-rates are also very important since low-frame-rate webcam images stutter and briefly stop on the screen. Since the stat is indicated in frames per second, look for FPS on the package. A minimum of 30 frames per second is needed to have fluid experience.
3) Microphone
Another common feature is an integrated microphone. Finding a webcam with two or more built-in mics is not difficult, and over time, microphone quality has increased. Most mid-range and high-end options have omnidirectional mics and record in all directions around the camera.
4) Lens
The performance of the webcam is impacted by the type of lens it possesses, and the lenses on certain entry-level versions are plastic. But it's best to remain with glass lenses because they provide better performance without substantially increasing the cost.
5 best webcams to consider in 2022
1) Logitech HD Webcam C270 ($21.99)
The Logitech C270 is a very basic camera with 720p HD quality, a clip to mount to your computer display, and support for Zoom and other video conferencing software; which is all that's really needed.
Logitech's entry-level camera and is considerably less expensive than the one in the tier above it, the C310 HD, which costs more than $30/£30 but only offers 720p HD quality. The Logitech C920 HD Pro costs around $60/£60 or more for those who desire 1080p Full HD quality.
2) Logitech C920 HD Pro ($71)
Logitech C920 is an 8-year-old webcam at this point, but it’s quite astounding how well it performs in comparison to its contemporary competitors. Cameras have a difficult time capturing a picture that isn't grainy or black in low to moderate lighting conditions. With sufficient light, this item appears to be of excellent value.
The video and audio on this plug-and-play product are quite good, and it's simple to operate. It is perfect for online video chats, video streaming, and keeping up with loved ones. The Logitech Capture program enables you to change numerous parameters if you're looking for tighter control over the video feed.
3) Razer Kiyo Pro ($99)
The Razer Kiyo Pro can be precisely what you need to give your conference calls or Twitch streams a much-needed boost if inadequate illumination is a problem. The Kiyo Pro's 1080p HDR video is wonderfully detailed, with well-balanced colors and precisely determining exposure in all kinds of lighting circumstances, despite not having the 4K resolution of the Logitech Brio.
Additionally, it enables a broad field of view of 103 degrees, which can be reduced in size by adjusting the camera's settings to 90 or 80 degrees. The Z-shaped mount for the Kiyo Pro is also sensibly made and supports displays with a thickness of up to 60mm.
The camera can also be mounted on a desk with a respectable amount of adjustments. The webcam's focus is a little on the sluggish side, which is one small drawback (apart from the exorbitant price).
4) Elgato Facecam ($149)
The Elgato Facecam can capture up to 1080p at 60 frames per second. On recordings, it provides a clear and detailed image with a smooth, natural motion. It shoots at an 82-degree field of view (FOV), which is rather large compared to its two main rivals, the Logitech StreamCam and the Razer Kiyo Pro (both at 78 degrees) (103 degrees max, but digitally adjustable to 80 or 90 in Synapse).
The field of view is just broad enough to keep you comfortably centered in your surroundings without any fish-eye distortion, which is the equivalent of a 24mm lens on a full-frame camera. Additionally, it features an f2.4 aperture, which is somewhat slower than that of the Kiyo Pro or the StreamCam, but has negligible performance differences.
5) Insta 360 Link ($299)
Fundamentally speaking, the Insta360 Link is a camera just like any other; it is a small device that connects through a USB-C connection and fits atop any monitor, laptop, or tabletop settings. With a stabilized camera that sways back and forth as per use, sort of like a bobblehead, its gimbal-like form sets it apart from the competition.
The webcam's camera can swivel up and down, from left to right, and diagonally thanks to a 3-axis gimbal, according to Insta360. According to the specifications, Link's field of vision is somewhat smaller than that of rival cameras with ultra-wide lenses, peaking at 79.5 degrees.
The limited viewing distance is readily forgotten, though, when you take into account Link's ability to swivel and revolve while keeping the subject in the middle of the frame.
Conclusion
Overall, these are the five best options for video conferencing in 2022. They are all capable of providing high-quality video and audio, and offer a variety of features that can be beneficial for video conferencing. If you are looking for a webcam various purposes, any of these options would be a good choice.