In this day and age, a video conference camera is one of the most valuable pieces of kit for anybody who works remotely and has to join online meetings regularly.
Sure, you can huddle around your laptop to Skype your relatives or put up with fuzzy FaceTime issues when talking to your children while you are away on a business trip. However, when it comes to business conference calling from the boardroom, not just any old webcam will do.
You will want a reliable device that doesn’t require an IT specialist every time you turn it on. So we have come up with this handy buying guide to teach you everything you need to know about picking a top-notch video conference camera.
Want to know more? Check out the rest of the article below.
Why might you need a video conference camera?
A successful meeting is not only about a perfect presentation and well-plotted charts. You also need to engage with people and build trust. Being able to convey your mannerisms through your video conference camera builds a rapport and helps you get your point across more effectively.
According to studies, 93% of communication is non-verbal, so it is important to incorporate more than just words when speaking, particularly in an office setting. How many times have been misinterpreted when communicating through text or email. It’s annoying, right?
When using a video conference camera, you cannot only express what you mean more efficiently but also see how well your ideas are being received.
Things to consider when buying a video conference camera
With so many video conference cameras on the market, it can feel like a daunting task to choose the right one for you. However, if you have a plan ahead of time, it will make the decision-making process so much easier. Figure out what features you want and don’t want ahead of time.
As such, you should consider the following points before you purchase your video conference camera.
360-degrees
If you need a video conference camera to hold meetings where several colleagues are on your end, a 360-degree camera allows you all to be on the screen without having to stand too close to each other.
Facial recognition
Look for a video conference camera with facial recognition capabilities if you want a camera that automatically focuses on faces. This is a great feature, especially if there are several people at the meeting.
HD quality
When buying a video conference camera, you want a camera that boasts at least regular HD quality. Ideally, try to find a video conference camera with 8K video quality if you want to be ahead of the curve. 8K cameras record and stream videos with up to 8,000 pixels. The more pixels, the sharper the image and better the picture quality.
However, most people viewing your image will not have a screen capable of displaying this many pixels. Often, a 4K video quality provides a sharp enough picture for any conference. Therefore, you will probably be able to get away with a standard HD camera in some instances.
Microphones
If you have colleagues who will be joining you for your conference calls, look for a device with omnidirectional microphones. These will pick up sound from multiple directions, allowing everyone to be heard clearly.
coverage
We recommend buying a video conference camera that minimizes background noise, auto-levels voices, and locates sound. Without these features, your microphones may pick up unwanted noise from the street outside.
Coverage
When choosing your video conference camera, check what distance the microphones cover. This is important if you want to hold a conference with many people in a large room.
Speaker
As well as good microphones, your video conference camera should have good speakers. There is no point in having a meeting where you cannot hear what is being said. So look for a camera with a hi-fi loudspeaker.
Discussion mode
Some video conference cameras have a feature that highlights the person speaking on the camera so you can focus on them immediately.
Presentation mode
A few cameras offer presentation mode. For example, if you are using a 360-degree camera with this mode enabled, it will focus solely on the person who is speaking and turn to whoever speaks next.
Compatibility
Most 360-degree cameras use global mode as standard. This splits the screen into two, ensuring all employees are seen at the same time.
Compatibility
Before buying a video conference camera make sure it is compatible with your other devices, such as your computer, laptop, or monitor. It would be wrong to assume that your video conference camera will be compatible with every device.
Built-in Android system
A video conference camera with a built-in Android system allows you to install and switch between conferencing software. This streamlines the entire process - fewer devices mean fewer technical hiccups!
Video conference camera price range
If money is tight, you can get a standard video conference camera without a 360-degree camera for about $40. However, if you want a video conference camera with most of the features listed above, you should budget for about $1400.
FAQs
How do I look good on a video call?
There are a few simple techniques you can adopt to look your best on a video call.
Make sure there is a light source directly in front of your face and not coming from under your chin. Lights that highlight you from the side can add harsh angles and shadows. Likewise, if you sit with a light source behind you, you will be difficult to see.
The camera should be aligned with your ears and capture your entire head and part of your upper body. Make eye contact with the camera when engaging with a video call and don’t slouch. Finally, dress to impress! Wear the same presentable clothes you would if you were meeting someone in person.
What is the best video conferencing app?
Zoom is the most popular video conferencing app and is the best app to use for teams. That being said, you can also use the free version of Skype for teams of 10 members or less. If you’re willing to pay for added business features, you can Skype with up to 250 employees simultaneously. Both apps have virtual whiteboard features.