In times of working from home and homeschooling, they have become indispensable – good webcams. Since laptops often have no or rather poor models installed, many users resort to stand-alone cameras. TECHBOOK presents the best models.
The advantages of webcams are obvious: They usually have better image quality and color transmission, make the video appear smoother and, thanks to their external attachment, are very flexible to use. In addition, some manufacturers include software with the purchase that can be used to manually adjust the brightness and contrast. TECHBOOK has selected the five best webcams for video telephony for the next virtual business meeting or so that grandma and grandpa can watch the grandchildren grow up from afar.
What do webcams have to do for video telephony?
Webcams are a good alternative for those who don’t trust the meager image quality of the integrated cameras during video chats. Built-in webcams typically have a resolution of 640×480 pixels. External HD 720p webcams, on the other hand, offer 1280 × 720 pixels, while Full HD 1080p even offers 1920 × 1080 pixels. In order not to risk a blurred image, cameras with a fixed or auto focus are best suited. Models with additional image and color settings or even their own software receive plus points. But good webcams should also be easy to install and simple and stable to mount on the device.
Also Read: 6 Best Video Chatting Programs
The test winner: Logitech C920 HD Pro
The Logitech C920 HD Pro was released by the market leader in 2021, but it still does excellently in a direct comparison in the lower price range. On paper, the webcam comes with FullHD and 1920 × 1080 pixels – provided the video software and internet connection allow it. Due to the fluid crystal technology and the automatic light compensation, the camera impresses with a smooth transmission and strong colors even in poor lighting. For Windows users there is also the software Logitech Capture right away. Particularly interesting for streamers and if you don’t want your own apartment to be the focus of a business meeting: A green screen can be set up in the software, which displays its own video background. All in all, the Logitech C920 HD Pro convinces as a quality mid-range webcam.
Features of the Logitech C920 HD Pro
Advantages and disadvantages of the Logitech C920 HD Pro
Rating at idealo: grade 1.7 | 5 out of 5 stars
Per
- + Good image quality in low light conditions
- + Software with video filter, image settings and green screen
- + Fluid Crystal Technology
- – No lens cover
- – Slight opportunities to pivot
The creative: Logitech StreamCam
Video transmissions have been an integral part of our business and everyday world for several years. But thanks to the success of platforms like YouTube and Twitch, cameras are also finding more and more use in recording and streaming online games or a contribution to one’s own beauty channel. As a good middle ground, the Logitech StreamCam is suitable for content creation as well as for traditional video telephony. 60 frames per second enable smooth transmission, but colors also appear quite strong. Thanks to its clamp mount, the webcam can be used flexibly and can even be used vertically. The only drawback: the Logitech StreamCam only has one USB Type-C port, which could lead to connection problems with older laptops and computers.
Features of the Logitech StreamCam
Advantages and disadvantages of the Logitech StreamCam
Rating at idealo: grade 1.8 | 3 out of 5 stars
Per
- + Auto focus and face detection
- + Logitech software is included
- + Flexible use thanks to the clamp foot
cons
- – Only USB-C connection
- – Transmission through microphone sounds tinny
The budget option: Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000
An unbeatable price and still adequate HD quality for skyping with relatives overseas on Sundays? This is exactly what the Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 offers. If the branded products from Logitech are too expensive for you, you will find what you are looking for with this USB webcam. Only the assembly requires a few more steps and a little practice. It may not be enough for the formal business meeting, but with a resolution of 1280 × 720 pixels, a burst rate of 30 frames per second and TrueColor technology, Microsoft is launching a cheap budget variant that is definitely a good replacement for any poorly performing built-in camera.
Features of the Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000
Advantages and disadvantages of the Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000
Rating at idealo: Grade 3.2 | 4.5 out of 5 stars
Per
- + TrueColor technology
- + Inexpensive HD option
- + Autofocus
- + Simple plug and play
- – A bit difficult to assemble
- – Low photo quality
The sound expert: Aukey PC-LM1
What should not be forgotten when purchasing a webcam is that not only the image plays a role, but also the sound. The video recording with external cameras often seems sharper than reality, while the integrated microphone makes the voice appear tinny or dull. This is where the Aukey PC-LM1 comes into play. It includes a stereo digital microphone as standard, which not only transmits a natural sound but also dampens disruptive background noise. Located in the low-budget category, the HD webcam also surprises with a wide angle of 65 degrees, which captures a lot of the surrounding area. However, compromises have to be made with the focus, since it is a fixed focus. All in all, with the Aukey PC-LM1, the buyer gets an inexpensive webcam that is easy to install and promises equally good transmission of image and sound.
Features of the Aukey PC-LM1
Advantages and disadvantages of the Aukey PC-LM1
Rating at idealo: grade 1.8 | 4 out of 5 stars
- + Integrated stereo microphone with good sound
- + wide angle of 65 degrees
- + Low price
- + Plug and play installation
cons
- – Fixed focus
- – No lens cover
That’s when the light comes on: Razer Kiyo
At first glance, the design of the Razer Kiyo with the built-in light ring looks a bit unusual, but that’s exactly what makes it an insider tip for webcam users with lighting problems. Whether home office in semi-darkness or streaming for YouTube, the Razer Kiyo promises and delivers good image and color quality. All the more gratifying that it is so easy to use: simply plug it in, decide whether it should be clamped to the computer, stand on the table or mounted on a tripod, and that’s it. The standard model of the Razer Kiyo does without a lot of frills and concentrates on what is important: good video images. On the other hand, if you are hoping for a high-end product with outstanding values, you should rather use the Pro version, which also costs twice as much for double the quality.
Features of the Razer Kiyo
Advantages and disadvantages of the Razer Kiyo
Rating at idealo: 2.0 | 5 out of 5 stars
Per
- + Practical light ring
- + Good image quality in Full HD
- + Easy handling
cons
- – No lens cover
- – Sound transmission through the microphone is somewhat dull
Conclusion
Whether it’s for streaming on YouTube, meeting with colleagues abroad, or as a way to call without calling, video chatting has become an integral part of our offices and homes today. Since the introduction of Skype, Zoom & Co., one thing has been certain: seeing the other person’s face when making a call makes the conversation that much more personal.
The Swiss manufacturer is still convincing with its flagship webcam model, the Logitech C920, and at the same time offers a good mid-range variant for gamers and streamers with the Logitech StreamCam. But the Razer Kiyo in particular lives up to its name with its sharp image quality. So there is a suitable camera for every user and every budget and it just means: Lights, webcam, ACTION!
More interesting articles about webcams and video telephony
Still not enough about video telephony? The editors of TECHBOOK have summarized a number of other exciting and helpful articles dealing with webcams, cameras and video chat programs.