Call Into Any Meeting With The Best Video Conference Cameras
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DTEN D7 75-inch All-in-One Video Conference Camera -
Logitech MeetUp and Expansion Video Conference Camera -
Meeting Owl Pro - 360-Degree, 1080p HD Smart Video Conference Camera -
COOLPO Video Conference Camera -
Buyer's Guide
Video conferencing is a popular way for business groups to stay connected, even when there are hundreds or thousands of miles separating team members. While the most basic setups utilize consumer-grade webcams to get the job done, the best solution for video conferencing is to invest in dedicated equipment designed to function in such an environment. Our best video conference cameras in 2022 recommendations are based on ease of use and overall audio/video capabilities. Though they're not the most affordable options around, each one is designed to excel in the most common video conferencing scenarios with minimal attention or maintenance required for reliable performance.
Compare The Best Video Conference Cameras Of 2022
DTEN D7 75-inch All-in-One Video Conference Camera - Best Video Conference Camera Overall
If you need to equip your office conference space with video capabilities, the DTEN D7 is easily one of the best all-in-one solutions available. Unlike many other video conferencing solutions that require individual pieces of equipment to be assembled, the D7 simply ships with everything built in. It's available in 55-inch and 75-inch sizes; though similar in appearance to a standard HDTV, it's clear that DTEN designed the D7 from the ground up as a custom-fit solution to video conferencing. The panel offers 4K resolution and a 16:9 aspect ratio, and the HDMI input means it can be used as an extra monitor in a pinch. Zoom Rooms is natively supported, and the massive screen also supports touch functionality to allow the D7 to double as a digital whiteboard as needed.
Above the display is a 4K-resolution camera with a wide 120-degree capture angle, ensuring that even sprawling conference tables can be seen by other parties on the call. The portion that houses the camera can be detached from the main unit, whether for maintenance or privacy reasons. The D7 features a 16-microphone array compared to single or stereo mics found on competing products, and the custom-built DSP is effective at boosting voices while cutting out unwanted background noise. DTEN also updates the DSP's AI on a regular basis in an effort to continuously improve performance. The D7 supports both wired Gigabit Ethernet and 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) connections and offers user-friendly software that provides easy and straightforward setup.
While the $4,329 MSRP for the 55-inch version may initially seem like a tough pill to swallow, it's important to remember that the D7 is designed to work straight out of the box and requires no additional equipment to be used for video conferencing. It's also competitively-priced against the array of equipment needed to duplicate the D7's functionality. Though it isn't meant to appeal to home office users, the D7 represents an excellent value for any setting that requires more professional video conferencing gear. As such, we're hard-pressed to find faults with DTEN's video conferencing solution.
Logitech MeetUp and Expansion Video Conference Camera - Runner Up
Once you spend enough time researching video conferencing equipment, you're practically guaranteed to come across Logitech's incredibly diverse lineup of cameras. Our favorite of the bunch is the MeetUp Camera thanks to its versatility. The MeetUp mounts above or below a TV much like a sound bar, and the unit itself houses the camera, microphones, and speakers. The included remote can be used to adjust volume and camera position presets, though the latter is largely unnecessary thanks to the inclusion of Logitech's RightSight technology. This system utilizes AI-based software to automatically pan and zoom the camera in order to frame every conference participant, and can even compensate for uneven room lighting to ensure that the whole group appears perfectly visible. The camera itself offers a 120-degree field of view and supports 4K video capture, though the latter requires a compatible USB 3.0 cable. The MeetUp can also double as a Bluetooth speakerphone if the remote meeting requires a phone call. This particular camera is best suited for huddle rooms and smaller conference rooms, and will work just as well in a home office environment.
Meeting Owl Pro - 360-Degree, 1080p HD Smart Video Conference Camera - Honorable Mention
One of the more unconventional offerings in the video conferencing space is Owl Labs' Meeting Owl. Named (presumably) after its whimsical design that approximates the appearance of an owl, the Meeting Owl packs a 360-degree camera, 8 microphones, and a speaker into a compact case that is meant to sit unobtrusively in the center of a conference table. The Meeting Owl requires two cables to operate - one provides power to the unit itself, while the other connects to the computer joining the meeting. The 720p camera seems to lag behind direct competitors on paper; in the real world, the Meeting Owl's built-in software erases this shortcoming. Thanks to its AI backing, the system automatically focuses the camera and microphone on the active meeting participant, and will effectively capture sound from up to 12 feet away. The Meeting Owl is compatible with all of the most popular video conference applications (Zoom, GoToMeeting, Slack, Google, Skype, etc.) in use today, and is equally effective in either a home office or a conference room.
COOLPO Video Conference Camera - Consider
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a gadget that can function as a smart video conference camera, speaker, and microphone? Well, your wish just came true, as this device has everything that is stated above. The quality of the lens and microphone are beyond incredible and won’t let any glitching affect your important presentation. This camera contains a 360-degree lens with an additional sensor that focuses on people based on their movement and voice. In other words, it will automatically show the current speaker on the video. Besides, the vertical view angle of 60-degrees ensures that everyone in the room is properly visible. You can also leverage functions like split screens and multiple connectivity options for better communication amongst the participants.
Apart from that, this smart camera contains four microphones that can catch any sound waves within the range of 15 feet and effectively remove background noise. You don’t have to worry about the installation because this device comes with a USB cable that you can connect to any PC to use it. Besides, this smart video conferencing camera is compatible with various software applications like Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, and more. However, you cannot use it for Facetiming as its specifications are not suitable for this application. Keeping that aside, there’s nothing that you wouldn’t like about this device. It’s affordable, durable, versatile, and gives pretty good results.
Buyer's Guide
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.
