How to choose the right webcam ?
Between videoconferences for work, streaming in your leisure time, and video calls with your nearest and dearest, a high-quality webcam is an absolute must. But how can you find your ideal webcam? What sets an external device apart from an integrated camera? Kodak, the image expert, is here to help.
Why should you choose an external webcam?
Almost all laptops, and some PC monitors, come with an integrated camera, located in the upper part of the screen frame. Most of the time, the resulting images do not have excellent resolution, particularly in less than optimal lighting conditions.
External webcams, on the other hand, are specifically designed for video. They offer superior quality and can adapt to a wide range of situations. These webcams can be mounted on the screen frame or on a tripod, or even placed directly on the desk. They can connect quickly to computers as external devices.
External webcams, which are larger than built-in webcams, offer numerous advantages to compensate for their size:
· more complex, higher quality components;
· multiple lenses;
· different settings to adapt to different environments;
· a microphone to ensure optimal sound, with noise and echo reduction;
· advanced features such as motion tracking and autofocus;
· Finally, a wider field of vision to encompass several people.
External webcams can therefore guarantee better quality video and greater flexibility.
Key criteria to choose the right webcam
Whether you need a webcam for business or personal use, you are sure to have your own personal requirements. Some webcams offer greater privacy by blurring the background, while others provide motion tracking to never lose sight of their subject. Consider the following criteria to make the best choice for your situation:
· The resolution: remember those old webcams and their blurred, pixelated images? Today, external webcams have come a long way, driven by the growing popularity of videoconferencing. You can now enjoy high-definition quality, including Full HD 1080p resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels).
· The viewing angle: the field of view for each webcam is measured in degrees, representing the width of the area that can be captured by the camera. Most models offer a viewing angle between 60 and 90°, but there are wider options.
· The microphone quality: you can choose between a unidirectional or omnidirectional microphone. Commonly used for television, omnidirectional microphones can capture voices in 360°, allowing for greater flexibility and audio quality. They can also be equipped with noise and echo reduction features to limit interference and sound defects.
· Advanced features: you can increase the quality of your video and enjoy greater flexibility thanks to motion tracking, facial recognition, built-in artificial intelligence, or even automatic image correction.
· Attachment methods: external webcams can be attached directly to a computer, fixed to a tripod, or placed on a piece of furniture such as a desk. Ensure that your chosen camera has an attachment system to suit your needs.
· Connectivity: USB-A is a classic option to connect various devices to a computer. It is therefore essential for many setups, but is starting to be replaced with USB-C on newer devices. USB-C connectors are smaller, reversible and universal. They are compatible with the latest computers, smartphones, tablets and more. For the best of both worlds, choose a webcam with dual connectivity!
Whether you're a teleworking professional, a speaker looking for the best quality, or a private individual in search of THE perfect camera for family videos, you've got all the information at your fingertips to choose the webcam to best suit your needs.
How to install a webcam on your computer
Thanks to USB connectivity, installing a webcam on a computer is extremely simple. Plug and Play devices allow for instant use on any laptop or desktop PC. Once you have connected a webcam via USB, make sure that the external device has been detected by going to your settings.
Typically, your videoconferencing software will display your image and ask you to adjust your settings before starting your call. You can also carry out sound tests to check that the microphone is working properly and that the people you are speaking to can hear you perfectly.
If you want to use your webcam on your web browser, you will also need to authorise the website to access your webcam and microphone. These authorisations can always be changed in the browser settings.
You can choose to fix or position your webcam in different ways:
· On the frame of your computer screen: this is the best position for a video focused on your face. It gives your audience the impression that you are looking at them.
· On a tripod: this option is ideal if you have several screens, if you are not staying still, or if you need to distance yourself from the camera while still having access to your screen.
· On a desk stand: placed directly on your desk or another piece of furniture, the camera can be positioned at the angle of your choice. A desk stand offers the same advantages as a tripod, but with fewer adjustment options.
Discover the Kodak Access Webcam
Kodak is proud to present a truly innovative model: the Access Webcam. With its Full HD 1080p resolution, 96° viewing angle, and omnidirectional noise-cancelling microphone, it offers optimal video and audio quality. It also utilises artificial intelligence for advanced functions such as facial recognition and motion tracking.
The Kodak Access webcam is equipped with a facial recognition sensor compatible with Windows Hello. The device is therefore able to automatically recognise saved faces and grant secure access to identified people. No need to enter a password to log on to your computer!
Motion tracking, which is linked to the face detection function, works by differentiating between the subject and the background. Whether they are active or passive, the participants are perfectly clear and recognisable. The camera is able to follows their movements and adjust its framing accordingly.
With your Kodak Access webcam, you can take advantage of Plug and Play functionality with dual USB-A and USB-C connectivity. It is compatible with all your favourite applications: Microsoft® Teams, Zoom®, Google Meet or Cisco Webex.
