In 2022, the global market value for video conferencing was $10.6 billion. This value is expected to nearly double by 2027, rising to $19.1 billion. It’s clear: video conferencing is here to stay. In fact, around 90% of North American companies say they will be investing in video conferencing software in 2023.
The one thing they all have in common: regardless of their preferred software platform, all of these companies will want to choose the best webcam for their video conference room. Video communication is integral to everyday business, but according to one study, 40% of respondents mentioned that “video quality most often detracts” from conferences.
With a growing remote workforce and the importance of impressing clients with professional looking video, it’s a great time to consider the best webcam for your conference room.
To help with that decision, we’ve put together this collection of the six best webcams for video conferencing.
[Need advice on what to look for in a camera? Read our guide here]
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN THE BEST WEBCAM FOR VIDEO CONFERENCING
Beyond quality video, there are numerous features that differentiate the webcams available.
Today’s businesses need to choose the right webcam to suit their needs. Start by asking yourself these questions:
- Do you need it for webinars, video meetings, or both?
- Will you be using it for huddle rooms?
- Do you need the ideal camera for a large conference room?
- What features matter the most to you: Digital zoom? Pan? Tilt? Group tracking? Speaker tracking?
- Is your camera compatible with your software platform, computer connections, or room setup?
- Do you prefer a webcam with a wide or short field of view?
The truth is, many companies are simply overwhelmed at the options and unsure about the most important features. Vivo sees the issue and responds by offering expert advice and support based on the client’s needs—not by trying to sell a specific brand. But, if you’re looking to learn more about features for yourself, keep reading.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST WEBCAM FOR VIDEO CONFERENCING
Quality video is a given. But, the most important features you’re going to need may not be so obvious. It’s also important to keep in mind that you don’t want to pay for features you will never use. Consider these five important features when factoring in the right equipment for your needs:
1. RESOLUTION
2. FRAMES PER SECOND
When hosting live video conferences, we suggest choosing a webcam with a minimum of 30-frames-per-second (fps). However, for incredibly lifelike video meetings, the framerate can make a big difference. Some cameras provide 60fps.
3. COMPATIBILITY
Verify that the webcam is compatible with your devices' connection ports―it should have at least a USB 2.0 connection. Also, check if it allows a wireless connection through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
4. MICROPHONE
Some webcams are video only, while others incorporate a microphone, with quality and design that vary widely from one model to another. Some of these come with built-in noise-canceling functionality, while others are designed to cover a specific distance range and may be optimized for specific room setups.
5. LENS QUALITY AND FIELD OF VIEW (FOV)
Webcams with glass lenses produce higher image quality. In general, a webcam’s field of view (FOV) usually ranges between 90° and 180°. If you want a camera for huddle rooms, then you can opt for 90° FOV. But if you want it for conference halls, then it is better to have a larger FOV with 180°.
Let’s take a look at the quality features found in six of the best webcams for video conferencing, describing their most relevant features and why we love them.
WHAT ARE THE 6 BEST WEBCAMS FOR VIDEO CONFERENCING?
1. HUDDLY IQ
If you’re looking for a smart camera, meaning it integrates the use of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) engine. This 4K resolution webcam recognizes, comprehends and responds to every single aspect of its environment in real-time. It can identify people, count faces, and a wide range of objects placed in the background.
Huddly IQ adjusts its 150° field of view automatically―while zooming in and framing―when participants enter and leave the meeting room.
It is ideal for huddle spaces, medium meeting rooms, and conference halls. Huddly IQ works with accurate automation capabilities and advanced data insights through continuous evaluation and analysis of the meeting space usage. It comes with embedded microphones, and it is compatible with different personal devices
Key Takeaways:
- HD 4K video
- Comes with microphone built-in
- Uses AI for facial and object recognition, tracking, panning, and zoom
- Works with small, medium, and large rooms
Connections:
- USB Type-C connector
- SuperSpeed USB 3
- HighSpeed USB 2
2. POLY STUDIO X30
Perfect for small meeting rooms and huddle rooms, Poly Studio X30 is a plug-and-play webcam that can be easily connected to any device through a USB connection. It works with almost any software-based or cloud-based video platforms, such as Zoom, BlueJeans, and GoToMeeting.
This webcam includes a speaker tracking functionality, which automatically frames the faces of people within the meeting room.
Poly Studio also comes with great audio quality with a noise-canceling functionality, providing full-duplex conversations. It has a 5x electronic zoom that activates when someone is talking. It has advanced 4K resolution technology combined with 120° FOV.
Key Takeaways:
- Good video up to 4K
- For small to medium rooms
- Works with most connections and software
- Quality audio
- Noise canceling
Connections:
- USB
3. LOGITECH BRIO 505
The Logitech Brio 505 is known for being reliable and easy to use. It is plug-and-play, and certified for platforms like Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and Zoom. To make things easy for remote workers and in-office, it has a sync feature to diagnose and update all cameras in the network.
The Brio 505 has standard noise-canceling audio built-in so you're quickly set up to go.
Key Takeaways:
- Good video quality for the price
- Standard audio quality
- Noise canceling
- Least expensive option
- Easy to use, sync, and upgrade
- Plug-and-play
- Compatible with all platforms
Connections:
- USB
4. POLY P15
The Poly Studio P15 personal video bar provides quality video and audio alike, with automatic framing, clear audio, and noise canceling technology.
IT professionals like it for its robust tracking and management tools.
The Poly Studio P15 provides 30 FPS video with 90° FOV.
Key Takeaways:
- Affordable
- Good 4K video
- 3-element beam microphone array
- Noise canceling
- Quality IT tools
Connections:
- Multiple USB connections
- Requires USB 3.0 for 4K video.
5. LOGITECH RALLY
Logitech Rally provides an Ultra-HD picture quality. It is a pan-tilt-zoom camera that comes with a 15X HD zoom as well as a 4K sensor and a 90° FOV.
This Logitech focuses on natural color and friendly light balance to capture good video easily. It comes with automated framing and can track participants if they move around the room.
EXTRA: If you’re considering a Logitech bar with video and sound instead, take a look at our unboxing video for the Logitech Rally Bar Mini.
Key Takeaway:
- Camera-only
- Made for quality and simplicity
- 4K HD
- Optimizes for object framing, motion, and lighting
Connections:
- Plug-and-play USB connectivity
6. POLY E70
The Poly E70 comes as an entire large room kit suited for variety and the absolute highest quality video and audio. The camera has two lenses, covering 120° FOV and 70° FOV.
The Poly Studio E70 Studio Large Room Kit comes with the camera, with built-in sound, and the Poly Touch Display.
It uses AI for tracking and to adapt to changes in numbers or people’s movement. The kit also includes the Poly GC8 controller for easy pan-tilt-zoom.
Key Takeaway:
- Top-dollar for top-quality
- AI technology
- Dual lens
- Best video (up to 4L)
- Comes with Poly Studio E70, PoE injector for E70, Poly GC8
Connections:
- 10m fiber optic USB cable
- HDMI-Mini HDMI cable
- USB-Micro USB cable
WHAT IS THE BEST VIDEO CAMERA FOR ZOOM MEETINGS?
The good news is that every camera on our list will work seamlessly with Zoom meetings. The question will come down to whether you are plugging into a simple USB port on any standard PC or mobile device, or whether you have higher-end needs.
Cameras that are plug-and-play make it easy to get started with little fuss, where something like the Poly E70 Large Room Kit will cover your needs for any room size and any video or sound connection scenario.
If you’re having trouble deciphering the puzzle of features, settings, and various hardware options, Vivo loves to help companies of all sizes make the perfect selection.
WHICH WEBCAM IS BEST FOR TEAM MEETINGS?
The best option for your team will partly depend on how many people make up your workforce. But, you’ll want to look for the following features:
- FOV that covers the size of your conference room
- How many people the camera is able to frame or track
- Noise canceling audio
Video tracking and framing
- The Poly Studio X30 is a good option for small to medium sized rooms.
- The Huddly IQ is one of the best webcams for meeting rooms of every size, and manages tracking using advanced AI.
- The Poly E70 kit is the best all around for every desired feature, but comes at a steeper cost, so if you have a small team or room, it may be an overspend.
WHAT WEBCAM IS BEST FOR A VIRTUAL INTERVIEW?
For a virtual interview, your top priority is going to be a quality look and sound without spending for numerous other features.
If no-nonsense video and sound at the lowest price is your aim, then you really can’t beat the Logitech Brio 505. The Huddly IQ is still relatively affordable, but adds more feature-rich adjustments, and while the quality is excellent, it could be overkill for someone looking to save on cost.
Sitting right in-between quality and cost, the Poly Studio P15 bar is an excellent balance of features, quality, and affordability.
WHICH WEBCAM HAS THE BEST VIDEO QUALITY?
Numerous cameras have the features you’re looking for in video quality. You can find HD video up to 4K on models costing a few hundred dollars, all the way up to several thousand. The most impressive all around is the Poly E70 kit. For those loyal to the Logitech brand, the Rally is as good as they come.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A WEBCAM?
The most important factor in choosing the right webcam for your needs is this: know your needs. You can find just about any feature you’re looking for at nearly every price range, but the right combination of options depends on your needs. Consider the following to make the right choice:
- What size room or rooms do you need to set up?
- Do you need video and sound, or will you be setting your sound up separately?
- How many people will regularly be joining a conference?
- Do you need numerous individual cameras for remote workers or a single advanced setup for your conference room?
- How important is it to you to be able to change settings?
- What is your consideration for the balance of cost and quality?
- What types of connections are important to you?
The Poly E70 proves an old adage true: you do get what you pay for. So, if you want the best, a package like this comes with features and quality. The Logitech Brio, at the other end of the spectrum, also proves that technology has come a long way, and with the competition come great options at a very low price.
SUMMING THINGS UP
We get it: there’s a lot to consider to choose the right equipment for video conferencing. We’ve provided you with some of the best options that cover every feature, quality, price point, and room consideration. The bottom line is this: you can find excellent quality and features at every price. But, to get the right webcam, you must know what matters the most to your long-term conferencing needs.
The truth is, many—if not most—will need an expert’s guidance to weigh in on the many factors that matter most. Not only is Vivo happy to help talk you through the different room layouts, camera connections and setups, and other things to consider, but we can even pre-configure, install, and set up your room. Whether it’s a little advice by phone or figuring things out at every stage, we’re here to meet the customer where they need us most.
Get in touch to let us know how we can best serve you today.