Webinar webcam

What is a webcam?

A webcam is a video camera that streams in real-time to a computer or to the internet. Webcams can be built into computers or can be externally connected to a computer through a USB port.

Webcams broadcast in real-time, and therefore have no built-in memory chips for storage. Since they record and stream simultaneously the image can be lower quality than with other kinds of video cameras.

How to choose a webinar webcam?

Webcams vary in complexity. When choosing a webcam, factors like image resolution, frames per second, focus, and field of view are considered. Different webinar formats require different types of webcams.

Frames per second

This is the number of images a webcam displays per second. The higher FPS, the smoother the video stream will run. Webinars need a camera that has 60 frames per second or higher.

Focus

Focus means simply how the camera may adjust to a moving subject. High-quality webcams use autofocus for smooth transitions.

Field of view

A field of view is the amount of space a camera picks up around a subject.

Examples of good webinar webcams

Some good webinar webcams are:

• Native webcam
• Logitech C922
• Meeting Owl
• Huddly GO

Native webcam

For a one-off webinar, a laptop’s native camera may be sufficient. Native webcams get the job done but have a low frame rate and limited field of vision. They also create dimmer images than external webcams.

Logitech C922 Pro Stream Webcam

A lower-cost option, the Logitech C922 Pro Stream Webcam comes with autofocus, motion detection, facial recognition and automated background removal. This camera can be mounted on the top of a monitor, or attached to a tripod. For anyone just getting into webinars, the Logitech C922 is a good place to start.

Meeting Owl

The Meeting Owl was built for team collaboration, boasting a smart camera that shifts 360 degrees in the direction of whoever is speaking. It sits in the middle of a table or room. It uses visual and audio cues to focus.

The connection is simple, requiring only a USB port and a WiFi connection. This option is ideal for conferences, live panels, or internal webinars that involve the whole team.

Huddly GO

Another camera designed for meeting rooms, the Huddly GO is a compact webcam that sits on top of a monitor. It uses a wide-angle view and advanced software for light optimization and autofocusing. This webcam is good for webinars with two hosts in the same room and small live panels.

Lighting a webinar

A good webcam can only do so much, it is also important to maintain clear and bright lighting. This means avoiding being backlit and using as much natural light as possible. Light diffusers like softboxes can be attached to light sources. Ring lights are another popular option for balanced lighting.