External web camera recommended ranking.Announcing the best 3 to make the web conference comfortable!
For video distribution and web meeting!
Some cameras with built -in PCs may be enough, while others want to improve the quality of the video.With an external web camera, functions such as autofocus, brightness adjustment, and full HD videos can be expected to be smoothly exchanged at Web conferences.
This time, Wirecutter thoroughly investigated from all aspects, such as price, ease of use, resolution, auto function (brightness, focus, color adjustment), the quality of microphones and camera lenses, and the warranty period.In addition to web cameras that can be used for web conferences, video distribution, and video chat with friends and family, we will introduce devices and software that can be used instead of web cameras in the latter half of the article.
Web Camera Recommended Ranking 1st: "Logitech C920S HD Pro WebCam" for everyone
Full HD is cheaper than a conference web camera, natural colors and clear details are attractive.The point is that there is a physical camera cover!
"Logitech C920S HD Pro WebCam" is the successor to the "C920" that has been recommended for three years.Auto white balance, speedy auto focus, you can shoot videos with clear, high -resolution (1080p).Easy setup and usage.There is a physical camera cover, so you can rest assured even if you keep it on.
Web Camera Recommended Ranking 2nd: HD Web Camera "Logitech HD WebCam C615"
Logitech's 1080pweb camera.Video quality is good compared to the computer with a built -in computer.Price is also affordable!
The "Logitech HD WebCAM C615" may have a difference compared to the "C920S", which is the first place, such as video quality, autofocus, and auto white balance, but it is easy to set up and that it has 1080p resolution.There are also things in common.The image quality is the top level compared to other companies web camera products around 5,000 yen.When folded, it becomes a lens protection and is convenient to carry it in a bag.
Web Camera Recommended Ranking 3rd place: Ideal for games and video distribution "Razer KIYO STREAMING WEBCAM"
A web camera with light ring.The resolution is 720p 60 FPS.
"Razer KIYO STREAMING WEBCAM" is recommended for those who can distribute videos using web cameras, such as YouTube or Twitch.Some users say that their faces look better than other companies' products.The ring light supplements the brightness even in a slightly dark place.However, if you are not used to it, you may feel that it is too bright at video conferences (even if you minimize the brightness settings).
Web Camera Recommended Ranking 1st: "Logitech C920S HD Pro WebCam" for everyone
"Logitech C920S HD Pro WebCam" is a web camera for everyone with high quality and easy setup.The video is 1080p 30fps clearly, and the autofocus and auto white balance work well compared to other companies' products.The "C920S" updated in 2019 from the "C920" has a camera cover and is safe in terms of privacy.
Testing to compare five types of web cameras products is popular with natural light, faithful white balance, and clear image quality.Not only locals but also services such as Skype, Google Hangout, and Zoom generate a clear 1080p resolution video.
The autofocus is speedy and is perfect for adjusting exposure and white balance (even if the sunlight and warm lighting are mixed, or near the bright window).
You can see that it is as good as / even more than a model that is more expensive than Logitech's "C922X" and "BRIO".Conversely, models such as the "C615" are more dark, have a stronger color saturation and lack of clearness.
The setup is easy, and when connected by USB-A (or adapter), it reacts with Windows, MacOS, and Chrome OS, so you only need to open video chat and recording software.If you are worried about the image, you can manually use Logitech software (Windows, MacOS) manually exposure, brightness, contrast, color, white balance, focus, etc.Such software was not in other companies' web cameras, but only in Wirecutter survey.
If you use this software, you can zoom or bread (move left and right), so if you don't want to reflect the room too much, you can use it so that you can only reflect yourself.You can move the camera up and down if it is manual, but you need to be careful because it cannot be moved left and right.If a web camera that can move left and right manually without using software, the second place "Logitech HD WebCam C615" may be more suitable.
If you attach the "C920S" to a laptop or monitor, it will stabilize firmly, but there is a possibility that the bezel will be on the screen with extremely narrow "Dell XPS 13" and "HP Z27N".However, if you use the bottom as shown in the photo below, you can become independent, so you can use it on the desk.
It is convenient not only to cover the camera cover when not in use, but also to close it until it is ready before the web meeting.
The old model "C920" in the company (the "C920S" is a difference between a physical camera or not), "There was no problem in using it for a long time".As expected, I don't care about the existence of the camera thanks to the camera cover. "
If you have a drawback, you can keep the color balance by using it in a dim room, but the camera struggles to adjust the exposure settings, the FPS is reduced, the details are lacking, making it easier to get noise.The same is true for other web cameras, and only the "Razer Kiyo" with the third -place ring light is exception.
Also, until you get used to it, you may move with the main unit when opening and closing the camera cover.That said, it's easy to wear or remove it every time you use it.
Web Camera Recommended Ranking 2nd: HD Web Camera "Logitech HD WebCam C615"
If you are worried about the web camera but want to minimize the cost, "Logitech HD WebCam C615" is recommended.Compared to the first place "C920S", there may be differences in the quality of the video, autofocus, auto white balance, etc., but the setup is easy and the 1080p resolution is the same.The image quality of "C615" is the top level compared to a web camera product of around 5,000 yen.
The "C615" has a slightly darker image and video compared to the "C920S", and looks like it lacks details.The color balance is biased to a warm yellow color, but using Logitech software allows you to manually change the color strength and white balance.
The user has risen that the clip type is easier to use than the first place "C920S" than the "C920S".There is a way to attach it at the top of the screen, and it can also be independent (like the GIF image below).Since the front tab is small, it seems that the bezel is not on the screen even on a very narrow notebook PC.
The "C615" can move the camera up, down, left and right (the first place "C920S" is manually only up and down), and can be folded (like the GIF image below).When folded, it becomes a lens protection and is convenient to carry it in a bag.
Web Camera Recommended Ranking 3rd place: Ideal for games and video distribution "Razer KIYO STREAMING WEBCAM"
"Razer KIYO STREAMING WebCam" is a web camera with a ring light, high -resolution 1080p (30 FPS) or 720p (60 fps).It is reputed to see the image of the face well.If you look for a ring light alone, it costs about 3,000 yen, but this is the same price range as the "Logitech C920S".Even in low light (enough to see the hair color gradation), the details can be captured, and the strength of the video and images is beautiful.
The user said that in addition to the impression that the brightness setting was moderate, it was bright enough, and that it seemed to have effects (smoothing, blur).This is a web camera that is suitable for those who want a little fuzzy feeling than faithfully, because this camera intends to make the subject look softer without shadows.
The biggest weakness of "KIYO" is that it lacks auto white balance compared to the "C920S".Both images and images may have a high saturation and unnatural orange color.Also, compared to the "C920S", there is a tendency for auto focus to be slightly slower when there is a movement behind.By the way, the Logitech's video distribution model "C922X" is 720p (60 FPS) like "KIYO", but the user has the impression that "KIYO" has a better color quality, especially if it is 60 FPS.
The size is a little smaller than the coaster on the drink under the drink, and a little larger than Oreo cookies.However, if you attach it to the monitor, there is a good presence (especially when lighting).It may be best to use it when your eyes are facing the screen (not a web camera).However, adjusting the brightness is easy, just turn it twice with the Kurukuru twice like the GIF video below.
Although it is a little larger than the first and second place, it can be carried in a bag.In addition, the foldable clip mount can be stable on the monitor, and it can be installed anywhere on the desk, and it can be used as a camera from the second angle when distributing the video.
Device and software that can be used instead of a web camera
If it is difficult to get the product introduced in the above ranking, or if you do not need to buy a web camera, there is a way to use a smartphone, tablet, and digital SLR camera as a web camera.The disadvantages are that it is difficult to adjust the position of the camera, and if you use it for a long time, the device may overheat it, but you should be able to improve the image quality compared to the camera with a built -in PC.
Basically, download the software and connect the device (it may be possible to use the USB or Wi-Fi, but the USB may be more reliable), and usually use it (used for web conferences and video distribution delivery.You can select a camera with what you do).If you use a tripod for a smartphone, it is convenient to adjust the height to your eyes.
The software that can be recommended in the Wirecutter survey is as follows.
For digital SLR cameras
* We recommend that you check with the manufacturer if your model is compatible with software for web cameras.
・ "Canon Software EOS WebCam Utility"
・ "FUJIFILM X Webcam"
・ "Nikon WebCam Utility"
・ "Panasonic Lumix Tether for Streaming"
・ "Sony Imaging Edge WebCam"
・ "GoPro"
For Mac users, iPhone or iPad users
"CAMO" is recommended.In the free version, a watermark (watermark) is entered with 720p image quality, and both the front and back cameras can be used.The paid version "CAMO PRO", which costs $ 40 per year (about 4,380 yen), has no watermarks with 1080p image quality, color adjustment and zoom function.It may be more than necessary for many people, but it is cheaper than buying a digital SLR.The use of software is simple, and the image quality is both wonderful (using iPhone XR), and it can be said that it is equivalent to the first place "Logitech C920S".
For Windows users and iPhone/iPad or Android users
"DroidCam" is recommended.Compared to "Epoccam" and "IVCAM", the only functional app (Windows 10 Surfacebook, MacBook Pro, Samsung Galaxy Note 7, iPhone XR).In the Android free version, there is an advertisement with 480p image quality.The paid version is 5.Upgrade to 720p for $ 49 (about 600 yen).In the free version of the iOS, there is a watermark with 720p image quality.The paid version has no water mark and the camera control is unlocked.It has a little rough feeling, but you may rely on it when the image quality of the PC internal organs is not good.
Other recommended web cameras
The "Papalook AF925" has the same functions such as autofocus and auto optical correction in the same price range (at the time of writing) as "Logitech C920S" (at the time of writing).There is no physical camera cover, but it rotates 360 degrees manually, so it is recommended for those who want to make subtle angle adjustments.It should be noted that the camera tends to focus again every time it moves due to AI face recognition technology.
"Logitech C922X PRO STREAM WebCam" can be recorded at 720p 60 FPS as in the third place "Razer Kiyo".For reasons such as image quality, color accuracy, brightness, etc., "Razer KIYO" has a higher reputation from the user, and the lighting is more convenient.
"Microsoft Lifecam Studio" is inexpensive, but among the five tests of the five tests, both image quality and image are the lowest ratings, and excessive exposure and dullness are the challenges.
"Logitech BRIO" is more than twice the price of the "C920", and the "C920" and "C922" have a better reputation for both the "C920" and the "C922".Nevertheless, "BRIO" is the only web camera that can record 4K videos (although only for PCs with new Intel Core processors or dedicated graphic cards released after the 7th generation)."Inforated camera is also installed, you can log in to Windows 10 via Windows Hello. There is one USB-C port, you can use it with any type/length USB cable. You can record a video of 720p 60 FPS.Compared to the ranked -in products, it is good at hypogenous. It also supports background settings. The price is high (more than enough for many people) is multifunctional.
The "Logitech C525" is cheaper than the second -place "Logitech HD WebCam C615", but there is no 1080P video support (not a glass), and there is no tripod on the folded clip.Where you are worried.Some users say that "C615" is better because the image is rough and fuzzy.
"Logitech C270" is a web camera of $ 20 (about 2,200 yen).The image quality test is always at the bottom, and there is no auto focus, and the narrow angle with a sense of obstruction compared to other cameras is worrisome.
"Logitech C930E" is more expensive than the "C920S" and is for business users rather than home use.It should be able to respond to video kuns in a large conference room with a wide angle of 90 degrees.
The display price is as of the writing.Please check the sales page as it may change.
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