Our recommendations on the best cameras for communicating at work.
In a world of both in-person and remote meetings, you have to make the most of making an impression no matter where you're meeting. Your video and audio quality should be a priority, not an afterthought! Here are some of our top tips for how to look your best in meetings. If you're looking for tips on how to sound your best, here's our tips.
In addition to sounding your best, video quality is one of the biggest hurdles when it comes to meeting remotely. You spend a lot of hours in meetings staring at other people’s faces through a screen and others are doing the same to you. But let’s be real – no one wants to stare at a blurry and pixelated version of your face all day. Having crisp and clear, and well-framed video can help you look more professional and put together. Higher resolution cameras also pick up better details, so your team can see all of the facial expressions and subtle details that they would typically get in person!
The built-in webcams that come with your computer do the trick for occasional video calls. But they just aren’t sufficient for leaders who find themselves constantly in meetings, and honestly, those unflattering angles and blurry images aren’t doing anyone any favors.When looking to give your video setup an upgrade, here are some things you should consider to help you look your best.Camera typeFirst, you’ll want to choose the type of camera that you’re looking to upgrade to. For most individuals, a high-quality dedicated webcam will do the trick. For most webcams, getting high-quality video is as simple as plugging in a USB cable and maybe installing a piece of software.If you’re looking for seriously stellar video, you may want to opt for a separate camera altogether, for instance: using a DSLR as a webcam. Just keep in mind that these cameras may need a bit more love and set up before they’re ready for your next All-Hands.Video resolution720, 1080, 4K – these numbers can feel like tech jargon but they just tell you the resolution of your camera. While there is some nuance to video resolution, typically the higher number the better.Most default webcams have 720p resolution, so you’ll notice a difference if you choose anything higher than that!Camera mount typeMost cameras designed for computers and video calls mount directly onto your laptop. However, there are some options that require a separate standalone surface, or a tripod.Short on space? We recommend choosing a small-footprint webcam that sits right on top of your computer!Choosing a backgroundWhile not specifically camera-related, your background can significantly impact the look of your video. You want your audience to focus on you, not what’s going on around you.Not all of us enjoy the luxury of a pristine show-ready background. Totally understandable – we aren’t running Hollywood movies from our bedrooms! But let’s just say if you’re upping the resolution on your camera, you can probably do better than that pile of unfolded laundry on a chair behind you.Some things to consider when framing your glamor shot: are you centered? Are you well-lit? You might want to consider some key lights for your desk as well as an upgraded camera.[CTA]
The good news? There are so many great webcams and cameras for you to choose from. The less good news? There might just be too many webcams and cameras for you to choose from.Improving your video quality is a big deal so you should feel confident in your choice. Before you go out and splurge on your new webcam, we’ve rounded up some of our top choices for high-quality movie video.Budget-friendly meeting camerasLooking for an upgrade that doesn’t hurt your wallet? Here are some of our top picks for webcams on a budget.
Plug-and-play meeting camerasVirtual meetings are challenging enough for the less tech-inclined. Instead of adding another piece to the puzzle, choose a quality camera that is ready to go out of the box. Here are some of our top picks for easy-to-use cameras.
Hi-resolution meeting cameras to splurge onIn meetings all day? You might as well look like a million bucks on every call. While these cameras require a bit of an investment, we can promise you’ll always look your best.
Next stop, HollywoodIf you really want to take things to the next level, consider getting a DSLR camera to double as a webcam. Because these cameras are designed to be cameras first and webcams second, you benefit from a ton of advanced image-quality boosters – like delightful depth of field and the ability to use different kinds of lenses.
Note: using a DLSR will often mean you’ll also need an HDMI capture device, like the Elgato Camlink. Keep this in mind when you’re budgeting for your home office setup.
Remote meetings are here to stay. From quality audio to upgrading your video set up, the little things matter! While it might feel a bit indulgent to invest in technology to support your remote workspace, we promise that it will pay off. Having a solid AV setup will help set you and your team apart in all future meetings to come.
