If you frequently use your laptop for video conferencing and are looking to improve the quality of your video calls, an external camera can be a good investment for your designated workspace. External cameras offer flexibility and can be positioned and adjusted for the best angle, lighting, and background, whereas your built-in camera is fixed in one position.
Many external cameras also have additional features such as zoom, auto focus, and built-in microphones.
Advantages to using an external camera for a laptop, include:
- Improved image quality: External cameras often have better image sensors and lenses than the built-in cameras on laptops, which can result in higher resolution and clearer images.
- Flexibility: External cameras can be positioned and adjusted for the best angle, lighting, and background, whereas a built-in camera is fixed in one position.
- Privacy: With an external camera, you have the option to unplug it when not in use, providing an added layer of security and privacy.
- Compatibility: Some external cameras are compatible with a wider range of operating systems and devices, allowing you to use them with multiple computers.
- Additional features: External cameras often have additional features such as zoom, auto focus, and built-in microphone.
- Professional look: External cameras are especially helpful for video conferencing or streaming, as they provide a more professional look and feel.
Top External Laptop Cameras
There are several external cameras that are highly rated and considered to be among the best for laptops, including:
- Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920: This camera is popular among users for its high resolution, autofocus, and built-in microphone.
Link: https://www.logitech.com/en-us/products/webcams/c920s-pro-hd-webcam.960-001257.960-001257.html - Razer Kiyo: This camera is designed for streaming and offers a ring light built-in, which helps to illuminate the face during video calls or streaming.
Link: https://www.razer.com/streaming-cameras/razer-kiyo - Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000: This camera is known for its wide-angle lens, clear image, and noise-cancelling microphone.
Link: https://www.microsoft.com/en/accessories/products/webcams/lifecam-hd-3000 - Logitech StreamCam: This camera is designed for streaming and video conferencing, it has a high resolution and a built-in microphone.
Link: https://www.logitech.com/en-us/products/webcams/streamcam.960-001286.html - Aukey PC-LM1E: This camera offers 1080p resolution, autofocus and a built-in microphone, it’s also very affordable.
Link: https://www.aukey.com/products/aukey-overview-full-hd-video-1080p-webcam
It’s worth noting that these are just a few examples, there are many other cameras out there, and the best camera for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.
Lighting Goes a Long Way
Proper lighting will help you get the most out of your external laptop camera.
Here are some ways to improve lighting for video conferences at home:
- Natural Light: Make use of natural light by positioning yourself near a window during video calls. The light should be in front of you and not behind you.
- Desk lamps: Desk lamps can provide additional light and help to illuminate your face.
- Ring lights: A ring light is a type of camera light that attaches to the top of your laptop or webcam. It creates a soft, even light that helps to reduce shadows and make your face look more illuminated.
- Additional lighting: Additional lighting such as floor lamps, table lamps or even ceiling lights can be placed around the room to provide more light and reduce shadows.
- Adjust your camera settings: Many cameras have a setting for low-light or night mode, if you’re in a dimly lit room, you can adjust your camera settings to improve the lighting.
- Experiment with color temperature: Different light sources can have different color temperatures. Experiment with different light sources or with white balance settings on your camera to find the best lighting for your skin tone.
- Use a Light diffuser: A light diffuser is a material that scatters light and helps to soften harsh shadows. You can place a light diffuser in front of a lamp or window to create a softer, more natural-looking light.
It’s worth noting that a good lighting setup may take some experimentation and it’s not necessary to have a professional lighting setup, but with some adjustments, you can improve the lighting in your room and look more professional during video calls.
Conclusion
An external laptop camera can provide better image quality and more flexibility for your video calls. They are often portable and easy to setup and manage. They are a great option for the remote worker to put their best look forward.
More External Laptop Camera Links:
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-webcams/