If you say you haven’t tried out Zoom this year, we just don’t believe you.
As coronavirus hit and the nation was forced to stay inside, webcams suddenly became a saving grace for catching up with friends, fulfilling all your quizzing needs, having ‘face-to-face’ work meetings and keeping fit with virtual gym classes.
With a stream of second lockdowns coming in across the country, and more potentially impending, we’ve got you covered.
Here is the best webcam tech to invest in to ensure that, come a second lockdown and beyond, all of your blogging, fitness, mini studio and large group chat needs are well met.
Best for video blogging
Logitech StreamCam
Ideal for video bloggers yearning to craft top-quality social content while looking on top form, the Logitech StreamCam delivers silky-smooth HD video with accurate motion that puts an end to losing focus mid-recording, all thanks to its super-clever AI-enabled facial-tracking tech.
If you’re into using Instagram TV over YouTube, you’ll be glad to hear that the StreamCam can be turned on its side for full HD 9:16 vertical vids.
There’s an auto-exposure feature too, for finely tuning your mug to look on fleek even in poor lighting. £139.
Best for online fitness classes
Ausdom AW615
If you’ve been taking virtual fitness classes in lockdown, you’ll know the struggle it can be to position your webcam to get all of your limbs in shot, all so your instructor can tell you off for missing a press-up.
Well, Ausdom’s AW615 webcam solves that problem thanks to a 16:9 widescreen lens that fits more in frame and an adjustable, pivoting stand to get the angle just right. The built-in omnidirectional microphone with noise-cancelling tech filters out external background noise.
Warning: your Zoom instructor will hear every grunt. £59.99.
Best for mini-studio set-up
Razer Kiyo
With a built-in ring light, Razer’s Kiyo webcam is a great shout for those wanting to look their best during video calls.
It was originally designed for gaming but with three brightness levels that can be easily adjusted via the rotating bezel, the ring light can double up as a beauty filter. Just like having professional lighting equipment, this will help to reduce shadows on the face while minimising any blemishes and illuminating the eyes.
Perfect if you’ve just jumped on an important work call straight out of bed. £99.99.
Best for large groups
Facebook Portal TV
Catching up with friends and family via video is great. Cramming into a small field of view so you can all fit, not so much.
The Portal TV takes care of that, putting smart video calling on the biggest screen in your home. Facebook’s snazzy webcam lets you chat easily with loved ones via your smartphone using Messenger or WhatsApp. Better still, its built-in smart camera pans, zooms and widens automatically as you move around the room so you can talk freely while always staying in frame.
And with Facebook Watch, you can view streaming content with your mates virtually while on a video call, as though you’re in the same room. £149.
