As you’re home office owner, you may need to get an external camera (webcam). Many laptops come with in-built cameras, but to get better video quality, it’s best to get a webcam.
Webcams have a higher and cleaner image resolution to stream/record top-notch videos. With an external camera, you get advanced features like panning and auto-tracking. Also, you can get good lighting, a better audio experience, and better flexibility.
Amazon is a good place to get the best external cameras on a budget. So, we will review some of them in this post. We’ll also show you how an external camera works and core features to look out for when choosing one.
How External Laptop Camera Works
An external camera or webcam is very similar to a standard digital camera. But they are much smaller and compact to fit on top of a laptop. Unlike digital cameras, webcams make relatively compact videos to upload to the internet. With a webcam, you can broadcast videos in real-time in the comfort of your home or office.
A webcam works with the same principle as a digital camera. It has a network of microscopic light detectors that captures light onto an image sensor. This image sensor is a microchip that can either be a CCD or a CMOS image sensor.
The job of the image sensor is to capture the image from the light and convert it to digital format. In this format, a digital camera can record the image. But a webcam can only upload the image to the internet. This is because they have no in-built memory chip to record. They are only designed to transmit videos to the laptop.
External cameras transmit captured images to your laptop through wired or wireless means. Wired webcams use a USB cable to get the job done. While wireless ones use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to transmit or live stream your video.
Wireless webcams give you more flexibility, but wired webcams are easier to set up. For you to install either of both on your laptop, you need to first disable your in-built webcam.
After disabling the in-built camera, you can install a wired webcam by plugging the USB cable into your laptop. Windows 8 to 11 operating systems have drivers already installed to get them running. If your laptop lacks the drivers, you can download them from the manufacturer’s website.
To install a wireless webcam, plug it into an electric outlet using an Ethernet cable. Then, put on the camera, and connect the webcam to your wireless network. Insert the camera’s software CD into your system and install the software. Once it loads, launch the camera software.
How To Compare External Laptop Camera: The Core Features to Consider
-
Resolution
Resolution is an important feature to consider because it determines your video quality. Low-resolution cameras produce grainy images which are not appealing to the eyes. They are usually lower than 720p and do not support high-quality features.
High-quality webcams, on the other hand, have a resolution of at least 1080p and above. The videos they transmit are usually clear and free of grainy images.
When looking for an external camera, you will find high-definition (HD) and ultra HD webcams. HD webcams record a resolution of 720-1080p. While ultra HD ones offer higher quality at a resolution higher than 1080p.
-
Frame Rate
Frame rate is the number of images a camera can record in a given time. This means that the higher the number of images, the better the video flow. Frame rate is measured in frames per second (fps) and to make a video, you need at least 15fps.
To avoid stuttering or freezing while streaming your video, you need a frame rate of 30fps or higher. Webcams of 60fps are high-quality, but they cost more than others.
-
Lens
A lens is a tiny piece of transparent glass you see in front of the camera. It is responsible for directing light rays to the light sensor. So, the type of lens a webcam uses can determine how well it functions.
Lenses can be made of plastic or glass. Plastic lenses are used for cheaper webcams, they can get scratched with time. Glass lenses are a better option although they are more expensive. Webcams with a 15MP lens or higher are best for making high-quality videos.
-
Audio Performance
Always ensure to get external microphones with one or two built-in microphones. Even mid-range webcams have at least one microphone. HD external cameras have dual microphones to give you a good stereo audio experience.
Built-in mics are mostly omnidirectional, recording sounds from all angles in the room. But premium webcams have noise-reduction technology that concentrates on and amplifies your voice.
-
Automatic Light Correction
Lighting is an important factor that gives clarity to your videos. Your laptop’s built-in webcam may not give sufficient lighting when you’re making videos. Whereas, many external cameras have an automatic light correction that rectifies poor lighting.
A quality webcam has a low-light correction, color boost, and exposure adjustment. So, even in harsh or dim lighting, you can still look great on video.
-
AutoFocus
Focusing is important for an external camera to get a clearer and sharper image. Sometimes people don’t stay in perfect positions to get a sharp focus.
Autofocus allows the webcam adjusts its focus by refocusing to give better results. The camera detects an imperfect position and tries to adjust its focus to get the perfect image.
-
Wide Angle
For meetings and video conferencing, always go for webcams with an angle of 90° and above. This helps to capture all the participants in the room. Ensure that you check out the room size and areas to capture.
-
Webcam System Requirements
Before choosing your webcam, always check for compatibility. This is an important requirement because not all webcams can work with your device. While Windows PCs support many webcam models, Mac and Linux laptops are quite choosy.
Many webcams require specific software to function. It’s best to install the software after plugging in the webcam. Your webcam should also support platforms like Zoom, Microsoft, Teams, etc.
-
Motion Sense and Privacy Cover
Some external camera models have built-in motion sensors for security purposes. If it lacks one, you can download the software that links to your webcam. Also, look out for webcams with a privacy cover to keep off hackers. You can also install computer security software to secure your laptop.
Best Budget External Laptop Camera For Home Office Workers
-
Logitech C920e HD Web Camera
Specifications
Screen Size: 2.7 Inches
Connectivity Technology: USB
Camcorder type: Video Camera
Color: Black
Video Capture Resolution: 1080p
Lens Type: Zoom
Features
- Fixed 78° field of view to capture you in a balanced frame while also allowing other items to be in the frame.
- Equipped with sync device management software to connect everyone on the team.
- Features dual omnidirectional microphones for improved audio quality.
- Built-in HD autofocus and automatic light correction to produce sharp and well-lit videos.
- Comes with an attachable privacy screen that flips up and down to protect your lens and privacy.
- Certified for Zoom, and works with Microsoft Teams and other business social platforms.
Pros
- Easy to install, plug in and play
- Compact and efficient for home office workers
Cons
- The omnidirectional microphone can pick up background noise
Price: $49.99 on Amazon
-
EMEET C960 Web Camera
Specifications
Screen Size: 1.97 Inches
Connectivity Technology: USB
Camcorder type: Video Camera
Color: Black
Video Capture Resolution: 1080p
Lens Type: 4-layer anti-glare optics
Minimum Focal Length: 500 Millimeters
Features
- Designed for professional video streaming with a 4-layered antiglare lens and fixed focal length.
- Dual built-in noise reduction microphones to create a good audio effect.
- Low-light correction technology to boost low lighting, color, and exposure.
- 90° wide view to capture a wider frame during streaming.
- Highly compatible with laptops with Windows and Mac OS. Also works well with many streaming platforms.
Pros
- Easy plug and play with no drivers required
- Great value for money
- Comes with a much-needed privacy cover
Cons
- Settings like color and brightness cannot be adjusted.
Price: $38.99 on Amazon
-
SUPCAM CC1007 Webcam with Microphone and Speaker
Specifications
Screen Size: 1/2.7-inch
Connectivity Technology: USB
Color: Grey and black
Video Capture Resolution: 2K
Minimum Focal Length: 4 Millimeters
Lens Type: Zoom
Features
- Full HD resolution of 2K (2560×1440). This makes it suitable for professional-quality video streaming, calling, and recording.
- Built-in speaker and noise-canceling microphone for the best audio experience.
- HD autofocus and auto white balance to emphasize natural color and maintain focus.
- Wide compatibility with Windows and Linux. Works well with platforms kike Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Youtube, and more.
Pros
- Designed with a privacy cover
- Works well with low light
Cons
- Field of view is not adjustable
Price: $49.99 on Amazon
-
Logitech HD Pro WebCam C920x
Specifications
Screen Size: 2 Inches
Connectivity Technology: USB
Camcorder type: Video Camera
Color: Black
Video Capture Resolution: 720p
Minimal focal legth: 0.01milimeters
Features
- Delivers full HD videos with good resolution and screen size.
- Premium autofocus and a five-element glass lens to give outstanding video clarity
- Low-light setting that adjusts lighting conditions to be suitable for recording and streaming.
- 78° field of view allows for a wide angle to capture more items in the frame.
- Dual microphones on both sides of the webcam give a good audio experience.
Pros
- A good camera and audio quality
Cons
- Lacks privacy cover
Price: $78.90 on Amazon
-
NexiGo A920AF WebCam
Specifications
Screen Size: 6.5 Inches
Connectivity Technology: USB
Camcorder type: Video Camera
Color: Black
Video Capture Resolution: 1080p
Features
- Full HD webcam with autofocus to produce crystal clear videos.
- Built-in noise-canceling microphone to reduce environmental noise.
- Slide and tape privacy cover to protect your privacy from hackers.
- 65° field of view for single-person interaction.
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chrome. Works well with many platforms.
Pros
- Easy setup, plug, and play
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Requires NexiGo app to set up desired features.
- Settings do not take effect unless the app is running.
Price: $39.99 on Amazon
-
SUIRUI HD-19B Web Camera for Computer
Specifications
Screen Size: 2.7 Inches
Connectivity Technology: USB
Camcorder type: Video Camera
Color: Black
Video Capture Resolution: 1080p
Minimum Focal Length: 2.1 millimeters
Features
- Full HD webcam with high-definition glass lens and high resolution to give crisp video streaming or recording.
- Built-in dual noise-reduction microphones to filter background noise and amplify your voice.
- Easy plug and play and rotates 360° in any direction.
- Automatic light correction and autofocus to balance light and give sharp videos. It also has a color boost to give rich colors.
- 90° field of view to capture a wider frame.
- Compatible with Windows, Android, and Mac. Works well with many platforms.
Pros
- Great value for money, perfect for the casual user.
- Easy to set up and play.
Cons
- SUIRUI HD-29B has no privacy cover (but the upgrades version HD-20A comes with one)
Price: $29.99 on Amazon
External Laptop Camera Buying Guide: The Common FAQs
How Do I Choose An External Camera For My Laptop?
To choose an external camera for your laptop, you need to consider a good number of core features. Look out for products with good resolution, frame rate, glass lens, and wide angle. Choose an external camera that is easy to install and with a privacy cover.
What Should I Look For In Laptop Camera?
The important thing to look out for when buying a laptop camera is good specs. Make sure to know what you’re looking for in a camera before buying.
What Is A Good Resolution For Webcam?
Webcams come in different resolutions. But the good ones are usually 1080p and above. Webcams with 4k resolution have very high resolution but may be pricey.
Can You Attach An External Camera To A Laptop?
Sure. Most external cameras today can easily be attached to a laptop by a small clamp that holds them in place. Wired external cameras come with a USB. While wireless ones connect through WI-Fi or Bluetooth.
Conclusion
External cameras from Amazon are the best and most budget-friendly in the online market. They give you crystal clear results while video streaming or live-recording. They also have a built-in microphone and speaker to give you a good audio experience.
SUPCAM CC1007 and Logitech C920E have excellent resolution and noise reduction. If you’re on a low budget, check out SUIRUI HD-29B and NexiGo A920AF.
To sync all members of a video conference, Logitech C920E and C920X are good options to check out.
