Unlike e-mails and phone calls, the feature of Zoom is that you can talk while looking at the other person’s face through the screen, so you can proceed as if you were actually having a face-to-face meeting.

What I would like to pay attention to is the performance of the web camera when using Zoom meetings and Zoom webinars.

When holding a meeting with a large number of people or when displaying detailed materials on the camera, it is necessary to consider the viewing angle and image quality of the web camera.

Here, we will summarize how to select a webcam that is necessary when using Zoom and how to use it, and introduce seven recommended webcams .

We will also introduce Zoom Rooms, a stationary Zoom option that allows multiple people to be on camera at the same time .

It has a lot of content, so if you are thinking about introducing a web camera to your Zoom meeting, please refer to it.

What is a webcam that can be used with Zoom?

A web camera is a camera that can be connected to the Internet to deliver and transfer images in real time.

First, let’s take a closer look at how webcams work and the need for a webcam when using Zoom.

How a webcam works

Web cameras are widely used for security purposes, including video conferencing and video distribution.

However, since the webcam is connected to the Internet through the software installed in the computer, it does not work by itself.

When using it, it is necessary to connect it to a computer with a USB cable and turn on the power of the computer.

A “network camera” is a camera that is often confused with a web camera.

This is characterized by being able to connect to the Internet and transfer to the recorder as it is without a device such as a personal computer.

Be careful not to confuse it because it is different from the web camera.

Can I use the camera attached to my computer or smartphone?

Almost all laptops sold today come with a webcam.

Smartphones and tablets also come with built-in cameras.

Therefore, many people may wonder, “Do you really need a web camera?”

In fact, for smaller meetings, such as one-on-one meetings, there’s no problem without a webcam.

A camera on your laptop or smartphone will suffice.

However, if you want to show a large number of people at the same time, such as a many-to-many meeting, the attached web camera may not be able to handle the narrow viewing angle.

If you install a separate web camera, you will be able to proceed smoothly.

Of course, preparation is also necessary when using a desktop computer without a web camera.

How to choose a webcam

Even if you want to introduce a web camera, there are many types and you will be worried about which one to choose.

Here are some points to consider when choosing a webcam.

Maker

There are many manufacturers in Japan and overseas that handle web cameras.

Basically, it is a good idea to choose products from major manufacturers with a proven track record in web conferencing, such as Logitech and Buffalo .

NEC Networks & System Integration Corporation, which provides this article, proposes Zoom hardware in total according to the scale of the conference, and the web camera is also proposed after conducting sufficient tests .

We will introduce recommended web cameras later.

wide viewing angle

The field of view is the width of the field of view that a webcam can project.

With a computer or smartphone camera, basically only the person in front of you can be seen on the screen, so it is not suitable for scenes where multiple people use it.

The wider the viewing angle, the wider the area can be projected, so if you are holding a meeting with a large number of people, choose one with a wide viewing angle .

high image quality

A major feature of Zoom is that you can talk while looking at the other person’s face.

However, if the image quality of the web camera is low, problems such as the other party’s face being unclear and the shared materials being difficult to see will occur.

Although it depends on the application, it is desirable to have a high image quality to some extent.

When comparing the image quality of webcams, check the number of pixels and resolution.

There are types of image quality such as 4K (2160p), full HD (1080p), HD (720p), etc. The higher the number, the higher the image quality .

However, the price goes up in proportion to the image quality, so please consider it while considering your budget.

Whether it has a built-in mic

When holding a meeting with Zoom, it is also important to be able to exchange not only video but also audio smoothly.

Normally, it is necessary to install a microphone and speaker along with the camera, but some webcams come with a built-in microphone.

If you want to speak at a distance from the camera, it is better to prepare a separate microphone, but for minimal use, the built-in microphone will suffice.

Introducing 7 recommended web cameras by scene

Now, let’s take a look at the best webcams for Zoom meetings. All of them are easy-to-use products that are compatible with Zoom, and the settings are not difficult.

Please note that the products introduced below are as of July 2021, and products may be renewed or discontinued at any time, so please consult NEC Networks & System Integration Corporation when considering.

• Small Zoom meeting (2-6 people)
• Medium Zoom meeting (7-15 people)
• Large-scale Zoom meeting (15 people ~)

Recommended webcams for small Zoom meetings

Logitech BRIO

Equipped with many functions to project beautiful images in any environment, it is a 4K ultra-high resolution camera that can project 5x digital zoom and RightLight 3 (HDR).

Logitech MEETUP

An integrated conference cam (for small conference rooms) with an ultra-wide-angle lens is a web camera that integrates a microphone, speaker, and camera.

With RightSight™ computer imagery, MeetUp is an excellent product that automatically positions and zooms to find and frame people in the meeting room.

Recommended webcams for medium-sized Zoom meetings

Jabra PanaCast

Jabra PanaCast is a high-performance 180° panoramic 4K compatible webcam. It automatically frames all participants and zooms in on them to optimize screen space. Even though it is a Zoom meeting, you can experience it as if you were talking face-to-face.

Logitech PTZ Pro2

An HD 1080p video camera with enhanced pan/tilt and zoom capabilities, the Logitech PTZ Pro2 delivers wide-angle shots with a 90° diagonal field of view.

It’s also pan and tilt controlled, so it’s a great product that automatically focuses on presenters, panelists, and whiteboards. Equipped with a 10x autofocus zoom, you can clearly see the characters on the whiteboard.

Yamaha CS-700AV

This is a microphone speaker with a camera and is suitable for medium-sized Zoom meetings.

Equipped with a 120° ultra-wide viewing angle and high-definition (HD) camera, it clearly captures even the smallest facial expressions of the participants closest to the camera and those farthest away.

It is also a Yamaha product that focuses on sound, and in addition to “adaptive echo canceller” and “noise reduction”, it also has “auto gain control” that adjusts small voices to the optimum volume, and judges human voices with high accuracy. “Human Voice Activity Detection (HVAD)” and four microphone functions automatically track and collect the voice of the speaker. Realize stress-free web conferencing that is “easy to talk” and “easy to hear”.

Recommended webcams for large-scale Zoom meetings

Logitech Rally Camera

Logitech Rally Camera is Logitech’s best-in-class web with studio-quality Logitech optics and 4K sensor, ultra-quiet mechanical pan, tilt and zoom, plus 15x HD zoom and 90° wide-angle field of view. camera.

In particular, Logitech RightLight™ technology sets itself apart from other mid-range webcams by optimizing light balance, enhancing faces, and displaying natural skin tones in low light and backlit conditions. I am drawing.

Poly Eagle Eye DirectorⅡ

Poly EagleEyeDirector II is a high resolution video camera with pan, tilt and 12x optical zoom, up to 1080p60.

Auto-speaker tracking technology automatically zooms in and follows who is speaking during a Zoom meeting, keeping everyone focused on the meeting.

It is possible to draw attention to every detail in the room, so you can display the meeting room from all angles, such as projecting a large whiteboard or focusing on a product.

Utilization scene of Zoom service

Unlike e-mail, you can talk while looking at the other person’s face through the screen, so you can proceed as if you were actually having a face-to-face meeting.

Next, let’s take a closer look at the cases where it is better to prepare a web camera with Zoom.

video conferencing

In most cases, Zoom is introduced for the purpose of conducting web conferences and video conferences.

With Zoom, you can hold meetings with staff on other floors and distant business partners while staying at your desk.

There is no problem with voice alone, but if you can see the face, you will be able to express your emotions in detail, and you will be able to communicate more closely.

In-house training/seminars

There are many cases of using Zoom for corporate training and seminars.

By using Zoom, you can record the contents of training and seminars on a recorder, making it easier to review and follow up on absentees.

In this case, it is recommended to prepare a web camera with a wide viewing angle, as there may be a large number of trainees and seminar participants.

In addition, it may be better to have a zoom function when considering the case where the lecturer or panelist is mainly projected.

If you are planning to show materials, you need to pay attention to the image quality as well.

When using Zoom, it will be smoother if you do a test

When using the webcam with Zoom, it is smoother if you test in advance whether the camera is properly reflected.

The method for testing the web camera on the PC version of Zoom is as follows.

1. Sign in to Zoom
2. Click on settings page
3. Click the video item

There is no problem if the preview screen is displayed.

You can also check the microphone test, recording on / off, etc. from the Zoom setting items.

If you use more than one camera, check switching and test whether all cameras are working properly.

The option of stationary Zoom Rooms

In general, when you hear the word Zoom, many people think of accessing it from a smartphone or PC, but there is also an option called a stationary Zoom Rooms.

This is done by setting the environment necessary for Zoom such as microphones, speakers, displays, and cameras in advance in offices, classrooms, factories, studios such as yoga and gyms. How to join a meeting from

As an image, it may be easier to understand if you think of a dedicated terminal that is always installed in a conference room, such as a “teleconference”.

This makes it possible to have a one-to-many Zoom meeting instead of one-to-one-to-one.

A microphone, speaker, display, and camera are provided, so there is no need to log in to Zoom individually, and you can do it with one account.

In other words, there is no need to bring multiple PCs or smartphones, so the problem of howling, which makes a nasty squealing sound, is eliminated. This is a big advantage of Zoom Rooms .

Compare Zoom Meetings and Zoom Rooms

Introducing the Neat series, a set with excellent design, camera, microphone, etc.

In 2020, the Neat series, a dedicated device developed for Zoom that integrates hardware such as cameras, microphones, and speakers, has appeared. This Neat series has Zoom Rooms pre-installed, and if you are familiar with IT to some extent, you can start using it immediately with simple settings.

The Neat series was developed by Neatframe Ltd. (Headquarters: Oslo, Norway, CEO: Simen Teigre, hereinafter referred to as Neat), headquartered in Oslo, Norway, and its excellent functionality and stylish Scandinavian design are products that are attracting attention .

The Neat series can be selected from two main types, Neat Bar and Neat Board, according to the scene and the size of the meeting.

Five features of the Neat series

1. All the functions necessary for Zoom Rooms are installed in Neat. Can be installed immediately without a PC
2. Since it can be easily moved and re-installed, capital investment is less likely to be wasted.
3. Designed specifically for Zoom, it is easy to operate and configure, and device management and operation are possible on the administrator page.
4. A human sensor detects the entry and exit of participants in the conference room, wakes up and sleeps, and reduces power consumption when not in use
5. Visualization of the air environment (light, temperature, humidity, volatile organic compounds) in the conference room using various sensors*, allowing you to understand the conference environment and consider countermeasures

*Requires use of the Zoom administrator dashboard function

Zoom Neat is explained in detail in the next article, so please take a look there.

summary

• Even if the device comes with a web camera, a separate camera is required depending on the usage scene of Zoom.
• When purchasing a web camera, compare the wide viewing angle and high image quality
• When using Zoom, it will be smooth if you do a camera test in advance
• We also recommend the option of a stationary system called Zoom Rooms

Zoom is a convenient service that supports many devices such as Windows PCs, iPads, iPhones, and Androids.

Each device’s camera is sufficient for individual meetings, but larger meetings will require a high-performance webcam.

Please choose a suitable web camera according to the number of users and the size of the conference room.