9 ways to improve the light on your webcam and gear setup
The right spot is here. We not only have suggestions for webcams, but we also have tips to enhance your videoconferencing lighting without breaking the bank.
It's a good thing you have the option of solving the issue with a few simple webcam light optimizing tips.
And once you're ready, invest in a webcam or other accessories like a webcam ring light or a lighting kit with three points.
The following article describes the process:
- How to level up your home webcam set-up
- Get a webcam for 2022 [including five of our most recommended recommendations]
- What to look for on a webcam
- Webcams with the top 5 recommendations
How to level up your webcam setup at home
Begin by learning the basic techniques to make sure your webcam is correctly set up. Then, once you're feeling comfortable, you can gradually increase your level using additional tools and techniques for setting up your lighting.
Basic tips:
1. Position your camera at eye level
This is a zero-investment tip for those of you working with the camera in your phone, desktop, or laptop.
All you have do is to elevate the camera's built-in lens to eye level , by placing it on something (think an apron or stack of books or a Laptop stand if you've the budget). Why is this? The camera is situated at your nose level. By propping the camera up though, you can ensure its level with your eyes.
2. Keep your eyes on the camera
No matter how appealing, you shouldn't be looking at your screen (which is technically beneath the camera). Look into your camera instead. This will help you keep your eye on those on the opposite side of the display, instead of appearing as distracting.
3. Set up and turn on an illumination source in front of you
Now an easy, no-big-budget-required tip for lighting for zoom meetings: grab a light source and place it behind your screen.
It could be a light or something similar. Position it in front of you to ensure that light is reflecting off your face. You can also change the position of your computer such that the light source is right in front of your face when the lights available are set.
There are a few things you should keep in mind when arranging lighting sources
Do not use overhead or fluorescent lights. These can cast shadows under your eyes.
Do not place light sources in front of you, below you, or on one side. These positions also create shadows that submerge your face in darkness -which is a no-no when recording video or making calls.
Beware of strong light sources that are in front of the camera. This means no windows behind your back as they could distract your image from lens.
4. Review what's in your frame
It is important for optimizing lighting in video conferences as well as general setup.
Check whether there is a window or other strong light sources to your left.
Be sure that there's nothing in front of you, as it could create distractions for the viewers who is on the opposite aspect of your screen. You'll also want to make sure there's no sensitive data displayed in a whiteboard to the side behind your back.
Also, be sure there's some distance between you and your background. This will give an illusion of depth the frame.
Pro tip: Position artwork, bookshelf or potted plant to create a visually pleasing background.
5. Check your positioning
You should position yourself in such a manner that viewers can clearly see your body from either the shoulder to the head, or from your waist up to the head.
If you decide to do a close-up, it might come across as too much. But, on the other hand moving away can make it too difficult to view the face in a clear way.
6. Be careful with your wardrobe
Another important aspect to consider to consider for a successful video conference setup is to avoid deep black, white as well as bright hues. These can confuse a computer camera's visual effect. In the end, a black shirt can make your surroundings look too bright, whereas, a white shirt can cause the surrounding to appear darker.
Your best choice? Neutral colors. It's also essential you stay clear of pinstripes, checks or intricate prints since they can also distract your camera's setting.
Don't forget to avoid bulky jewelry especially, those which can fall onto the table, as it could create a distraction for the viewers.
What can you do to increase your level:
7. Make sure you have a webcam ring light
The best part? Ring lights are easy on the go and extremely simple to operate. In fact, you could purchase an top webcam ring light costing anywhere from $100-$200.
When you purchase a ring lamp but, you must be aware of the specifications. Control of color and easy-to-change the height and angle are essential features, for example.
Color control allows you to adjust the brightness of the light depending on your skin's tone and the time of day, and any other source of light you're using at your disposal.
For the height and angle, you need them to position the light away from directly pointing at you. In this way, you'll be comfortable and there'll be none of your face looking sloppy. face.
For a natural look, position the ring light on the opposite side -- but not facing directly at. You can also point the light toward the wall with color (if there is one in your home office) so that the light can softly bounce back onto your. This will help you eliminate the ring of that reflects light in your eyes. And it's best for people wearing glasses.
8. Set up a 2-point lighting system.
If you're interested in leveling the playing field, you can consider the possibility of a two-point lighting setup. It's also an affordable option. Since you have the option of getting two distinct lighting sources (a main light and a the fill light) or you can use a natural light source as one light and complement it by a primary light source you purchase.
As for position, you should have lighting sources to be near the camera and facing from opposite perspectives.
Be aware that the fill light should have just half of the energy your main light gives, so that it can fill up the shadows that the main light produces.
9. Consider investing in a three-point lighting kit
Want to up the lighting in your video conference? Include a third light in the key and fill light as well as the back light, or the rim light.
With the key light being the main source of light and the fill light serving to balance out shadows, the back light's purpose is to function as the backlight source. It is responsible for creating a rim of light surrounding you and helps you stand out and the rest of your background.
Get a webcam for 2022 [including 5 of our top recommendations[included]
Now for the final tip to perfect your video conference lighting: get a webcam.
The one you need is:
Take part in many video conferences
Present a variety of talks or host regular webinars
Live stream on social media regularly or coach or teach online
But, hang on to think about it: could you do all this using your laptop's built-in camera? Sure you can. The problem is that these cameras can produce grainy video images. Therefore, if you're focusing on making your videos more appealing for your viewers' experience, consider buying a professional webcam.
What are the things to watch for when looking at a webcam
Here's what to look to find in the perfect webcam
- High frame rate
Cameras that are slower in frame rate produce images that freeze periodically and can ruin the experience for your viewers. So look for minimum 15 frames per second for streaming videos.
- High-resolution
Webcams with low resolution produce grainier images , therefore a webcam with a resolution that is at least 720p and higher is required. A 1080p resolution is even better, but it is dependent on the budget and your use.
- Glass Lens
Basic webcams usually have a plastic lenses. It is recommended to opt for a lens made of glass as it enhances the performance of your camera by creating more clear, crisp video images.
- Field of video (FOV)
FOV is the width of the space that the camera displays. Decide on how wide you need it to be based on your use case. In the example above, a 60-degree FOV captures one person who is seated in front of the desktop. However, a 90-degree FOV is able to capture a crowd of participants seated at a conference table.
- Low-light correction
The majority of modern webcams have a built-in low-light correction feature that allows users to brighten and adjust images even in dim rooms. The presence of multiple sources of light or when recording at the beginning of the day or evening hours can cause problems with lighting. An internet camera with low-light correction will help to correct this, however.
- Autofocus
Autofocus is another feature built-in that is present in the majority of webcams. It assists in focusing the person in the frame and is a great feature for capturing closeups or video recordings in the field or against an edgy background.
The top 5 webcams to recommend
With that basics over Here are the best webcam suggestions:
- Logitech HD Webcam C615 at $29.49. It's a handheld webcam that can rotate 360 degrees. Apart from that it comes with all essential features such as autofocus, a built-in microphone, automatic light correction, and 1080p resolution.
- Microsoft Lifecam Studiofor $99.95. This camera is perfect for business video conference. The camera has a wideband audio, color correctness 360-degree viewing, glass lens and 1080p resolution.
- Razor Kiyo priced at $99.99. An advanced webcam option that's suitable for streamers. It has advanced autofocus and a the ring-shaped light that you can control for the adjustment of brightness. Other important specifications are 720p resolution at 60 fps.
- LogitechC930e priced at $129.99. It is a 1080p HD high-quality webcam that has a 90-degree field of view. It features HD autofocus feature and excellent low-light performance. Bonus? The webcam has a built-in microphone.
- Elgato facecam for $169.99. This is specifically designed for people who regularly stream live and/or run an OTT channel. It has 60 frames per second and 1080p resolution but no autofocus feature or microphone (which is the reason why it's best for creators of video -- not remote office workers).
And that's a wrap Hey, everyone! Check out your gear modify your camera, and light source, and remember to have some fun. Here's to brighter, sharper, more professional video or webinar recording