Video conferencing cameras are webcams and room cameras that connect to a computer or meeting system for video calls, and they suit home offices, small meeting rooms and classrooms. No models are listed in this category at the moment, so this guide explains what to compare when choosing one.
Related products can be found in the neighbouring security and IP camera categories.
How to choose a video conferencing camera
Room size and field of view. A single person at a desk is well served by a field of view of around 78 degrees. A table of four to six people needs a wide-angle lens of roughly 90 to 120 degrees, and larger rooms are better handled by a camera with pan, tilt and zoom.
Resolution and frame rate. Full HD (1080p) at 30 frames per second is enough for most meetings, because video call software compresses the image anyway. 4K helps when you want to crop or digitally zoom into part of a room without the picture turning soft. Check how the camera performs in dim light, as a sensor that copes badly with weak lighting will spoil the picture more than a lower resolution would.
Audio. Built-in microphones on a webcam pick up one person at close range. For a meeting room, look for a camera with a microphone array, or plan on a separate speakerphone, so that people at the far end of the table can be heard clearly.
Connection and compatibility. Most conferencing cameras connect by USB and work as a standard webcam with Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet without extra drivers. Confirm the USB version and cable length, since a camera mounted above a screen across a room may need a longer cable or an extender.
Mounting and extras. A monitor clip suits a desk, while a room camera usually needs a shelf stand, wall bracket or tripod thread. A privacy shutter, a remote control for pan and zoom, and automatic framing that follows speakers are useful extras in shared rooms.
Brands and what to compare between makers
- Dedicated conferencing makers: these companies build cameras, speakerphones and meeting-room kits as one system, which makes setup in a boardroom simpler.
- Consumer webcam makers: their models focus on single users at a desk, with clip mounts, built-in microphones and simple software for adjusting the picture.
- Network camera makers: some security and IP camera manufacturers also offer PTZ cameras that work in meeting rooms, usually over a network connection rather than plain USB.
No brands are listed in this category at the moment. When comparing makers, check driver and firmware support, the length of the warranty and whether the camera works with the meeting software you already use.
Video conferencing camera FAQ
What is the difference between a webcam and a video conferencing camera?
A conferencing camera is usually built for a shared room, while a webcam is built for one person at a desk. Conferencing models tend to offer a wider field of view, better microphones and sometimes motorised pan and zoom. Many basic webcams can still handle small meetings at home.
Is a 4K camera necessary for video calls?
No, a 1080p camera is enough for most video calls. Meeting software often reduces the picture quality to save bandwidth, so the extra detail of 4K is rarely visible. It becomes useful when you need to zoom into part of a wide scene.
Will a conferencing camera work with Zoom and Microsoft Teams?
Most USB conferencing cameras work with Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet. They present themselves to the computer as a standard video device, so you select them in the app's video settings. Cameras that connect only over a network may need extra configuration or a meeting-room system.
How many people can one camera cover?
A camera with a wide-angle lens of about 90 degrees covers roughly four to six people seated at a table. Larger groups or deeper rooms need a wider lens or a PTZ camera that can zoom in on whoever is speaking. Camera position matters as much as the lens, so mount it at eye level, centred on the screen.
