f/2.0 instead of f/2.8) a glass lens, and a field of view above 65 degrees. Ideally, you want a camera with a wider aperture (i.e. Some cameras use cheap plastic lenses with narrow fields of view, which will make the video look smudgy and cramped. Shopping How to buy your next TV, according to a tech expert Lens quality You'll also want something that can at least record at 30 frames per second. All other things kept equal, 1080p is going to look better than 720p, and 4K is best of all - though probably overkill for Zoom calls. Resolution isn't the end-all-be-all, but it is still part of the package. Specifically, keep an eye on some of the features below to find the right fit for your needs. When shopping for a webcam, don't just look at the '1080p vs 4K' and call it a day - there's a lot that goes into a good-looking picture. GoPro also has similar software, as does budget tech brand Wyze, so check what you have lying around - you may already have the gear you need for those face-to-face video calls. Camera purveyors Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm and Panasonic all have free software that can turn their recent cameras (like the Sony Alpha a5100 or Nikon D3500) into streaming webcams. You may not have a webcam right now but if you have a DSLR camera, you might be able to hook it up to your computer and use it for video calls. Shopping A guide to Beats by Dre headphones, earbuds and other tech Or stick with what you have lying around The pandemic has made certain models harder to find over the course of 2020, but stock seems to be a bit more stable right now in 2021 - though you may have to shop around a bit more to find the best price on a certain model. So if the webcam in your laptop isn't up to snuff, we compiled some of the best USB webcams worth considering right now. We’ve covered plenty of other work from home enhancements for you to consider, from ergonomic keyboards and mice to ergonomic chairs, laptop stands, monitors and more.

Given that many of us are working from home for the long haul - with some companies even switching to permanent remote work - a good webcam is crucial for those face-to-face meetings (as is a microphone if the one you use isn't cutting it). SKIP AHEAD A simple guide to webcam features Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 37 percent of U.S. employees working remotely would like to continue doing so. A Gallup poll found that two-thirds of U.S. And with an uptick of Covid-19 cases this winter, coupled with a phased distribution of coronavirus vaccines, those who can telecommute will likely continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Working remotely has become the norm since 2020.

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