Autum Tesky

04 February, 2022

Look and Sound More Professional on Video Calls, with the Best Webcams for Working from Home

Picking the right equipment for shooting videos at home can be a daunting task. With so many well-marketed pieces of video gear available, finding the best webcams for working from home can be a headache. Most people new to the world of recording in their home offices either buy more gear than they need, the wrong type of gear, or not enough essential gear to get started.

If you’re working from home making video calls, video conferencing, or live streaming, it’s important to start with a good foundation. Investing in the computer camera and microphone for your needs is a great way to get started. It’s worth your time and money to invest in having better image quality and sound by using a decent webcam with a microphone.

By doing your research before buying a webcam or any other gear, you’ll put yourself in the best position possible to create high-quality content without having to buy too many different devices. Ready to start?

Best Webcams for Working from Home

Logitech C922 Pro HD Stream Webcam
Price: $79.99

Coming in at just under $80, the C922 Pro HD Stream Webcam from Logitech offers a substantial list of features for its price. Logitech is one of the most reputable brands in the market today. If you are looking to start recording videos for your podcast, this lightning-fast video camera will capture every moment with great video at a crisp 1080p 60 FPS frame rate in 1080.

One important feature of this inexpensive webcam is the flexibility of the camera’s mounting options, which means you can use it for a variety of different angles and shots. With built-in autofocus and a wide field of view, this is one of the best cheap webcams for those just getting started with video production.

Specifications:

• Resolution: 1080p/30 fps – 720p/ 60 fps
• Frame rate: 60 fps at 720p
• Diagonal field of view (dFoV): 78 degree
• Size: H44 x W95 x D71 mm
• Cable length: 1.5 m
• Weight: 162 g

Razer Kiyo

Razer Kiyo
Price: $79.99

This inexpensive webcam from Razer packs a hefty list of features for its $79 price tag. The Razer Kiyo records HD video in 720p resolution with 60 frames per second, perfect picture quality for uploading anywhere on the web. The Razer Kiyo comes with a built-in ring light to help capture every vivid color with well-lit, flattering lighting.

This is especially helpful in low-light areas. Due to its shape, this webcam has a limited range of motion compared to most webcams in this price range. However, if you’re looking for an all-in-one premium webcam solution, the Razer Kiyo makes for a top-notch starting point.

Specifications:

• Resolution: 1080p @ 30FPS / 720p @ 60FPS / 480p @ 30FPS / 360p @ 30FPS
• Field of View: 81.6 degree
• Connectivity Type: Wi-Fi
• Size: H69 x W69 x D48 mm
• Weight: 200 g

NexiGo N660P Webcam

NexiGo N660P Webcam
Price: $65

The NexiGo N660P allows you to make video calls, record, or stream on the go with its easy plug-and-go system. The camera itself records in high resolution 1080p full HD resolution at 60 FPS frame rate. Additional features include a privacy shutter, optimization for live video calling, and a wide range of angles to help you capture the perfect shot.

The lightweight design makes sure that its good image quality does not suffer to achieve a lower price point. While not the flashiest option at this price range, this cheap webcam works well for those who need it for multiple programs.

Specifications:

• Resolution: 1080p
• Image Capture Speed: 60 fps
• Lens type: Zoom
• Size: H91.9 x W123.4 x D59.9 mm
• Weight: 200 g

Kaysuda 1080p Windows Hello Camera

Kaysuda 1080p Windows Hello Camera
Price: $69.99

This web camera is another affordable option, especially if your video recording station runs on Windows 10. While this webcam only records in high definition 1080p 30 FPS, it does a wonderful job balancing smooth video quality with affordability. The easy setup and compatibility with a wide variety of programs make it perfect for the digital multitasker.

While it may not be as powerful as other webcams in this price range, its flexible and compact design makes it easy to take with you. This webcam makes a great choice for those who are recording themselves for private use as well as uploading across the web.

Specifications:

• Video decoding format: YUY2 / MJPG
• Image resolution_RGB: 1920X1080
• Frame rate: 30fps
• Perspective: Level – 72.4°, Vertical – 44.7°, Diagonal – 80.0°

Must-Have Microphones for 2022

Blue Yeti Nano

Blue Yeti Nano
Price: $99

For just under $100, the Yeti Nano has plenty to offer content creators with few drawbacks. While taking up very little space, the Nano provides excellent sound quality with two different modes of recording.

Cardioid mode is perfect for solo podcasters, while those with a host will want to use the omnidirectional setting that captures crystal clear audio no matter where you’re sitting relative to the microphone. One of the few drawbacks of this microphone is its stability. You should try to avoid bumping into your microphone while recording.

We have an article that can help you to understand better the difference between  Microphone Pickup Patterns, so spend just 5 minutes to learn more!

Specifications:

• Recording Sample Rates: 24bit / 48khz
• Cardioid Mode: Yes
• Omnidirectional Mode: Yes
• Stereo Mode: No
• Bidirectional Mode: No
• Additional Stereo Analog XLR Output: No

Razer Seirēn X

Razer Seirēn X
Price: $79.99

While marketed heavily toward game streamers, the Razer Seirēn X is a fantastic starter microphone for any type of video recording. This mic is designed to pick up your voice with stellar accuracy while ignoring static, background noise, and interference issues that have plagued video and audio for years.

Its small footprint makes it the perfect choice for those recording with limited space. It also makes an excellent choice for those looking to avoid upgrading their gear for as long as possible.

Specifications:

• Microphone Type: Condenser
• Connectivity: USB
• Polar Pattern: Super Cordiod
• Capsule: Condenser
• Size: ‎90 x 90 x 185 mm
• Weight: 382g

MXL V67G

MXL V67G
Price: $99

This microphone is designed for recording clear, crisp audio in mind. With powerful condenser technology, it works for both vocal and musical recording. As a studio microphone for recording, the output is designed to allow more customization of what your listeners actually hear.

This is a great starting microphone and a solid option for audiophiles looking to dive into the world of recording their own content. One of the drawbacks is that many speakers may find themselves in need of a pop filter for maximum quality.

Specifications:

• Connector: Preamp
• Connectivity technology: Wired
• Material Type: Metal
• Size: 180 x 50 x 50 mm
• Weight: 300g

Samson C01 Condenser Microphone

Samson C01 Condenser Microphone
Price: $69.99

This microphone comes in with plenty to talk about at a low price point. Whether you are home working on recording vocals or instruments – you can rely on this decent microphone to record clearly. The cardioid pickup pattern ensures a smoother, more accurate recording.

For a solo podcast host, this microphone combines high-powered performance with a compact design. One of the biggest drawbacks is that this microphone does not come with its own stand, leaving you with one more purchase to make before you can start recording.

Specifications:

• Microphone Type: Condenser
• Polar Pattern: Hypercardioid
• Diaphragm Size:
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-18kHz
• Max SPL: 136dB
• Output Impedance: 200 ohms
• Connector: XLR

Conclusion

In the end, your microphone and good webcam are just the foundational pieces of gear you need to start shooting at home. You don’t want to be left behind by only using built-in laptop cameras with a built-in microphone. Most top webcams offer superb image quality and extra features that will wow your zoom meeting or Microsoft teams video call.

Finding the best webcam for working from home will only improve your videos. Once you’ve set up this gear you can immediately get to work video chatting without any fine-tuning. Having a good selection of starting gear makes a big difference when it comes to comfortably streaming or hosting video meetings at home.

However, many find it useful to invest in webcam accessories to deliver good quality video. Keep in mind that while a ring light and pop filter can do wonders for your video’s quality, they cannot replace the power of a high-quality HD webcam and microphone setup. By starting with a strong selection of gear, you give yourself the best chance of producing a video that wows your audience.

Additional resources:

• Logitech Streamcam Premium vs Hrayzan 1080p vs NexiGo N60