While most people with laptops have a built-in webcam, those cameras rarely provide a satisfactory level of performance, particularly in terms of resolution and audio quality.
We have research and analyzed more than 30 cameras used in shooting online classes, from which we have selected 7 cameras that we consider to be best for online teaching.
Among all of the cameras that we’ve tested while finding the best camera for online teaching, we’ve selected the following:
1) Nexigo 1080p Webcam
Thinking of getting a quality webcam to shoot your online class video that will not break your bank, Nexigo 1080 webcam can be your plug. The webcam was designed and released in 2021 with the most recent video conferencing software, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Skype in mind. It has a focal lens of 3.6mm, which helps produce sharp images and streams at a quality of 1080p and 30 frames per second. It also has an autofocus feature that can be turned off (with either windows or mac app) to set the camera to a custom focal length.
The camera also possesses a privacy cover to protect the lens from dirt and debris (which may negatively impact its durability) when it is not in use. It also serves to protect the privacy of the person recording or live streaming when (s)he does not want part of a scene to be recorded.
It has an inbuilt microphone and a built-in noise-canceling microphone that dampens background audio so that your voice comes through clearly. This helps to minimize background voice during your video recording sessions. Sometimes this function reduces the voice of the speaker as it is mistaken for background voice, an external microphone may be necessary.
The camera does not require any additional driver for Mac or Windows devices. Once it is plugged into a computer device with its 2.0 USB, it will be ready for use in about one minute.
The camera comes in a portable form, and it is foldable. Therefore there is the ease of moving it from one place to the other.
Pros
- Cheap
- Affordable
- Portable
- Easy to use
- Good software compatibility
Cons
- A good light source is needed to get quality images
- Poor audio qualities
2) Angetube Streaming 1080P HD Webcam
Angetube is a professional webcam that is good for shooting online classes. One of its unique properties is its possession of an adjustable ring fill light, which consists of 967 webcam and 3 different lightning levels that deliver a range of lighting requirements during the streaming or video recording sessions. This increases the level of details delivered by the camera in a dark environment.
It is widely compatible with live streaming software such as OBS Xsplit and Mixer and supports background replacement powered by Chromacam. The background replacement option gives variety in your games or online lecture. This attracts more fans and makes the presentation more distinctive.
It is compatible with many video broadcast and chatting software, including Youtube, Facebook, Skype, Google Meet, Facetime, etc. It has a flexible clip that makes attachment to the top of monitors, TVs, or on almost any surface with ease. It also has a thread mount with which it can be attached to a tripod.
It has dual noise-canceling microphones with an amplifier chip, and these microphones help to remove background noise to make the sound that is produced amplified by its superior microphones to produce clear audio. It also has accurate autofocus that ensures you don’t need someone to stand in front of the camera, helping you change the focus while you shoot. It needs no installation; all that is needed is to plug in the device to a computer (compatible with Mac and Windows operating system.
Pros
- Good sound quality
- Accurate autofocus property
- It has enhanced image quality
- Software compatibility
- Background replacement option
Cons
- A licensing fee might be required
- It has no zoom function
3) Logitech C920 Hd Pro Webcam
Our first pick is the Logitech C920 webcam. First of all, we have to mention that this camera is excellent for taking photos. While this isn’t as important for online teaching, you may find yourself in situations where you need to take a picture of a whiteboard or a presentation that you’re showing to the class.
Even in low-light conditions, the 5-megapixel camera found on the C920 provided color accuracy, detail, and astounding clarity. And if you have any kind of lighting near your desk, the picture quality is more than satisfactory.
The camera doesn’t disappoint when it comes to video chat quality either, though we do have to mention that it only supports 1080p Facetime on Windows. If you’re using a Mac, you’ll be locked at 720p. The videos are still quite clear, though the colors aren’t as vibrant as they come out in the photos.
Speaking of support, the C920 can easily be used with the Webcam Software created by Logitech for Windows. While the manufacturer claims that the webcam works with Android, Chrome, and Mac OS devices as well, the software isn’t supported on those platforms.
And this software is quite important because it lets you pan the camera or zoom in when you want to. During lessons, this is practically a necessity.
Pros:
- Clear audio and video
- Great picture quality
Cons:
- Lack of 1080p support on Mac
4) Logitech C922 Pro Stream Webcam
Our next pick is another camera from Logitech. In fact, the C922 is just an iterative, slightly more expensive upgrade compared to the one that we’ve previously reviewed here. It came out four years after the original C920 model, and it went on to become the next staple in online streaming. Of course, before it was one of the best cameras for online teaching, this camera was primarily used for game streaming rigs.
However, its main distinguishing feature is one that all teachers will appreciate, background removal. You can remove your background via the Logitech software automatically, without any green screen.
This model uses a shape recognition technology based on machine learning algorithms to determine what belongs to the removed background; so there’s no hardware-based depth sensing. Unfortunately, that means that you might find your edges against the removed background being somewhat rugged.
Still, the main advantages of the C920 remain here, though the C922 produces 1080p videos at 60FPS, which is a better framerate than its predecessor was capable of.
Pros:
- Better framerates for 1080p videos
- Background removal
Cons:
- Not that big of an improvement on the C920
5) Logitech BRIO Ultra HD Webcam
The third model from Logitech that falls under the best camera for the online teaching category is also the company’s best offering, the BRIO Ultra HD. Unlike the previous two models that were merely iterations upon one another, this is light years ahead. We’re talking about a camera that supports 5X zoom, HDR recording, and 4K videos. It’s safe to say that it’ll satisfy any online teaching needs you have, and then some.
This is primarily recommended for teachers that need to do a lot of visual presenting; math, physics, or chemistry will all be visible quite clearly on any whiteboard you use for formulas. Many tech enthusiasts, vloggers, and streamers appreciate its amazing resolution and gorgeous colors.
You can use the camera to capture extremely sharp still shots as well. It behaves excellently in low-light conditions, and the 4K resolution is definitely a huge improvement that justifies the steeper price.
Pros:
- 4K resolution
- 5X zoom
Cons:
- More expensive
6) Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera
The next model we’ll take a look at doesn’t come from Logitech, and it’s not exactly a webcam at all, it’s the Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera. Now, while this camera will offer you a superior resolution to every other pick on our list barring the BRIO webcam; you should know that using it for streaming online classes will require some tinkering. And we don’t recommend getting this unless you’re a fan of video making and photography in general, the camera itself will set you back a lot more than other webcams would.
If you do opt for this option, the process of connecting it to your computer is relatively straightforward. Just adjust your settings wheel to the Movie option, and then connect the camera and the computer via a micro HDMI cable. This should work with both Mac and Windows devices.
Once you turn on your camera, all that’s left to do is to set it on a tripod or on a flat surface. When you’ve adjusted your recording angle, open up the software that you’l be using for your online lessons, in most cases, this is Skype, Zoom, or Hangouts. All of them have an option for selecting the video and audio source, choose the Cam Link setting. After that, you just hit “Play†on your camera, and you’re all set.
Pros:
- Better resolution than webcams
Cons:
- More expensive
- More elaborate setup
7) Razer Kiyo Streaming Webcam
Last but definitely not least, we’ve got the Razer Kiyo Streaming Webcam. Moving away from the Sony mirrorless model, this is another honest-to-god webcam that you can use straight out of the box. It’s a model that tries to contend with the C920 and C922 Logitech models and we do have to say that it does so wonderfully.
So, on the one hand, it’s more expensive than the C920 model, setting you back about a hundred bucks, it’s definitely more along the lines of its younger, more advanced sibling. However, while the Kiyo’s image quality is superb, the maximum resolution is stuck at 2688 x 1520; far below the coveted 4K mark. Keeping that in mind, how does the Razer Kiyo explain its higher price?
In a game-changing move, Razer has included a light ring around its camera, a built-in piece of lighting equipment, eliminating the need for additional purchases. If you’re someone who records online lessons in a badly-lit environment, this camera is definitely what you need. It’s far more financially reasonable than a camera of its quality and an external light ring. The camera itself performs amiably well, somewhere between the C920 and the C922.
Pros:
- Excellent picture quality
- Light ring
Cons:
- No 4K video
Wrapping Up
Keeping everything above in mind, what is the best camera for online teaching? We’d have to say that, if you can afford to spend a hundred bucks or more, it would have to be a pick between the Kiyo and the C922. Both are fine models, you just need to decide whether you care more about image quality or lighting.