Lights, camera, action! Are you ready for your close-up? How’s your hair? How’s the lighting? No worries – it’s all good. You look marvelous, of course! Using video to connect with colleagues, friends and family is so familiar to many of us that it’s simply second nature these days. Crystal clear HD, or high definition webcams have upped the standards for webcams. The amazingly crisp 1080-pixel resolution of these high definition webcams makes the other person feel like you’re right there, immersed in the experience as if you’re both in the same room.
HD webcams offer a significant increase in video quality from the built-in video cameras on computers. Separate HD webcams come with features not available on built-in, lower-res computer webcams, too. For more details about all of the high-tech perks available in HD webcams, check out our buying guide below, followed by our recommendations for the best HD webcams on the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
How wide is the field of view (FOV) on a webcam?
Webcams come with varying fields of view, and some are even adjustable. For reference, a 60-degree FOV is the narrowest, showing one person in front of a computer. A little wider, a webcam with a 90-degree FOV can show a group of people or a person at a whiteboard. More than 90 degrees in the FOV gives an extra wide angle view, which shows an exceptionally wide range or bigger group in case you need to show more of your space. Wide angle lenses, however, tend to distort images with a “fishbowl effect.”
What do 1080P and FPS mean with regard to webcams?
High definition video is 1920 x 1080 pixels, so 1080P stands for 1080 pixels. This is a step up from the previous standard of screen resolution, 1280 x 720 pixels. Keep in mind, too, that the resolution is related to the size of your display, so even the lower 720P will look crisp on a very small screen like a phone. However, on computer monitors and televisions, the jump in resolution from 720P up to 1080P makes a big difference in clarity.
The acronym FPS stands for frames per second. After all, video is just a series of moving pictures, with each picture being a frame. You can also think of FPS, frames per second, as how fast or slow you’re thumbing through a flipbook that creates an animation. FPS affects the smoothness versus the choppiness of streaming video. So, a higher FPS delivers the best quality video.
Buying Guide
The world of webcams is its own thing. You can get lost in the technical details of comparing all the HD webcams out there, with their huge range in prices and features. To make your selection process a little easier, here are some important considerations to keep in mind while you shop for an HD webcam:
- Camera: Webcams can be made with either plastic or glass lenses. Of these two, glass tends to give a more crisp, clear picture. After the overall quality of the camera’s optics, the main things that affect the appearance of your video are its resolution and its FPS (frames per second) delivery. HD, high-def video is categorized at 1080P, and the higher the number of FPS, the more smooth the video.
- Privacy Cover: For those times when you’re not feeling camera-ready, the privacy cover gives you peace of mind that your webcam is not capturing video. Another major benefit to having a privacy cover is its function of protecting your camera from dust. Photographers use lens covers when they’re not using their expensive lenses, so why not protect your quality optics as well? Keeping dust out will guarantee an optimal picture for the long haul.
- Mic & Audio Quality: For picking up sound, you’ll need a microphone with your webcam, unless you’re already happy with the mic that’s built in on your computer. Many HD webcams have a built-in mic, and some have 2 mics for stereo audio. Further, noise-canceling technology is designed in to the mic of some webcams, and this reduces ambient noise in the room so annoying sound distractions are minimized.
- Field of View (FOV): Do you need to show a whole conference room, or a white board, or maybe a full band? Then a wider FOV of 90 degrees or more would be your best bet. However, if you don’t want to show that messy room behind you, or people walking back and forth in the background, then a more narrow angle is best when it comes to field of view. Some webcams have adjustable FOVs, too. Also, keep in mind that wide angle lenses show a lot but inevitably create some distortion. This fishbowl distortion is not due to a low quality lens, but rather its inherent in the optics that create a wide angle.
From the myriad of options in HD webcams on the market, we’ve done some research to help you narrow down your options as you zero in on your final choice. Here is our list of top picks for the best HD webcams:
Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam
Best Overall
Stereo Audio & High Def Video
This C922x Pro Stream webcam from Logitech has crisp, clear 1080P video and also two microphones to capture sounds in stereo audio. Specially optimized for pro quality streaming on social and gaming sites, this camera will put you in the center of the action.
Pros:
- High quality 1080P video at 30Fps/ 720P at 60FPS
- 2 built in mics capture stereo audio
- Automatic light correction compensates for poor lighting
- Includes free 6-month XSplit premium license
Cons:
- No privacy cover
- cable length is only 5 feet
Enjoy a higher level of video interaction on social and gaming sites with this 1080P camera from Logitech.
eMeet C960 Webcam with Microphone
Runner-up
Built-In Noise Reduction
Background noise during your meeting is minimized with the noise reduction feature on this dual mic audio system, and you’ll appreciate the clear HD resolution of the 1080P video resolution on this practical camera from eMeet.
Pros:
- Full HD 1080P webcam for ultra clear resolution
- 2 Noise canceling microphones
- Compatible with both PC and Mac
- Automatic low light correction
- Privacy cover
- Plug and play – no driver required
Cons:
- Not compatible with USB 3.0
- Low light correction may make subjects too light
An excellent solution for business professionals and social media enthusiasts alike, eMeet’s C960 webcam takes both your video and audio up a notch.
NexiGo N60 1080P Web Camera
Most Compatible
HD Camera for Any Computer
Whether you have a PC or Mac and are using USB 2.0 or USB 3.0, this HD 1080P webcam from NexiGo will serve you well. With a field of view of a wide 110 degrees, this camera has a wider field of view than some competitors, and it’s optimized for shooting from 19.6 inches to up to 13 feet away.
Pros:
- High resolution HD 1920 x 1080 at 30fps
- Wide view of 110 degrees
- Minimizes ambient sound with noise canceling microphones
- Broad compatibility – PC, Mac, USB 2.0, 3.0
- Automatic low light correction
- Privacy cover also keeps lens clean
Cons:
- Images may appear warped
- May not hold up over the long term
You won’t run into a problem where your new HD webcam doesn’t work with your current system with this NexiGo N60 webcam, and you’ll appreciate its clear, crisp video.
DEPSTECH 1080P HD Webcam
Best for Groups
Wide-Angle Lens Shows Everyone
The wide field of view on this webcam works well for meetings and conferences because it shows the whole group easily. Also, DEPSTECH takes pride in the optics of their 1080P video camera because they designed this camera lens with 6 layers of glass instead of the typical 4 layers.
Pros:
- Professional quality 1080P HD with 6-layer glass lens
- Stereo noise-canceling microphones
- Compatible with both PC and Mac
- Exposure adjustment fixes low light problems
- Wide viewing angle
- No additional driver or software needed
Cons:
- Getting tech support may be difficult
- Wide-angle lens has a fishbowl effect
DEPSTECH delivers a high res 1080P HD camera that rivals many of its more expensive competitors in its features of noise-canceling mics, auto low light adjustment, and more.
Razer Kiyo Pro Streaming Webcam
Honorable Mention
Performs Well in Low Light
This premium quality webcam from Razer’s Kiyo Pro Streaming webcam stands apart because it streams uncompressed 1080P video at 60fps. Additionally, its adaptive light sensor easily adapts to low light or over exposed conditions, giving you a crisp, flattering and clear image quality every time.
Pros:
- Ulta high quality picture with uncompressed 1080P at 60fps
- Superior low light performance
- HDR enables the addition of vibrant colors
- Adjustable field of view – go wide or narrow
- Mounts on screen or on tripod
- USB 3.0 compatible
Cons:
- No privacy cover included
- Microphone sold separately
You’ll get high end picture quality with the Kiyo Pro Streaming webcam, and gamers love the ability to interact in low light conditions.
