The Best Conference Camera?

A video conference can be a small number of people sitting at their PC's and communicating via simple and inexpensive USB web cams on services like Skype, Yahoo Messenger or Microsoft Live Messenger.

Alternatively, it could be a large audience participating in an online training seminar.

Most businesses will use online conferencing routinely, at all scales, to keep travel costs down and interaction levels across an enterprise high.

For business users, more secure services like Webex or GotoMeeting can also be used with inexpensive USB hardware.

This page looks at the kinds of cameras that will make video conferencing work without a huge outlay or specialist technical knowledge.

Which Cameras are Compatible with which Conferencing Services?

The most well known, business orientated, conferencing services are Cisco's WebEx and Adobe Connect- both offer highly professional solutions for around $30 a month. Skype Group video calling at around $8 a month is becoming an increasingly attractive service.

Adobe make no recommendations for cameras. They simply emphasize that any video camera that can connect to a PC via USB should work with their service. WebEx offer a long list of cameras that they have tested and found compatible- but they, too, say that any USB camera should integrate with their system.

Skype certify certain video cameras but users find almost all Windows or Mac compatible video cameras work well.

It is worth remembering that Logitech offer their own very easy to use video conferencing software. For many, users this is all you will need. Just don't expect to share documents.

HD Webcam Pro from Logitech

This will record in 1080p High definition at its highest resolution- ideal for You Tube offerings. For video conferences, it offers a still very respectable 720p definition. The self focusing Carl Zeiss lens and intelligent light correction delivers some of the best live video around. The wide angle facility is a big plus for video conferencing.

If you are using this on top of your PC, the built in microphones will deliver very good sound. It will also pick up off screen contributors but If you planning on moving around or using it in a room with multiple participants, Bluetooth headsets or a quality USB microphone like the Blue Microphones Yeti, will improve your capabilities.

It works with Skype, Yahoo Messenger and Microsoft Live Messenger as as well as Webex or Adobe Connect.

QuickCam Orbit from Logitech

The greatest advantage of the Quickcam is that it can track movement and keep your face screen centered, even if you are very animated. This is ideal for presentations and people who just get excited about their subject!

The lens is a genuinely high quality Carl Zeiss product and the HD video exceptionally clear.

The software package is extensive and can take care of basic video conferencing needs without getting you involved in monthly paid services.

TouchCam 720p from FaceVsion

The video images from this camera are a little less sharp than most people would like but the sound is excellent. The dual microphones will pick up even faint conversation at a distance.

It was the first video camera to be certified with Skype but can be used with all the main video conferencing services and chat services from Yahoo Messenger to Google Talk.

Simple Adjustable USB Camera

This camera from IpeVo is most often used as a classroom aid, similar to a document camera. In a conference setting, it can be very easily set up to provide a view of a white board or presentation.

It has plug and play compatibility with Windows or Mac.

Pan, Tilt and Zoom Conference Camera

Sony EVI

Sony have recently upgraded their top end tilt, pan and zoom conferencing camera to HD. This is a major investment for any company at more than four thousand dollars but it will gave you state of the art video with many refinements.

WebEx Compatible Cameras

This is the list of cameras WebEx say have been fully tested for use with Windows Meeting at the site below. They are quick to point out though, that almost any video camera that connects via USB or parallel port to your computer should work. support.webex.com/

Adobe Connect

Adobe don't test individual cameras for compatibilty but again emphasise that any USB video camera should work. http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/164/tn_16453.html

Skype Group Video Calls for Business

Up to 10 people can use Skype Video calling for business as long as one member has a subscription. This is the hardware that they recommend:

http://shop.skype.com/intl/en-th/at-work/

Other Hardware that can enhance Video Conferencing

• Bluetooth headsets,
• Wireless microphones (especially valuable for trainers)
• USB speakerphones
• Echo cancellation microphones (essential in large conference rooms)
• High quality video capture cards