Before you start with your recording equipment, you might want to check out some of the best webcams for the podcast to shoot with. This article will highlight some of your favorite webcams for a podcast.
When you're planning to start your podcast, one of the most important things you'll need to invest in is a decent microphone and camera. We'll give a little overview of what makes each camera ideal for the different kinds of podcasts you can create.
In this article
What is a webcam recording?
A webcam is a small, easy-to-use camera plugged into your computer to allow you to see yourself in real time. These days, most computers have built-in webcams, so one of the easiest ways to start recording video is to use a webcam.
Webcams are inexpensive, easy to set up, and usually already come pre-loaded with software that will allow you to record video and audio for your podcast.
What to expect from a webcam for podcasting?
Adding video to your podcasts can help them stand out. However, just like with other forms of webcasting, there's no guarantee that you will have the best audio quality out of the box. Here are four things you can expect from your webcam when doing a podcast:
(1) Field of view
It's essential to keep the field of view (FOV) wide enough so obstacles do not block the camera, even if those obstructions are large. On the other hand, if the FOV is too narrow, the camera may be unable to capture all of the scenery in front of it, thus missing key elements of your shot. Also, a wider FOV will produce a more dramatic picture and give your audience a better sense of the setting.
(2) Picture quality
The quality of a webcam will determine how much it can be used for video-conferencing, recording video and audio, and live-streaming events. The quality of a webcam is defined by its resolution (the higher, the better), frame rate, dynamic range, and noise levels. The resolution of a webcam is measured in pixels per inch. High-resolution webcams have 1280 x 720-pixel resolution, while lower-quality ones have 640 x 480 resolution.
(3) Companion software
Most webcams include a companion app or downloadable software that will make them even more versatile and powerful. The final product will look much better. You can add your music to your videos, text your podcasts and other media, or edit and remix your audio and video recordings using the editing features. And you know what the most exciting part about webcam companion software is? That the downloading is free of cost.
The 10 best webcams for podcasting
Each year, the technology people use to listen to podcasts continues to improve. The following list of the 10 best webcams for podcasting will help you choose the right camera for your podcasting needs.
1. Razer Kyo
Razer is a computer hardware company that makes high-end gaming accessories such as keyboards and mice. It also produces gaming-oriented laptops. The webcam is part of its Razer Kyo line, full of features.
Features
- Dedicated software to customize settings (Synapse 3)
- Ring-light
- Low light compensation
- Improved Autofocus
What you need to know
- Resolution: 720p at 60 fps, 1080p at 30 fps.
- Built-In Mic: Yes
- Field of View: 81.6°
- Focus Type: Auto
- Price: $64.93 Amazon
2. Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000
A LifeCam Studio allows you to connect and share live videos with family and friends easily. It has true high-definition video chat for an enhanced HD-quality experience and automatic video color correction for brighter and more animated videos in virtually all lighting conditions.
Features
- Built-in microphone with acoustic noise cancellation.
- Cinematic video recording in 16:9 format.
- Universal attachment base.
What you need to know
- Resolution: 720p at 30fps
- Built-In Mic: Yes
- Field of View: 68.5°
- Focus Type: Auto
- Price: $28.42 Amazon
3. Sony ZV-1
Sony has a long track record of creating the best webcams, and ZV-1 is one of their best. This webcam is an easy-to-use and fast way to create videos and images from your PC. It captures 4K video and is impressive even in low light conditions.
Features
- Fast Hybrid Autofocus
- Side flip-out 3.0" LCD screen
- Background bokeh
- Automatic exposure (AE)
- On-board mic and detachable windscreen.
- Image stabilization
- Optimized color
- Pro video functions
What you need to know
- Resolution: 2160p at 25 fps, 1080p at 60 fps
- Built-In Mic: Yes
- Field of View: 84°
- Focus Type: Auto
- Price: $698 Amazon
4. Elgato Facecam
Elgato Facecam is an ultra-high resolution webcam that offers outstanding quality and unique features. The webcam has a top-of-the-line monitor that outputs stunning uncompressed video and dedicated memory to save image settings on all your computers.
Features
- Elgato Prime lens
- Flash memory
- Advanced Image Engine
- Optimized Fixed Focus
- Dynamic Image Processing
What you need to know
- Resolution: 1080p60, 1080p30, 720p60
- Built-In Mic: Yes
- Field of View: 82°
- Focus Type: Fixed Focus
- Price: $169.99 Amazon
5. Logitech StreamCam
The Logitech StreamCam is an easy-to-use webcam perfect for podcasters and YouTube creators. It's small, light, and offers great features, such as a built-in microphone, two-way audio, and high-definition 1080p video.
Features
- Smart auto-framing
- Intelligent Exposure
- Streamlabs and OBS support
- Enhanced Logitech Capture software
What you need to know
- Resolution: 1080p 60 fps
- Built-In Mic: Dual omnidirectional mic
- Field of View: 78°
- Focus Type: Auto
- Price: $199.95 Amazon
6. Logitech C920S HD Pro
One of the most popular and most-capable webcams for podcasters is the Logitech C920S HD Pro. Not only is it designed specifically for video chat, but it's a fantastic tool for any podcast host. Its wide-angle lens gives you an expansive view of your friends while recording. It also has a microphone, letting you quickly capture audio and video.
Features
- Dual-mic stereo audio
- Customization through dedicated software
- Automatic HD light correction
- Glass lens
- Privacy cover
What you need to know
- Resolution: 1080p 30 fps, 720p 30 fps
- Built-In Mic: Dual mic
- Field of View: 78°
- Focus Type: Auto
- Price: $49.99 Amazon
7. PTZOptics Webcam 80
PTZOptics webcam is a complete and inexpensive solution for podcasters. The HD webcam features professional-grade video control options to allow you to manually adjust white balance, contrast, shutter speed, iris, etc. So whether you are a business person, a gaming enthusiast, or a podcaster, the PTZOptics Webcam is a perfect solution.
Features
- On-Screen Display (OSD) menu
- Universal Software and Hardware Compatibility
- USB powered
- 3D Digital Noise Reduction
- Wide angle lens
What you need to know
- Resolution: 1080p 30 fps, 720p 30 fps
- Built-In Mic: Yes
- Field of View: 80°
- Focus Type: Auto
- Price: $37.99 Amazon
8. Dell Ultrasharp Webcam
This camera is ideal for podcasting because of its most intelligent 4K resolution, which makes better quality videos and audio. But, the real selling point comes from its small form factor, which makes it the perfect camera for handheld use. In addition, it offers an ultra-wide angle lens to capture an immersive 90-degree that lets you see everything around the conference table.
Features
- 4K Sony STARVIS™ CMOS sensor
- Digital overlap HDR
- AI auto framing
- Magnetic mount and privacy shutter
- Dell dedicated software support
- Facial recognition
What you need to know
- Resolution: 4K 30 fps, 1080p 60 fps, 720p 60 fps
- Built-In Mic: Yes
- Field of View: 65°, 78°, 90°
- Focus Type: Auto
- Price: $171.91 Amazon
9. Razer Kiyo Pro
Razer's Kiyo Pro is a portable, easy-to-use webcam that offers great quality for podcasting. Its built-in microphone, adaptive light sensor, and 1080p HD camera are perfect for recording sound and giving listeners a crystal-clear view of your face. So if you're looking for a small yet powerful webcam to help you record audio and video for podcasting, then the Kiyo Pro is the best choice.
Features
- Larger pixel (2.9μm)
- Adaptive light sensor
- HDR support
- Adjustable FOV
- USB 3.0
- Privacy cover
What you need to know
- Resolution: 1080p 60 fps, 720p 60 fps
- Built-In Mic: Yes
- Field of View: 80°, 90°, 103°
- Focus Type: Auto
- Price: $99.99 Amazon
10. Logitech c930e
C930e is a great HD 1080p webcam built for virtually any environment. It features a high-resolution video in low light and harsh backlit settings. This enhanced camera and high-precision lens with a wide field of view help it to be the next best thing to being there in person.
Features
- 264 support
- RighLight2 enhancement
- Dual integrated omnidirectional mics
- Scalable Video Coding (SVC)
- Versatile mounting
- Attachable privacy cover
What you need to know
- Resolution: 1080p 30 fps
- Built-In Mic: Dual mic
- Field of View: 90°
- Focus Type: Auto
- Price: $100.85 Amazon
How to record online video podcasts with Filmora webcam recording
If you're a podcaster, you know how important video is for your podcasting strategy. But what if you don't know how to start making videos? That's where the Filmora video editing software comes in.
With Filmora, you can easily create a series of videos for a podcast episode. It offers features such as recording sound, adding music, editing video, and adding text overlays that help personalize your podcasts.
Filmora's text-to-speech feature helps podcasters to add voiceover or voice narration to their video clips. Plus, its speech-to-text is also really useful when you want to make subtitles in different languages for YouTube or any other platform where you need to add subtitles.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to record and edit a podcast using Filmora:
Step1 Create a new project
After upgrading to the newest version of Wondershare Filmora, click the Create New Project button to start a new project. You can add a clip from a stock video file or a photo; we've imported a pic for reference.
Step2 Record
Click on the import icon to add the image. Next, you'll see a 'Record' button, click on it and start recording podcast voiceover.
Step3 Select the recording device
Please ensure the microphone and camera are connected, and then set it to whatever your input device is, e.g., microphone device. Once all are confirmed, click the record button (red circle) and start your podcast.
Step4 Export Audio
Continue until you have reached the point you want your voice to stop. Then click that red button to stop, and finally, hit the 'OK' button to finish your recording. You're done; now you can click the 'Export' button to download your project.
You see, it's not too difficult to create a video podcast with Wondershare Filmora 11 using the Record Voiceover feature. First, you need to set up a microphone. Then, follow the above steps, and that's done!
Hot FAQs on Best Webcams for Podcast
1. Is my laptop's camera good enough for podcasting?
Every laptop webcam will do for a podcast, but not all laptops have the same capabilities. A good quality webcam can capture high-definition (HD) video at up to 30 frames per second (fps). That is necessary for high-end applications, such as recording software and Skype. If the laptop's webcam supports the same or better features, then it's good to go for a podcast.
2. Is high-definition necessary?
Today, many webcam manufacturers have introduced high-definition Webcams that offer a higher quality of video capture, which is worth considering. But if you're looking for high definition, you need to understand two things
First, you must consider the type of content you produce. For example, do you primarily create video podcasts? In this case, a higher-quality webcam makes sense. But if you're recording a book or a live event, a lower-quality webcam may be all you need.
3. Are webcams good for podcasting?
Webcams are said to be perfect for podcasting.
Here are some reasons:
- Webcams come with very inexpensive microphones.
- It's easy to capture sound waves from all around you.
- There are many options for editing sound files after you've captured them, including Audacity, Audacity Studio, and Windows Live Movie Maker.
- Your image quality won't have to suffer.
Final Words
There are many reasons to start podcasting. From sharing your knowledge and opinions to learning something new, there are many benefits to starting a podcast. Whether you are new to podcasting or looking to upgrade your existing equipment, investing in the best quality equipment you can afford is important.
A web camera can be an essential tool to help you record podcast episodes. In addition, it's an excellent tool for adding audio or video to your podcast. There are many different types of web cameras available, so choose carefully.
