On a new “classics” edition of Ex Libris, the podcast of Ancient Faith Publishing, we re-explore one of the more timeless AFP offerings. Featured today is the book We Came, We Saw, We Converted: The Lighter Side of Orthodoxy in America by Fr. Joseph Huneycutt.

If you’re a remote worker, or even work remotely part-time, you can step up your video conference game by investing in a good webcam. Built-in cameras on laptops and desktops have improved in recent years, but you typically still get higher quality and more personalized controls with an external webcam. And if you plan on video chatting with friends across the country or game-streaming regularly, you’ll want the best webcam experience possible. But there’s a lot of junk out there, as is typical in an overcrowded space. In this buying guide, we'll dive into the best webcams that will help you look sharp, no matter where you're dialing in from.

Factors to consider before buying a webcam

Resolution and field of view

While some newer computers have 1080p webcams, most built-in cameras have a resolution of 720p, so you’ll want to look for an external webcam that has a higher resolution. FHD webcams will give you better video quality; ideally, you’re looking for something that can handle 1080p at 60fps or 30fps. If you’re considering a cheap 720p webcam, make sure to get one that supports at least 30fps (most will) or, even better, 60fps. However, if your primary concern is better picture quality during video calls, 1080p is the way to go.

Some webcams can shoot in 4K, but that’s overkill for most people. Not to mention most video conferencing services like Zoom, Google Meet and Skype don’t even support 4K video. When it comes to streaming, Twitch maxes out at 1080p video, but YouTube added 4K live streaming back in 2016. Ultimately, with 4K webcam shots having such limited use, most people can get by with a solid 1080p camera.

Field of view (FOV) controls how much can fit in the frame when you’re recording. Most webcams I tested had a default field of view of around 78 degrees, which captured me and enough of my background to prove that I really need to organize my home office. On cheaper webcams you’ll usually see narrower fields of view (around 60 degrees), and those aren’t necessarily bad. They won’t show as much of your background, but that also means you won’t be able to squeeze as many friends or family members into frame when you’re having Zoom birthday parties. On the flip side, more expensive webcams may let you adjust the field of view to be even wider than average, and some even offer features like digital zoom.

Autofocus and other “auto” features

Webcams with autofocus will keep the image quality sharp without much work on your part. You should be able to move around, step back and forth, and remain in focus the whole time. Some standalone webcam models let you manually adjust focus, too, if you have specific needs. Devices with fixed focus are less convenient, but they tend to be more affordable.

In the same vein is auto framing, a feature that some high-end webcams now offer. Similarly to Apple’s Center Stage feature, the camera automatically adjusts to keep you in the center of the frame even as you move around. This used to be a feature only available on the most premium webcams, but now you can find it on sub-$200 devices.

You’ll also see other “auto” features listed in webcam specs, most notably auto light correction. This will adjust the camera’s settings to make up for a dimly lit room. If you don’t have bright lights, or often take calls in places where you can’t control the lighting, this feature will be valuable. Alternatively, you might consider using your mirrorless camera as a high-quality webcam solution, taking all of the benefits and features with you (albeit in a cumbersome package).

Microphones

Most webcams have built-in microphones that, depending on your setup, might end up being closer to you than your computer’s own mics. Check to see if the model you’re considering has mono or stereo mics, as the latter is better. Some even use noise-reduction technology to keep your voice loud and clear. While audiophiles and streamers will want to invest in a standalone microphone, most others can get by using a webcam’s built-in mic.

Design

There aren’t a ton of fascinating breakthroughs when it comes to external webcam design. Most are round or rectangular devices that clip onto a monitor or your laptop screen. Some have the ability to swivel or screw onto a tripod stand and others can simply sit on your desk beside your computer. But unless you really like having people stare up your nose, the latter isn’t ideal. We recommend clipping your webcam to your monitor and ensuring that it’s at or slightly above eye level.

A few webcams go above and beyond by adding hardware extras like built-in lights and lens covers, too. The former can help you stand out in a dark room, while the latter makes it so hackers can’t view you through your webcam without your knowledge.

Price

Most external webcams that are just good enough to be a step up from your computer’s built-in camera cost between $60 and $150. If the webcam has the same resolution as the internal one on your laptop, you should look out for other specs like auto light correction, a wider field of view or an extra-long connecting cable that can provide a step-up in quality or ease of use.

Spending $150 or more means you might get advanced features that tend to be present in a pro webcam like 4K resolution, vertical and horizontal recording options, stereo mics, customizable video settings and more. But unless you’re spending hours on video calls each day or streaming multiple times each week, you can settle on a budget webcam and safely skip most of those high-end options.

How we test webcams

We primarily test webcams by putting them through as much real-world use as possible. We examine their design, how flexible they are and how easy they are to reposition, and make note of how heavy they are and if that affects their ability to stay put while sitting on top of a screen. We use each webcam for at least a week straight as our primary camera for all video chats, and we make sure to use the device in different lighting environments to test low-light performance. We also use any built-in microphones as our primary audio inputs on video calls as well. Finally, although most of these webcams are plug-and-play, we test out any proprietary software that’s intended to work with each webcam, tweaking things like field of view, video resolution and effects, and using any special features like Show Mode on Logitech webcams.

Best webcams for 2024

Others webcams we tested

Logitech C920s Pro HD

Our previous top pick, the Logitech C920s Pro HD webcam remains a solid option for those with less than $100 to spend and really only need a basic 1080p camera to upgrade their setup, or something affordable to make them look better on those inevitable Zoom calls. It has a 78-degree field of view, decent microphones and handy privacy shutter built in. The Brio 500 took the top spot away from this model thanks to its advanced light correction, auto-framing and Show Mode.

Dr. Albert Rossi interviews Dr. Philip Mamalakis on the 2018 Orthodox Christian Association of Medicine, Psychology and Religion (OCAMPR) Conference titled "Compliance and Resistance: Discerning the Spirit". This year's conference will be held on November 8-10 at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Cultural Center in Somerset, New Jersey.

Dr. Albert Rossi interviews Chaplain Sarah Byrne-Martelli, co-host of the AFR podcast "A Wounded Healer," on the upcoming OCAMPR conference. OCAMPR stands for The Orthodox Christian Association of Medicine, Psychology and Religion.

Fr. Philip LeMasters, a professor of religion at McMurry University, argues that the shocking statistics on the number of female college students who are victims of rape provide a window on the moral and spiritual corruption of our society.

A conversation with Dr. Marcus Plested, Academic Director of The Institute of Orthodox Christian Studies in Cambridge. Learn about the summer studies program and consider participating July 18-23 with Metropolitan Kallistos Ware, Fr. Andrew Louth, and others.

The Orthodox Christian Association of Medicine, Psychology, and Religion (OCAMPR) will hold its annual conference Nov 6-8 at Holy Cross in Brookline, MA. OCAMPR President Dr. Michael Christakis and conference coordinator Dr. Philip Mamalakis tell us about OCAMPR and the theme of the coming conference, EXPLORING THE MIND-BODY-SOUL CONNECTION: SPIRITUALITY IN ILLNESS AND HEALING.

November 3-5 are the dates for the 2016 OCAMPR (Orthodox Christian Association of Medicine, Psychology, and Religion) Conference at Holy Cross/Helenic College in Brookline, MA. We speak with two of the three plenary speakers: Dr. Al Rossi (Psychologist) and Dr. Donald Jenkins (Physician).

Bobby Maddex interviews Natalie Kapeluck Nixon, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry; Fr. John Haluszczak, the priest at St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and the Chaplain of St. Thomas Chapel at All Saints Camp in Emlenton, Pennsylvania; and Larry Kopp, the Manager of All Saints Camp.

Bobby Maddex interviews Fr. Stephen Loposky about the 17th Annual Youth Worker and Camping Conference.

Bobby Maddex interviews Dr. Gayle Woloschak, the former president of the Orthodox Christian Association of Medicine, Psychology, and Religion, otherwise known as OCAMPR, about the organization's upcoming conference.

Bobby Maddex interviews Dr. Kathryn Bocanegra, a post-doctoral fellow at Loyola University of Chicago’s Center for Criminal Justice Research, Policy, and Practice, and one of the keynote speakers at the upcoming annual conference of the Orthodox Christian Association of Medicine, Psychology, and Religion, or OCAMPR. For more information about the conference and to register, please click here.

Bobby Maddex interviews Dn. Perry Hamalis, the Cecelia Schneller Mueller Professor of Religion at North Central College and one of the keynote speakers at the upcoming annual conference of the Orthodox Christian Association of Medicine, Psychology, and Religion, or OCAMPR. For more information about the conference and to register, please click here.

Bobby Maddex interviews Dr. Donald Jenkins, Clinical Professor in the Division of Trauma and Emergency Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center, in San Antonio, TX, and one of the keynote speakers at the upcoming annual conference of the Orthodox Christian Association of Medicine, Psychology, and Religion, or OCAMPR. For more information about the conference and to register, please click here.

Bobby Maddex interviews Philip Mamalakis and Dean Theophilos about the upcoming OCAMPR 2020 Conference. This year's virtual conference on Friday, November 6th and Saturday, November 7th is titled ​"Christ, The Measure of Wellness: Healing Mind, Body, and Soul”​. Anyone is welcome to attend this conference and hear theological, medical, and psychological perspectives on mental health from amazing speakers such as His Grace Bishop Maxim (Vasiljević) of Los Angeles and Western America of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Dr. Georgette Constantinou, Ph.D., and Dr. Dan N. Cotoman, MD. Attendees also can participate in breakout groups, networking opportunities, and more! Learn more and register at OCAMPR's website!

Bobby Maddex interviews a handful of OCF students and alumni about the importance and reach of Orthodox Christian Fellowship. In part, the students discuss the OCF Now Campaign. Help OCF reach $25,000 by August 4, and this amount will be matched! Find out more here.

I love summer camp! Do you?

Zaccheus does something unexpected.

The past 12 months I have gotten extraordinarily nerdy on backpacking gear. And one of the things I ended up splurging on was the best headlamp I’ve ever owned. Two things I love about this thing: (1) how very thin and lightweight it is; and (2) its dedicated buttons for the white and red lights. […]

★

Ray Reardon, who has died aged 91, dominated the sport of snooker for the best part of a decade as he won six world titles between 1970 and 1978.

A qualified doctor who watched the Tokyo Games while working at a hospital, Anna Morris is now a three-time world champion and Olympic medallist.

Mason Grady is out of Wales' remaining autumn games and is a doubt for the start of the 2025 Six Nations.

Edinburgh University students have been talking about the kind of discrimination they have come across on campus.

Isle of Man Crimestoppers campaign encourages young people to recognise crime and report it.

Patient Doreen Adams of Aberdeen says she is grateful for the benefits of the new brain surgery.

A year has passed since Fiona hit the headlines and was rescued, how is she finding her new life?

The States of Jersey Ambulance Service campaign calls for greater respect and support for workers.

The move aims to improve online safety for children with more education for parents.

Guernsey Post issues customers with cards aimed at protecting their staff from dog attacks.

A former member of the Archbishops' Council calls for change after Justin Welby's resignation.

The city council says a group of people camping there have accepted help from a charity.

The abandoned vehicle is now listed as a "historical landmark" - with a near perfect rating.

Despite raising £70,000, a group against second home planning permission cannot launch appeal.

A petition to relocate the town's Christmas tree to the town centre gets more than 750 signatures.

Owner PD Ports says action is needed to stop wild camping on the peninsula by Redcar Beach.

Support Weald Schooling is inviting people to discuss the lack of non-selective secondaries.

Developers wanted to build 20 homes on land next to a Site of Biological Importance in Harwood, Bolton.

The track was originally constructed by a group of young people four decades ago.

The long lost handwritten notes by Paradise Lost poet John Milton discovered in Arizona.

The sight of cows grazing freely on the city’s commons has been put in doubt.

Cambridge City are set to play in the first round of the Women's FA Cup for only the second time - with over half of their team just 16 years old.

Cambridge United manager Garry Monk will make a late decision on whether striker Shayne Lavery is fit to return in Saturday's derby with Peterborough United.

Peterborough United manager Darren Ferguson says he has tried to play down the significance of Saturday's derby with Cambridge United to his players.

A farmer warns the future of an ancient tradition of cows grazing on a city's commons is in doubt.

The pair started campaigning after Joanna Simpson was killed by her husband in Ascot in 2010.

The pilot scheme begins in December to help identify and charge fly-tippers.

Gadebridge Pharmacy was used as a location for a scene in the film, Paddington in Peru.

The Reverend Canon Will Gibbs explains how the story of Saint Alban became an inspiration

The campaign aims to increase speed awareness and improve road safety around schools.

Westmorland and Furness Council trading standards safe shopping advice.