Question about dedicated webcam versus iPhone functioning as a webcam through Camo
Question about dedicated webcam versus iPhone functioning as a webcam through Camo
Hi, I just purchased the EMEET SmartCam C960 but is the Iphone 11 pro a better webcam?
While I was waiting for the package to be delivered, I had a Teams call using my iPhone 11 Pro as a webcam via the Camo Studio app. It works really well, even without opting for the premium version of Camo Studio.
My aim is to provide a more personal and more crisp video meeting experience for those I talk with in web meetings. I am almost always alone. I almost always have the extended 24-27" monitor on top of the laptop. I have varying light - sometimes day light sometimes evening / traditional celling light.
Instead of looking down at my mediocre laptop webcam, I want to maintain better eye contact with the individuals I'm speaking to by elevating my camera to eye level and positioning their image almost directly behind the camera on the extended monitor I use directly above the laptop. I checked out
thecentercam.com
and
plexicam.com
, but I felt that a traditional webcam like the C960, paired with this
flexible mount
, would offer a better price-to-value ratio.
Now that I recieved the C960 and tested it up against to the iphone 11 pro, it seems that that iPhone takes in way more light and provides a more sharp picture even though I used the front facing camera and though the Camo in the free version limits resolution and frame rate to 720p 30fps.
Summary of specs:
Iphone 11 pro
EMEET C960
Max Resolution
4K video 60fps
limited to 720k 30fps in Camo free version
1080P 30fps
Image sensor
12 MP TrueDepth
1/2.7",CMOS,2.07M
optical focal length
f/2.2 aperture
2.88mm
Links to Camo:
Camo - Use your phone as a pro webcam, free
Look amazing on video calls. Use your phone as a pro webcam and get powerful effects and adjustments for Zoom, Meet, and more.
reincubate.com
Links to iphone 11 pro specs
iPhone 11 Pro - Technical Specifications (UK)
iPhone 11 Pro - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
Link to C960 specs:
EMEET SmartCam C960 | HD 1080P Webcam
EMEET C960 HD 1080P USB webcam, featured with 2 noise-canceling microphones, wide 90° FOV, autofocus and auto low-light correction.
emeet.com
I asked ChatGPT-4 and it answers this:
When comparing these two cameras based on the information provided, it's evident that they are intended for different use cases. However, let's assess them based on the details you've shared:
Camera1
:
12 MP
is a good resolution for general photography and can produce detailed images.
f/2.2 aperture
allows the camera to capture more light, which can be beneficial in low light scenarios.
23mm focal length
provides a relatively wide field of view.
1/3.6" sensor size
is typical for smartphones and some compact cameras.
4K video recording at up to 60fps
means the camera can capture high-definition videos with smooth motion.
Camera2
:
1080P at 30FPS
: This resolution is good for most general video uses but is not as high as 4K.
90° Field of View (FoV)
indicates a relatively wide-angle lens.
Fixed Focus
means the camera can't adjust its focus, which can be limiting in various scenarios.
Video Pickup Radius: 30-300cm
suggests the camera is designed for capturing subjects within this range, making it suitable for specific applications like webcams or conferencing.
1/2.7" CMOS sensor with 2.07M
indicates it's slightly larger than Camera1's sensor, but the effective resolution (in terms of megapixels) isn't explicitly stated.
2.88mm optical focal length
aligns with the wide-angle 90° FoV.
Based on the details:
If you're looking for a
camera for general photography and high-resolution video recording
, Camera1 appears superior due to its higher image resolution and 4K video capability.
However, if you're in need of a
camera specifically for video conferencing or similar applications
, Camera2 seems to be designed for this purpose, especially with its specific video pickup radius and fixed focus.
To truly determine which camera is "better," it's essential to know the intended use case. For some purposes, Camera1 might be the clear winner, while for others, Camera2 could be more appropriate.
But what do you think?
Is iphone actually a better webcam than the dedicated C960 or should I stick to the dedicated webcam ?
I would collaborate with and evaluate the iPhone webcam further.
Check if the iPhone webcam meets your needs in general and works properly.
If not, this process will clarify your requirements and possibly reveal some specific measurable details.
Consider comparing it with the C960 or other webcams based on those details.
Ask for opinions from people you interact with online.
Examine the C960 settings closely; there might be adjustments to address a particular issue.
Alternatively, simply assess whether your area has sufficient coverage...
Conduct some testing and experimentation.
Self-directed research is likely more valuable than generic answers from AI tools.
ChatGPT-4 assumes you grasp all technical terms and numbers.
Your main worry is the quality of the "image" you see — a personal perspective, not strictly objective.
It’s a very good point. I was hoping for some assistance in grasping the specifications and their actual relevance. At the same time, I agree with you that practical testing offers immediate feedback and a chance to better understand my own and others’ unique requirements.
The specifications are important, but they serve only as a basic foundation. It’s essential to examine the detailed terms, conditions, and limitations to understand the actual outcomes for the end user. Check online and thoroughly review the end-user documentation for any cameras being evaluated. Be mindful of both explicit information and what is omitted. Pay attention to how certain aspects are described versus those left out. Use the chance to test and receive immediate feedback effectively.