The Best Webcam for Video Calls
Elgato FaceCam vs Logitech Brio 4K vs iMac M1 Facetime: Which Is the Best Webcam?
As someone who’s tested out different webcams over the past 18 months, I’ve realised there’s more to choosing a good webcam than just the price tag. In this article, I’ll give my honest review of the Elgato FaceCam, Logitech Brio 4K, and iMac M1 Facetime. I’ll go into detail on the type of lighting, background, and even your complexion to help you make the right choice.
Logitech Brio 4K
The Logitech Brio 4K is an excellent camera suitable for any setting. It offers a wide range of features that you can use with Zoom. However, if you plan to use the Logitech Brio with Zoom, you’ll need to stick to the basic software, as the more complex Logitech software will slow things down.
Despite having 4K in its name, getting this camera to display that resolution is difficult. I’ve tried it in different settings, including Zoom, but have yet to get beyond 720p. The camera also distorts at the edges when you use the full width, which is noticeable in detailed backgrounds. In terms of colour, the Logitech Brio does a great job of capturing your complexion and the colours in your surroundings, but it’s not quite Canon colour. Overall, I’d give this camera four out of five stars, but if you’re buying it expecting 4K, that’s not the case.
Elgato FaceCam
The Elgato FaceCam has been heavily advertised online, with reviewers in well-lit rooms or studio setups telling you this is the perfect camera for you. However, my experience has been different. I’ve used natural lighting with only one small light box, and the results could have been better. People who reviewed this webcam often have three-point lighting and expensive lightboxes, which aren’t always practical for everyone.
Apple iMac M1 Camera
The iMac M1 camera is, without a doubt, the best camera among the three. It’s better than any other webcam out there. With its 1080p resolution, it’s the only webcam I’ve used that delivers the quality it promises. The iMac M1 camera has no distortion, which is impressive, considering how wide the camera is. It also does a fantastic job of capturing colours and complexion, making the footage look natural and realistic. The only downside is that you need an iMac M1 to use it. You can read our full review of the iMac M1 here.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a great quality webcam, go for the iMac M1 FaceCam. It’s the best webcam on the market. If you’re on a budget and want to save money, the Logitech Brio 4K is a good option. Just don’t expect it to deliver 4K. The Elgato FaceCam is a decent camera, but it’s not as good as its reviews suggest. It might work well for you if you’re in a well-lit room or have a studio setup, but it’s not suitable for everyone.
Apple iMac M1 Review
The Apple iMac M1: The Perfect Work-From-Home Companion
This review is part of techloto’s working-from-home series, where we’ve covered the best mouse, ideal microphones, and other tools to make working from home more comfortable. Today, we’re looking at the Apple iMac M1 to see if it’s the perfect work-from-home companion.
Design
The first thing you’ll notice about the iMac M1 is its design. Apple has come a long way from the 2006 Apple HD display: a massive 30-inch screen that took up too much space and weighed a ton. This iMac is light and almost paper-thin, making it a perfect fit for any desk. Its design would appeal to students looking for a computer to put in their dorm room or anyone with limited space at home. We appreciate Apple adding a splash of colour to their design, which is not strongly saturated, giving tones that can fit into any space. The variety of colours allows users to choose the colour they prefer.
Performance
When it comes to handling applications, the iMac M1 excels. It’s impressive how smoothly it runs Teams and Zoom, even in long meetings with many participants. The fan is virtually silent, and the M1 chip allows the applications to function without issues. If you’re someone who has long meetings and video calls, this is the perfect computer for you, and you’ll see the value of the M1 chip.
Camera
Another impressive aspect is the camera. The iMac M1 camera is equipped with Facetime technology, and it’s a game-changer. The camera resolution is not the most important thing, but how it handles contrast sets it apart. After using a Canon camera as a webcam, the Facetime camera on the iMac handles contrast much better.
Keyboard and Mouse
The keyboard and mouse are also excellent. The keyboard is comfortable to type on, and the mouse is smooth and easy to use. These are essential components for a work-from-home setup, and the iMac M1 delivers in this area.
Connections
The available connections are also impressive. It has a Thunderbolt port, an SDXC card slot, and a headphone jack, among others. These connections allow for seamless integration with other devices, making transferring files and using accessories easier.
Screen Size
A challenging aspect of the iMac M1 is the screen size. If you’re someone who edits videos, audio, or designs, the screen size probably won’t be big enough. A larger screen is usually more productive for creative workflow.
Conclusion
The iMac M1 is an excellent work-from-home companion. Its design, performance, camera, keyboard and mouse, and available connections make it a great choice for anyone who needs a computer to work from home. Although the screen size may not be ideal for everyone, it is still an excellent choice for most people. The Apple iMac M1 is the perfect blend of functionality and design, and we’d highly recommend it.
