Are we over-criticizing the 720p webcam?

[AutomaticApple]

I think the argument isn't if the camera has a better image for you, like in photobooth, it's: does the camera produce a better image for the person on the other end of a multi-participant video call?

We've discussed that most people's argument for wanting a 1080p camera in their mac isn't because they're making youtube videos for it...

So with the c920 - does the massive video compression applied by services like Zoom and Teams allow you look any better (not just different) than using the built in Mac's camera?

Yes. It demonstrably does, in FT, Webex, and Zoom.
I have been told outright, and without soliciting feedback, that my video "looks better," and broadly speaking my interactions aren't with a technical audience.

The extent to which the user or viewer care, will vary by user and viewer.

Light, optics, better sensor...

I switched from a C920 to the Avaya HC020 and I noticed an improvement in low light performance plus I can digitally pan and zoom with a remote which is helpful. This is because it captures in 4K and then crops for 1080.

External webcams will always beat internal webcams.

Also, can we please let this thread die forever?

 

[JayAgostino]

I thought the 720p Macbook webcam to be underwhelming as well just based on the spec without any personal experience, but is it really? This video was quite a surprise for me. And considering how most of us are video conferencing into an almost stamp-size gallery view of zoom, I am starting to think if we are over-criticizing the 720p webcam just because of the spec.

 

[Hoo Doo Dude]

Glad I don’t need “influencers” to tell me what I should like or not like.