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jonathan18

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#303424 9-Feb-2023 11:38
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My workplace is looking for a new camera to replace a cheap Logitech webcam for its medium-sized meeting room.

 

  • 99% usage is MS Teams
  • key feature they're looking for is the easy ability to set a zoom relevant to the numbers/location in the room, which may range from one (at the farthest end of the tables, about 6m from the camera) to 12-15 (when spaced around the tables), whether managed automatically or manually (eg remote, presets)
  • mic and speaker are not an issue as there's a Jabra Speak in the room
  • 1080 broadcast res setting is fine (though assume 4K native res is useful/necessary if using digital zoom)
  • budget is not substantial (probably <$1k) so rules out the more comprehensive options
  • computer location is a decent distance from webcam location (current USB cable run, with extension, would be 5-6 m)
  • current computer is old, eg not USB-C equipped; they could be looking to upgrade this, so may not be an issue

Models I've got on the shortlist are:

 

  • Logitech C930e ($300sh, but assume zoom control will be difficult to set on the fly and zoom quality poor given it's 1080)
  • [Edit] Logitech Brio ($380sh; 4K with easy access to three preset FOVs and to zoom)
  • Jabra Panacast 20 ($450sh; has auto-tracking but unsure of how it will be in a larger room)
  • Insta360 Link ($500sh unknown brand but I like the hand controls)
  • Jabra Panacast ($650sh; seems to potentially hit the sweet spot in terms of suitability/features/price)
  • Logitech PTZ Pro 2 ($1500sh - so probably way too much)
  • [Edit] Logitech Meetup ($1600)

Many others that get good reviews (eg Obsbot, Owl Labs) don't appear to be available here or are too expensive.  

 

Are there any of those listed above or other models that people would recommend (or not) to meet our requirements?

 

Thanks in advance.


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Dynamic
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  #3033968 9-Feb-2023 13:27
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I'm not sure you are going to get a great result with that budget.  We've got small number of Logitech Group (similar camera to the PTZ Pro 2) and Logitech Meetup deployments that have received positive reviews.  No experience with the Jabra camera gear.





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jarledb
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  #3034067 9-Feb-2023 15:11
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Here is another camera for you to look at: Logitech Brio Business

 

It is a lot more light sensitive than the C920 I had before it, so works a lot better even without great lighting. And it seems like it should do well with digital zooming based on your requirements. Saying that, I have not tried to use it for the kind of use you are looking at.





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jonathan18

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  #3034088 9-Feb-2023 16:02
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Dynamic:

 

I'm not sure you are going to get a great result with that budget. 

 

 

Yeah, I do know I'm asking a lot from not much money, so just trying to do the best with what they'll be willing to spend. Anything's going to be an improvement of what we currently have! I also want to ensure it's easy enough to use for most users (with the help of some basic instructions), which again can be difficult with using a device in a way it's not designed for.

 

 




jonathan18

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  #3034092 9-Feb-2023 16:10
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jarledb:

 

Here is another camera for you to look at: Logitech Brio Business

 

It is a lot more light sensitive than the C920 I had before it, so works a lot better even without great lighting. And it seems like it should do well with digital zooming based on your requirements. Saying that, I have not tried to use it for the kind of use you are looking at.

 

 

Thanks, @jarledb, that looks like it doesn't come with the very limitations of the C930e for our use case - first up it has an adjustable FOV at 90/78/65 degrees, and that's before applying digital zoom if necessary. Looks like the software also provides ready access to these controls (with a control bar), which should make it easy enough for non-tech people to use (provided I write up some basic instructions!). HDR also a big benefit as the room layout means the camera often captures windows on one side of the room, leading to poor contrast/exposure. works with USB 2 so should be ok with the existing computer. Price will be totally acceptable as well; and not so much that, if it doesn't end up working for this purpose, it can be repurposed elsewhere. 

 

Does anyone else have any other suggestions that I should look into? 

 

Many thanks.


jonathan18

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  #3034300 10-Feb-2023 08:22
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Just a quick bump in case there are any other recommendations or advice others can offer on my query before I pass on suggestions to mgt. Thanks.


nicmair
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  #3034319 10-Feb-2023 09:09
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can highly recommend the Logitech Meetups, we have deployed a dozen or so in various sized rooms, and they just work and users love them, sorry can't recall the cost, so might be outside budget.  


jonathan18

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  #3034373 10-Feb-2023 10:36
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Thanks, have added Meetups to the list. Could well be a better option than the PTZ Pro 2 even if a bit more expensive, in that the 'RightSight' feature will automatically zoom to ensure people in the room are captured whereas the PTZ will require manual zooming via the remote (though presets on the remote should cover most scenarios). 

 

Anyway, will punt options up the chain and see what they go for.

 

Thanks for the advice and suggestions.


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