Online courses have been popular for a while, but the demand and quality have increased in recent years, especially with the advent of AI course creation tools.

With a 900% growth rate since its inception, online learning is the fastest-growing education industry market, according to Oxford College.

Understandably, the increasing demand has increased the need for more quality course-creation tools.

Since I started my online course in 2017, I’ve had to try out loads of recording equipment, some of which I learned about myself and others that were recommended.

In this blog post, I’ll reveal my findings about webcams from my years of creating online courses. What are the best webcams in the market, what does each offer, and how can you get the best of them?

Right, let’s get into it!

Why you need webcams for course creation

Webcams are essential hardware for course creation, with varying features like resolution (720p, 1080, and 4K) and framerate (30FPS and 60FPS).

While DSLRs have been the most common digital devices for recording classes, I only use them when not sharing my screen.

When screen sharing is involved, you’re better off using a webcam. Webcams not only save bandwidth by directly capturing your video feed without the overhead of processing a full DSLR output, but they also make footage handling much easier since the files are smaller and more manageable.

Plus, webcams integrate seamlessly with screen recording software, reducing the technical complexity of your setup.

The best webcams for online course creation

Below, you’ll find all the best webcams for creating your online course with their features, uses, benefits, and downsides:

Insta360 webcam

It’s AI season, and there’s no better webcam to leverage for course creation than the Insta360 Webcam. This webcam lets you work with 4K, 1080p, or 720p resolution to tailor your course videos to any platform.

Key features:

• 4K, 1080p, or 720p resolution options for flexible video quality
• HDR technology to balance lights and colors between background and objects
• Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF) for faster and sharper focus
• AI-powered tracking algorithm that keeps the lens focused on you as you move
• Four modes: DeskView, Whiteboard, Overhead, and Portrait
• Hand gesture controls to switch modes, enable tracking, and zoom
• Built-in microphone with noise-canceling technology
• Privacy protection feature that directs lens downward after 10 seconds of inactivity
• Compatible with Windows and MacOS

An additional feature I enjoy is the privacy protection, which directs the lens downward if it remains inactive for 10 seconds. Thus, you can live your life and create online courses simultaneously.

Finally, it is compatible with both Windows and MacOS computers.

Logitech C920

Logitech C920 is the most popular and widely recommended webcam, especially for creating online courses, whether you’re teaching how to earn online or improving daily productivity.

Key features:

• 1080p Full HD resolution at 30 frames per second
• Autofocus function that adjusts to keep sharp focus even when you move or gesture
• Dual stereo microphone for natural and clear audio from all angles
• Light correction that adjusts exposure for excellent footage in dim environments

However, adding an external microphone or light is not a bad idea for obtaining extra-quality course videos.

For convenience, the flexible mounting clip attaches seamlessly to laptops or monitors and stays on a stand. This webcam is also compatible with a wide range of recording devices and software. You can plug it into the Logitech Capture app, Ecamm Live on Mac, or OBS Studio on Windows.

Elgato Facecam

The Elgato Facecam is a premium webcam designed for creators and one of the best for YouTube/live streaming. It is a 1080p by 60FPS webcam, but there’s a Pro version that offers Ultra HD 4K resolution if that’s what you prefer.

Key features:

• 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second (4K available in Pro version)
• Powerful lens for high-quality images
• High-speed circuitry for beautiful original footage
• Built-in memory board to store your settings across different computers
• Two viewing modes: 82° FOV for face-to-face interaction or optimized view for wide-angle
• Automatic adjustment for varying lighting conditions (balances contrast, corrects shadows, enhances details, reduces noise)
• No built-in microphone (requires external microphone)

It has been engineered to reduce less useful features in favor of the most useful ones. For instance, they’ve omitted the built-in microphone, so you’ll need an external microphone with it if your course creation process requires it.

When recording courses in varying lighting conditions, the Facecam will automatically adjust to balance contrast, correct shadows, enhance details, and reduce noise.

Logitech Brio 4K

Brio Ultra HD Pro Business Webcam is another of Logitech’s finest collections. Brio 4K, as it is widely known, is a perfect combination of video quality and advanced features to enhance your course creation experience.

Here are the key features of the Logitech Brio 4K:

• 4K resolution at 30FPS, 1080p at 60FPS, or 720p at 90FPS
• Recommended recording settings: 1080p at 24 or 30 FPS
• RightLight 3 technology for automatic color and lighting adjustment
• High Dynamic Range (HDR) for excellent picture quality in any lighting conditions
• 5x HD zoom
• Autofocus
• 60° field of view (FOV)

When combined, these features help achieve better eye contact with learners, smoother video quality, and a wide-angle view ideal for streaming on YouTube or Twitch.

Its mic can pick up your voice from any direction, and the noise-canceling function helps reduce background noise so learners aren’t distracted. The device also comes with the Logi Tune Desktop app, which allows you to customize the settings.

Best DSLR/Mirrorless Camera Setup

If you want to take your video quality to the next level, it’s highly recommended for you to use a professional camera.

My top recommendation is the Sony ZV-1.

This beauty is a compact camera built for content creation. It is super portable and comfortable to carry. This cam can record in 4K resolution with a digital movie zoom of 11x.

It also has a selfie mode, tracking mode, front light, and a battery life of approximately 75 minutes for recording as many course videos as you like, even when you’re on the go.

I personally use the Sony A7C, a compact version of the A7X series. I really like Sony webcams because they have really good battery life and can record even while charging. They also have really good hardware and software compatibility.

However, professional cameras require significant memory and bandwidth.

A solution: use a device to connect the camera directly to your computer, resulting in much smaller video files.

Introducing Elgato Camlink.

I use Elgato Cam Link for recording my videos

What it does is turn other devices, like the DSLR and camcorder, into webcams. It’s a plug-and-play USB device, making it convenient to carry and set up.

This gadget is compatible with a wide range of devices, from Mac and Windows to different camera kinds.

Then, open your preferred streaming or recording software like eCamm (I use it on my Mac), OBS Studio to select the Elgato Cam Link as your input source and adjust the settings. It supports up to 4K resolution at 30 frames per second (FPS) and 1080p resolution at 60 FPS.

You can also use smartphones and laptop cameras

Despite starting with a DSLR, I still recorded some early courses with my smartphone, but I can confirm they didn’t fare badly (with good lighting conditions) and might even be more convenient.

If you’re just starting out or can’t afford the options above, your laptop camera or smartphone on a tripod will work just fine.

My laptop has a 1080p webcam, and many laptops come with similar quality. That’s more than enough for any online course you want to create. Plus, it’s straightforward since you don’t need to mount anything or install software.

Many phone cameras can handle the job with a tripod stand and good lighting. Like DSLRs, smartphones work best for full-screen recording, especially in portrait mode. You may need an external microphone for better sound quality.

👉 Pro tip: Don’t wait until your course is perfect to start earning. Many successful creators pre-sell their online courses to validate demand and generate revenue before investing heavily in equipment.

How to get the best of your webcam for course creation?

Audio quality

No matter how good your picture quality is, if your audio quality sucks, people can’t just withstand watching your videos.

It’s worth checking the built-in mic of your external webcam, but I’ll advise investing in external microphones.

My pick is the Rode NTG-USB, the only USB shotgun mic I can recommend.

The Rode Wireless GO is excellent if you’re always on the go and need something you can clip to your shirt while you record courses.

You can also use a professional condenser microphone if you can deal with the extra interfaces and are ready to treat the room for soundproofing.

Low light performance

An excellent webcam is not a substitute for good lighting. While having a natural light source can be beneficial, extra light may be needed for low-light conditions.

Godox SL60W is my go-to option.

This portable LED light emits up to 60 Watts of output. It has features to preserve color and dissipate heat, as well as accessories like the remote to control brightness.

Software

Webcam software lets you get more from your built-in and external webcams.

Some are general-purpose, while others come with your webcam and let you adjust settings and add various effects.

Logitech webcams come with dedicated software to enhance them.

But you can take it to the next level with eCamm, OBS or iGlasses, a MacOS app that lets users set up webcams and add cool effects.

Another option you can try is AI apps like Adobe Podcast Enhancer and Xound App. These apps use artificial intelligence to optimize your sound, reduce background noise, and auto-balance audio.

Frame rate per second (FPS)

Frame rate per second is the number of frames or images that show up in a second of video. For webcams, FPS is the number of frames they can capture per second.

Most webcams can do 30FPS, while some can go up to 60FPS.

60FPS webcams will give you smoother and higher-quality videos, but their files are also bigger. That said, you don’t really need a 60FPS webcam. The 30FPS versions are enough for online courses.

Wide angle lens

A wide angle is the ability of a webcam camera to capture a wider view or area.

This happens when the camera has a shorter focal length, around 35mm or less. A wide angle is perfect for capturing as much area as possible, like in nature, real estate, or travel photography courses.

But wide-angle webcams also tend to take the focus away from your face and pick up background clutter, which can distract students.

So you’ll hardly need a wide-angle webcam for online courses unless your course is about the subjects mentioned above.

Conclusion

Now that you have the recommended webcams for course creation, it’s time to pick based on your setup and objectives.

The Logitech C920 and C920x are the best webcams for course creation because they are easy to use and compatible with most setups. Logitech Brio, Insta 360, and Elgato Facecam are decent options for different purposes.

If you’re a fan of DSLRs, don’t hesitate to buy one. However, your smartphone can still do the job if you can’t afford the above options.

Remember to factor in other gadgets like light, microphone, and software. Test things to see what works for you, and you’re on your way to earning as an online course creator.