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 cameras designed to capture images and videos on a computer or over a network for online education, video conferencing, live streaming, etc. They are essential hardware for course creation, with varying features like resolution (720p, 1080, and 4K) and framerate (30FPS and 60FPS).
Some webcams also have built-in mics, lights, and other features that help you get the best results. 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. With webcams, you can include your face while sharing the screen, making it possible to share non-verbal expressions and have instructor-learner interactions.
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:
1. 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. It produces high-quality full HD video with its 1080p resolution and 30 frame rates per second.
It comes equipped with an autofocus function. This allows it to adjust to keep a sharp focus on you, even when you gesture and move, which is quite useful when recording dynamic courses!
The dual stereo microphone captures natural and clear audio quality from all angles, while the light correction adjusts exposure to produce excellent footage in case you’re recording 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.
2. 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.
While it primarily offers 4K resolution at 30FPS, you can also use the 1080p option with 60FPS and 720p with 90FPS.
As per my experience, recording your course in 1080p at 24 or 30 FPS seems like the finest option unless you use slow motion in some of your course videos.
It is fitted with RightLight 3 and High Dynamic Range (HDR) technologies, which automatically adjust colors and lighting for excellent picture quality regardless of lighting conditions.
Brio 4K also allows five times HD zooming and autofocus, along with 60⁰ 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.
3. 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.
Insta360 also has HDR to balance lights and colors between background and objects, while the Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF) keeps videos sharp by getting to focus faster than traditional webcams. That’s an excellent feature if you’ll move around as you record course videos.
The AI-powered design combines an AI algorithm that helps the webcam keep the lens focused on you, even when you move. It also has four modes — DeskView, Whiteboard, Overhead, and Portrait mode — to help you communicate seamlessly and drive home the lessons.
You can even use hand gestures to switch modes, enable tracking, and zoom. Just imagine being able to pinch out live in the course, and the camera automatically zooms into you. And maybe it can also reduce the post-production work and help you get your courses out more quickly.
Also, its microphone has noise-canceling technology to keep out unwanted sounds, especially when speaking some distance away from the webcam.
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.
4. 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.
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.
Its features include a powerful lens for high-quality images, high-speed circuitry for beautiful original footage, and a built-in board to store your settings if you’ll be recording courses on different computers. It also lets you switch between two modes—the 82⁰ FOV for face-to-face interaction or the optimized view for wide-angle views.
When recording courses in varying lighting conditions, the Facecam will automatically adjust to balance contrast, correct shadows, enhance details, and reduce noise.
5. Sony ZV-1/Sony A7C
My top DSLR recommendation is the Sony ZV-1. This beauty is a compact DSLR 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.
6. Elgato Cam Link
I experimented with the Elgato Cam Link for a short period. 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. To use the Elgato Cam Link, you’ll need generalist software such as OBS Studio, Streamlabs, etc. Just connect the HDMI output of your camera to the Elgato Cam Link and plug it into a USB 3.0 port.
Then, open your preferred streaming or recording software like 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.
How to use DSLRs
I started recording online courses with a DSLR. The picture quality is undeniable, but it didn’t take long to realize how much I needed a webcam.
Most of my courses involve screen sharing, but DSLRs are the best for parts where you’re not sharing a screen.
You can also use smartphones and laptop cameras
Despite starting with a DSLR, I still recorded some early courses with my smartphone and laptop cams. Most of it was just to see how it does in case the need to use them arises, but I can confirm they didn’t fare badly and might even be more convenient.
So, if you’re just starting and can’t afford any of the options above or do not want them for any reason, you can put your laptop camera to work or hook up your smartphone on a tripod.
My laptop has a 1080p webcam, and I know many options come with the same quality, which is enough for any kind of online course creation you want to be involved in. It is pretty straightforward since you don’t need to mount them or install any software.
Many phone cameras can do the job, albeit with the help of a tripod stand and light. Like DSLRs, smartphones are more suited to full-screen capturing, especially when recording in portrait mode. You may also need to buy external microphones for good sound quality.
How to get the best of your webcam for course creation
No matter the webcam type you opt for, you’ll still have to consider pairing it with other gadgets to help you get the best experience for your course creation process. Here are other things you should know about when choosing a webcam:
Audio quality
I’m sure I don’t need to tell you how important it is for your audience to not just hear you, but hear you perfectly. While you must observe the universal rule of using a quiet place free from noises and distractions, the mic you use is crucial to ensuring sound quality.
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 NT-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.
Framerate per second (FPS)
Framerate per second refers to the number of frames or images that appear in a second of video. For webcams, FPS represents the number of frames they can capture per second.
The most common webcams can do 30FPS, while some can go up to 60FPS.
Naturally, 60FPS webcams will produce smooth and high-quality videos, but their files are also larger. That said, you really don’t need a 60FPS webcam, as the 30FPS versions are enough for online courses.
Software
Webcam software allows you to get more from your built-in and external webcams. Some are general-purpose, while others come with your webcam, allowing you to adjust settings and add various effects.
Logitech webcams come with dedicated software to enhance them. However, you can take it to the next level with iGlasses, a MacOS app that allows users to 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.
Wide angle
A wide angle is the ability of a webcam camera to capture a wider view or area. This is possible when the camera has a shorter focal length, around 35mm or less. A wide angle is perfect for capturing as much area as possible, such as in nature, real estate, or travel photography courses.
However, wide-angle webcams also tend to take the focus away from your face and pick up background clutter, which can distract students.
Hence, you’ll hardly need a wide-angle webcam for online courses unless your course concerns the above mentioned subjects.
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.
