Comparison Logitech Rally Ultra HD PTZ ConferenceCam vs Logitech HD Webcam C270

The purpose of the webcam is indicated by the type of equipment for which it is designed.

— For a computer. The classic, most common variety — in fact, webcams as a type of technology were originally created specifically for use with a PC. Usually, they have compact dimensions and a mount for fixing on the monitor, although other design options are also found.

— For conferences. A separate subtype of cameras, which are more applicable for conference rooms or other large rooms, when more than one person should be present in the frame. Such models stand out for their large size and connect to a TV, they may have a remote control and other functions for use at a remote distance (specifically depends on the model).

The number of megapixels in the matrix that the camera is equipped with, in other words, the native resolution of the matrix. First of all, the maximum photo size directly depends on this indicator: for example, a 1600x1200 frame requires at least 1600 * 1200 = 1,920,000 pixels ≈ 2 MP. With video, the situation is somewhat different, where the actual resolution of the matrix can be noticeably higher than required for the frame.

There is an opinion that the more megapixels, the better the image is obtained. Formally, this is not the case: the resolution of the sensor only affects the detail, and in itself numerous megapixels can even worsen the picture — especially if the matrix is small. However, in fact, high-resolution sensors are often installed in fairly advanced cameras, in which high image quality is achieved through a number of characteristics.

Historically the first of the high definition HD (720p) standards. Initially, it assumed a resolution of 1280x720, however, in webcams, models with a different frame size are also included in this format — in particular, 960x720 and 1280x960, which have a 4:3 aspect ratio of the frame (unlike the original 1280x720, for which it is 16:9 ). Anyway, HD-models are relatively inexpensive and not particularly demanding on the quality of communication, however, they allow you to get a fairly detailed “picture”.

Further, after HD 720p, the development of high definition standards. Provides a standard frame size of 1920x1080; in addition, this category includes webcams that support 1600x1200 video — this resolution does not formally apply to Full HD (1080p), but is comparable to it in detail. Anyway, cameras of this standard are quite advanced — in particular, they already allow showing documents and other objects with small details in the frame.

Focus method — focus — provided in the design of the camera.

The simplest and most common option is manual focus; it requires some setup steps, but does not cause any particular difficulties, besides, it allows you to set the sharpness as you wish, without relying on automation. Autofocus, in turn, saves the user from having to fiddle with the settings, however, it is also more expensive. In addition, autofocus systems may not work as you would like, and they still sometimes have to be adjusted manually (however, such a need is extremely rare).

The viewing angle determines, first of all, how wide the field of view of the camera is, what area of the scene being shot falls into the frame. Accordingly, a wide viewing angle allows you to capture more space and the lower the likelihood that something of what is happening will be behind the scenes. On the other hand, it should be taken into account that a strong increase in viewing angles leads to distortions of the “picture”, especially at the edges, as well as to a decrease in the size of visible objects and a decrease in detail.

File formats in which the camera can save video footage.

This parameter is for reference only: modern computers are equipped with extensive sets of codecs that allow you to play almost all common formats, and in extreme cases, the missing codec can be installed separately. TVs in this regard have more limited capabilities, however, in webcams designed for them (see "Purpose"), this moment is initially taken into account.

— Face scanner (FaceID / Windows Hello). A specialized scanner for facial recognition. Note that this is not just about “recognition from a photograph”, but about a full-fledged three-dimensional scanning using a special IR sensor. This allows very accurate and reliable recognition to be achieved. And thanks to advanced algorithms, accuracy is maintained even when facial hair changes, putting on and taking off glasses, and other similar changes. As for the purpose, the face scanner is mainly used for user authentication — in the case of Windows it is Windows Hello, and for iOS devices it is FaceID.

— Quick capture button. A button similar to the capture button on cameras: when you press it, the webcam takes a picture and saves it to a dedicated folder. Thus, a minimum of effort is required from the user — literally one click on the button is enough to get a digital photo immediately stored on the computer. The quality of such shots is not high and this option is not able to replace a full-fledged digital camera, but it may well come in handy when speed or ease of taking a picture is important.

— Microphone. The presence of a built-in microphone allows you to use the camera not only to work with video, but also to transmit or record voice and other sounds. This is often more convenient and cheaper than buying and using a separate microphone. And t...he presence of noise reduction allows you to make speech more clear by removing extraneous sounds from the air. Webcams with a noise-canceling microphone are primarily needed for professional use when you need a clear transmission of words — for online lessons, video conferences, etc.

— Speaker. The presence of a speakerphone will allow you to communicate with the interlocutor without the use of additional accessories (headphones, speakers). Actual is in models for conferences. However, the sound quality and volume can be mediocre.

— Motion detector. A feature that allows the camera to respond to movement in the frame. Most often used to automatically start recording or broadcasting if a moving object appears in the field of view. However, this function is not very common — it is convenient mainly for surveillance systems, and webcams are rarely used in such systems (it is more convenient to use specialized cameras in them).

— Night shot. The ability to use the camera at night, in low light. The specific implementation and capabilities of this feature may vary. So, some models use a highly sensitive sensor that can work effectively in low light; in other models, IR illumination is installed, invisible to the human eye, but perfectly perceived by the sensor. These nuances should be clarified in each case separately. However, it is also worth noting that webcams are rarely used in twilight or darkness, and even in such situations it is more reasonable to use regular backlighting (see below): it preserves the colours in the image, while shooting at night usually gives a black and white picture. .

— Backlight. Own lighting system built right into the camera — usually in the form of several LEDs. Designed for shooting in low light conditions; at the same time, in contrast to night shooting (see above), in this case, the illumination is carried out in the visible range. This allows you to keep the image in colour.

— Monitor mount. Mount for fixing a webcam on a computer monitor or laptop display. It is this arrangement that is most often optimal: for example, during a video call, it will give the impression that the user is looking at the interlocutor, although in fact his gaze may be directed not at the camera, but at the screen. In addition, the camera installed on the monitor does not take up space on the table, and the risk of accidentally touching it is minimal.

— Tripod mount(1/4" thread). The presence of a 1/4" threaded socket on the camera body. It is this size that is standard for modern tripods and is used in most of these devices. So this feature allows you to mount the camera on a tripod without using adapters and other additional equipment.

— Protective curtain. A movable shutter with which you can cover the webcam lens. Such a device provides additional security, because your PC or laptop can be hacked and watched through the camera. In addition, the shutter protects the optics from various contaminants.

The presence of a remote control in the configuration of the camera allows you to control it from a distance. First of all, this is true in models for conferences and for TV.