Webcams buying guide

For calls, lighting matters more than resolution, and a mid-range webcam in good light beats an expensive one in a dark room.

1. 1080p at 30 fps is enough for meetings; 4K mostly helps if you crop or stream.
2. Look for autofocus that holds steady and a wide field of view you can narrow in software.
3. A privacy shutter is a cheap, physical guarantee when the camera is not in use.
4. Built-in microphones are usually average; a separate USB mic improves call quality more than a better camera.
5. Check the mount fits your monitor or has a tripod thread.

Common mistake: Sitting with a window behind you: the camera exposes for the bright glass and your face goes dark.