How to choose a webcam? The viewing angle |Onedirect.co.uk

Choosing the right webcam: Chapter 3: Viewing angle

A camera's field of view, often abbreviated as FOV, measures, in degrees, the width of the area that the camera can capture. The radius of view extends from the lens in the shape of a triangle, and depends on what is known as the focal length. The thing to remember about this ( at first glance terrifying ) term is:

The shorter the focal length, the greater the angle of view ( you see further away, but with less detail ). Conversely, the narrower the field of view, the longer the focal length ( you see less distance but with more detail ).

In this case, we thought it was best to explore the topic from a broader angle rather than limiting ourselves to webcams. So, without further ado, let's tell you all the secrets of the concept of field of vision:

Good to know: A wide viewing angle is not necessarily an advantage for webcams. Why not? Especially at home, you don't have to want everyone to see your living room decoration in the background... It is best to opt for a narrower field of vision (60° or 78°) that highlights what is really important: you!

But first... we will answer your questions:

What fields of view are available?

Webcam or camera, there are different viewing angles to cover all needs:

Webcam : 60° / 78° / 90°
Room camera: 90° / 120° / 180° or 360°

How can I get a different viewing angle?

You can change the field of view. Simply change the focal length ( manually ) on the lens of your webcam or camera.

Reminder: the longer the focal length, the smaller the angle of view (and vice versa, of course).

What field of view is best for my meeting room?

Small to medium meeting room :

In a small room ( 3-5 people ), we focus on the essentials ( you )! For this, a 90 or 120° camera is more than enough.

For rooms of 6 to 12 people , a field of view of at least 120° ( or even 180° ) is necessary if you want everyone to fit in the frame.

Medium to large conference room :

Typically, these rooms are arranged horizontally with respect to the camera. In this case, a camera with a 90° field of view may be sufficient.

Last option: The 360°
camera is the ideal option for installation in any room. Thanks to its panoramic capture, it encompasses everyone in the frame ( and does so effortlessly ). Place it in the center or at the end of the conference table and let the magic happen!

FIXED OR FLEXIBLE VIEWING ANGLE: WHICH TO CHOOSE?

Let's get to the point! This selection criterion largely depends on your personal preferences. Let me explain: technically, there is no right or wrong choice.

So, if you prefer that all participants be visible in the frame at ALL times, we recommend that you choose a camera with a fixed viewing angle. If, on the other hand, you only want to focus on the speakers ( or active participants ) during the meeting, then a flexible field of view is a must.

By the way, when we talk about flexible field of view, what exactly do we mean? We will explain it below:

Auto Framing

Face detection is the process that differentiates you from background objects and ensures that each participant ( active or passive ) is recognizable.

How does it work? The camera scans the recording area, detects all people present and chooses the optimal frame.

Speaker Tracking

Voice tracking is an AI technology that, as the name suggests, allows participants to be tracked by detecting their voice.

How does it work? First, the camera's ( or webcam's ) microphones perform voice recognition of the speaker in progress. From then on, they can approach the speaker and follow him if he moves, so that he remains the center of attention.