Conference Room Cameras vs. Built-in Cameras: What's the Difference?

What Are Conference Room Cameras?

Conference room cameras are specialized video devices designed specifically for business meetings and group video calls. Unlike regular webcams, these cameras are made to capture larger meeting spaces and multiple people at once. They typically come as standalone units that can be mounted on walls, placed on conference tables, or attached to TV screens. Most modern conference room cameras include features like automatic participant tracking, noise reduction, and the ability to connect to various video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet.

Key Features of Conference Room Cameras

1. Get the Whole Room in Frame

Conference room cameras come with wide-angle lenses—this means they can capture a big chunk of the room, from 90 to 120 degrees wide. Imagine being able to move the camera's view without touching it; that's where Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) features come in handy. Cameras also have clever auto-framing that makes sure everyone is visible, and you can set different angles ahead of time to quick-switch during meetings.

2. Offer Clearer and Smoother Video

When it comes to picture quality, conference cameras are top-notch. They serve up high-definition video—think crisp 1080p or even ultra-sharp 4K. Brightness and shadows aren't a problem because these cameras can adjust to different lighting situations. Plus, when you zoom in, your image stays sharp. Oh, and the video is smooth as silk, with frame rates from 30 to 60 frames per second, so no choppy movements.

3. Hear and Be Heard Clearly

The audio game is strong with built-in microphones picking up sound from around the room. You won't hear echoes or feedback because of echo cancellation tech, and annoying background noise? Reduced. The mics even focus on whoever's speaking. In bigger rooms, you can plug in extra microphones. And some camera systems include their own speakers too.

4. Plug In and Connect Easily

These cameras are ready to roll with a simple USB connection to computers. They play nice with pretty much any video conferencing software out there, and many don't even need special software to get started. Control them from across the room with an app or remote, making your meetings run smoother.

What Are Built-in Cameras?

Built-in cameras are the video cameras that come pre-installed on your laptops, monitors, tablets, or smartphones. They're integrated directly into the device's frame, usually at the top of the screen, making them a convenient default option for quick video calls and personal meetings.

Key Features of Built-in Cameras

1. Always Prepared for the Call

Built-in cameras are the epitome of convenience. They're ready to go whenever you are, with no setup required. Since they're integrated into your device, they take up zero extra space—ideal for those who work on the go or have remote meetings often.

2. Camera Quality that Keeps Getting Better

The latest built-in cameras aren't the blurry webcams of yesteryear. They’ve gotten quite an upgrade, with many now boasting 1080p resolution for much clearer images. These cameras perform better in low light and focus on you automatically. Plus, they sync up more smoothly with video conferencing apps to give you a hassle-free experience.

3. Good for Solos, Less So for Groups

While built-in cameras are super convenient, they do have their drawbacks. They're stuck in place, so adjusting the angle can be a bit tricky. Their field of view isn't very wide, which means they're not the best choice for capturing big groups or wide rooms. The performance also varies a lot depending on what device you have—they're not all created equal.

4. Ideal for the Individual

Use your built-in camera for individual calls or small virtual meet-ups. They're best suited for remote workers dialing into one-on-ones and anyone who needs to hop on a quick video chat. For personal use or casual catch-ups with friends, these cameras do the job without fuss. Just don't expect them to handle a conference room full of people—that's not their strong suit.

Conference Room Cameras vs. Built-in Laptop Cameras: What's Best for Your Meetings?

If you’re trying to choose between a conference room camera and the one that's already on your laptop, it's all about what your meetings look like. Conference room cameras are great for larger groups and professional settings. They make sure everyone can be seen and heard, clear as day. On the flip side, the camera that comes with your computer or tablet is super handy for those one-on-one calls or when you're dialing in from home.

What You Need to Know	Conference Room Cameras	Built-in Cameras
Cost	$500 - $3,000+	Free (comes with your device)
Perfect For	● Team meetings ● Large meeting rooms ● Professional presentations	● Personal video calls ● Working from home ● One-on-one meetings
Video Quality	● Very clear (1080p to 4K) ● Works well in low light ● Shows the whole room clearly	● Basic quality (720p-1080p) ● Might be blurry in low light ● Best for close-up only
What It Can Show	● Entire meeting room ● Multiple people at once ● Can zoom and move to follow speakers	● 1-2 people maximum ● Fixed view ● Limited zoom
Sound Quality	● Picks up voices from anywhere in the room ● Reduces background noise ● Clear sound for all participants	● Works best when you're close ● Basic sound quality ● May pick up background noise
Setup	● Needs initial installation ● May need IT help ● More features to learn	● Ready to use ● No setup needed ● Very simple to operate
Room Size	● Good for large rooms ● Can show 15-20 people ● Flexible for different room layouts	● Best for small spaces ● Shows 1-2 people clearly ● Fixed to your device
Extra Features	● Can follow speakers automatically ● Remote control included ● Professional meeting effects	● Basic features only ● Simple controls ● Limited adjustments
Upkeep	● Needs regular updates ● Should be cleaned regularly ● May need technical support	● Updates with your device ● Minimal maintenance ● No special care needed

If your virtual get-togethers tend to fill up a room, investing in a conference room camera could be the way to go.

But for those daily check-ins and quick catch-ups where it's just you and a friendly face on the screen, your built-in camera is likely all you need. Simple, straightforward, and no extra stuff needed.

What You Need to Check Before Buying Video Conferencing Equipment

As a corporate purchasing professional, making informed decisions about video conferencing equipment directly impacts your company's communication effectiveness. Here's what you need to evaluate:

1. Choose the Right Audio System for Your Room Size

When evaluating audio quality, the size of your meeting rooms should guide your decision. Small rooms with 2-6 people might work well with basic built-in audio systems. However, medium-sized rooms hosting 6-12 people need 360-degree microphone coverage to ensure everyone is heard clearly. For large conference rooms with 12 or more participants, you'll need more advanced solutions like multiple microphone arrays or ceiling-mounted systems. Consider whether your rooms need background noise cancellation and echo reduction, as these features significantly improve meeting quality, especially in busy office environments.

2. Pick Video Equipment With Clear Resolution for Your Meetings

For most business meetings, 1080p resolution provides good quality video that meets standard needs. However, if your company regularly conducts detailed presentations, hosts client meetings, or uses large conference rooms, investing in 4K cameras might be worthwhile. Beyond resolution, pay attention to the camera's frame rate (aim for at least 30fps), its performance in different lighting conditions, and auto-focus capabilities. The camera's field of view should match your room size and typical meeting setup to ensure all participants are visible.

3. Select Systems That Are Easy to Set Up and Use

The success of any video conferencing system largely depends on how easily your staff can use it. Consider how much training employees will need and whether you'll require regular IT support for setup and daily operations. Look for systems with intuitive interfaces that don't require technical expertise to operate. Remote management capabilities are increasingly important, especially for companies with multiple locations or hybrid work setups.

4. Ensure Your New Equipment Work With Existing Systems

Your chosen equipment must integrate seamlessly with your company's existing technology infrastructure. Ensure it works with your preferred video conferencing platforms, whether that's Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, or others. Check compatibility with your current operating systems and any existing AV equipment. Security requirements are also crucial - ensure any new equipment meets your company's IT security standards.

5. Plan Your Budget Beyond Just Purchase Price

When planning your budget, look beyond the initial purchase price. Factor in installation costs, necessary training, ongoing maintenance, and potential future upgrades. Consider the equipment's expected lifespan and warranty terms. Also, consider scalability - will the system grow with your company's needs?

How to Choose the Right Camera for Your Needs

Assessing Your Requirements

When selecting a conference camera for your company, start by evaluating your specific meeting needs. Consider how your teams typically conduct meetings and what features would make their communications more effective.

1. For Rooms with Moving Presenters:

Go for cameras equipped with intelligent tracking that can keep up with speakers as they move. A function like the Speaker-Tracking Mode on the Nuroum 360 Pro is perfect for this.

2. For Presentations That Stay Put:

When your presenter isn't roaming, a camera with a broad, stationary angle – think something along the lines of a 115° Manual Mode – does the trick.

3. For Dynamic Group Discussions:

Interactive meetings benefit from flexible camera systems that can switch views to focus on various individuals, much like the multiple capture modes available with some devices.

4. For Presenters on the Move:

Choose a camera with smart tracking to focus smoothly on active speakers, much like the Nuroum 360 Pro's Speaker-Tracking Mode.

5. For Static Talks:

For presentations that don't move around, a camera with a fixed wide-angle, such as the 115° view offered by some modes, is ideal.

6. For Team Huddles:

In meetings where everyone chips in, go for a camera that can alternate between different speakers, keeping the conversation's flow front and center.

Budgeting for Your Camera Purchase

When planning your budget, consider both immediate and long-term value. While basic conference cameras might cost less initially, investing in a comprehensive solution like an all-in-one conference camera system can provide better value through more features.

For example, the Nuroum 360 Pro, priced at $699, offers an excellent balance of advanced features and affordability when compared to other professional conference room solutions that can cost $1,000 or more.

Immediate Benefits:

Reduced setup costs (plug-and-play installation)

• No need for separate audio equipment (built-in microphone arrays and speakers)
• Universal compatibility with major platforms (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet)

Long-term Value:

• Better meeting experience with features like AI-powered tracking
• Enhanced audio clarity with noise-canceling technology
• Flexibility to adapt to different meeting styles
• Future-proof features that support evolving meeting needs

When shopping for conference cameras, you might be tempted to save money and go for the cheaper options. However, shelling out a bit more for a quality camera like the Nuroum 360 Pro is worth considering. Don't let the initial higher price deter you – it comes with a bunch of benefits that the budget models just can't match.

Frequently Asked Questions About Video Conferencing Cameras

Q1: Can I use my Built-in camera as a conference room camera?

While you can use a built-in camera for group meetings, it's not recommended for conference rooms. Built-in cameras have limited viewing angles and typically can only show 1-2 people clearly. If people sit far from the laptop or move around the room, they'll appear small or be out of frame entirely. For any meeting room where you regularly have 3 or more people, a dedicated conference room camera will provide a much better experience for everyone involved.

Q2: What is the best resolution for a conference room camera?

For most business meetings, a 1080p (Full HD) camera is perfectly suitable. This resolution provides clear video quality while being compatible with most internet connections. While 4K cameras are available, they're mainly beneficial in specific situations:

• Large conference rooms where you need to show fine details
• Client presentations where image quality is crucial
• Rooms where people sit far from the camera
• Meetings that involve showing detailed products or documents

Q3: Are conference room cameras difficult to set up?

Most modern conference room cameras are designed for simple setup. The basic installation usually involves:

• Connecting the camera to your computer via USB
• Mounting it in your preferred location
• Installing any necessary software drivers
• Selecting it as your default device in your meeting software

However, for optimal results, consider having your IT team or an AV professional help with:

• Proper camera positioning
• Cable management
• Integration with room control systems
• Initial settings configuration

Q4: How do I improve audio quality during video calls?

To get better audio quality in your video meetings:

• Position your microphone correctly. For conference room cameras with built-in mics, ensure they're within 6-8 feet of participants
• Reduce background noise by closing doors and windows
• Test your audio settings before important meetings
• Consider adding external microphones for larger rooms
• Use acoustic treatments if your room has echo problems
• Make sure only one audio device is active to prevent feedback
• Update your device drivers and conferencing software regularly

Choosing the Right Video Camera

Choosing between built-in cameras and conference room cameras doesn't have to be complicated. For individual use and one-on-one calls, your device's built-in camera works perfectly fine. However, if your company regularly hosts group meetings or professional presentations, investing in a dedicated conference room camera like the Nuroum 360 Pro can significantly improve your team's communication experience.

Remember these key takeaways:

• Consider your room size and typical meeting scenarios
• Think about both immediate costs and long-term value
• Focus on features that match your team's specific needs
• Don't forget about audio quality - it's just as important as video
• Ensure compatibility with your existing systems

Whether you choose to start with basic built-in cameras or invest in professional conference room equipment, the most important thing is to match the technology to your company's actual needs. If you're ready to upgrade your meeting rooms, dedicated conference cameras starting at around $699 can provide excellent value while improving your team's virtual meeting experience. Take the first step today by assessing your current meeting needs and exploring options that will best serve your company's communication goals.