Useful Webcam Tips to Improve Video Call Quality

Video calls have become a normal part of life, whether you work from home, talk to family and friends on the other side of the country, or just want to stay in touch while in quarantine. This is likely to stay the case for a while.

But using a webcam and getting ready for a video call takes some planning. You don’t have to be a tech expert to do this, which is good news.

Just follow these tips to keep problems, limits, or frustrations to a minimum so you can focus on what’s important and talk to the people you care about.

Top 10 Tips And Tricks To Make Your Video Calls Better

Blurry video quality or distortion during a meeting can be very frustrating and to get rid of all these problems. We have shortlisted some of the best tips and tricks that will help you enhance your video quality.

These techniques will smoothen your video calling experience and provide you with High Definition video quality. So without further ado, let’s look into these amazing tips:

1.) Do Some Research Before Buying a Webcam

Every webcam is different. You should be pickier about your webcam, even if you have an older PC or just want a higher resolution. First, you should figure out your needs and your budget.

There are many affordable and great options out there from well-known companies like Microsoft, Dell, Elgato, Logitech, and even gaming-focused companies like Razer.

So we suggest you think first about these options and if still, you don’t like them then only you should go for the cheap ones from any e-commerce website.

2.) Check Your Audio Quality

Audio is an important part of video calls, streaming, and conferencing that isn’t always given enough thought. Most stand-alone webcams come with good microphones that often let you record in stereo or block out background noise.

But if you’re just on your laptop or in a busy place, like taking a call in a big auditorium, your results may be unsatisfactory.

This will make it easier for everyone to hear you because you’ll have a microphone right next to your mouth. It will also make it easier for you to hear the conversation better.

If you don’t like how headphones or a headset look or feel, many companies, like Razer and Logitech, make USB-enabled microphones that can be plugged directly into your Windows or Mac PC. These mics have great sound quality and often have some way to cancel out background noise.

3.) Use Natural Lightning

You have the perfect webcam, your sound is set up, and you’re sitting at your desk with a nice view of the backyard right behind you. The only problem is that everyone on that video conference call will only see a shadow of your smiling face, not your face itself.

So, think about how natural light looks in your setup. Also, be aware that the light from your monitor or screen may have a blue tint. Change the screen’s color temperature or use warmer lights to make things look more natural.

4.) Update Imaging Driver

It is recommended to always keep your drivers up-to-date to avoid any sort of compatibility issues. To do so, you can either take the help of the Device Manager tool which comes with Windows. But this will be a lengthy process for you.

Or else you can download the best third-party driver updater software. You can use these programs to update all sorts of drivers including HP camera driver, Dell webcam driver, Logitech driver, etc.

These applications allow you to improve the compatibility between your Windows computer and the devices that are connected to it. Some of these apps also come with the ability to back up the old driver and you can restore them whenever you want.

They also help in enhancing your Windows device’s overall performance. Here are some of the best programs for you:

• Bit Driver Updater

• Quick Driver Updater

• Driver Easy

 

 

5.) Use Artificial Light To Get Better Results

Getting a ring light is a quick way to improve the way you use light. Getting one of these will take you to the next level because it will shine soft light on you so that you are well-lit all over. By using a ring light, you can also cut down on shadows that might show up if you only use light from above.

You don’t have to buy a professional ring light as a photographer would. Even better, some apps can be used to control the lighting effect and apply filters to get a better output.

6.) Check The Webcam Placement

The placement of a webcam is important, which is why most laptops with built-in webcams put the camera above the screen. You don’t want your coworkers or family members to look up your nose. You also don’t want to be too close to or too far from the camera.

Set the webcam as close to your level as possible, but far enough away so that it can see your head and shoulders.

This will try to recreate the feeling of sitting across from someone at a table. You can look at what the webcam is seeing by going to the settings of the app you are using.

7.) Have A Nice Background

When you join a video call, you don’t have to set up a fancy background like you’re about to start your own YouTube channel.

However, you don’t want what’s going on behind you to distract your coworkers, clients, or family from your call. Make sure your space is clean and get rid of anything that might distract from the conversation.

Keeping in mind our last tip, stay away from any kind of strong backlighting. Also, remember that many video conferencing apps have backgrounds that will replace everything in the frame except you, making it easier and faster to keep the focus on you.

8.) Put The App On Mute When Not Speaking

Unless your office is also soundproof or you live in the middle of nowhere, there’s a good chance that sounds from the outside world will get into your video call.

Whether it’s a pet, a child, or something like construction going on outside, you might not be able to stop those sounds.

But you can do some things to limit what other people hear. Start with the sound turned off. If you’re not talking, there’s no reason to have a microphone that can pick up even your breathing.

If you’re using a headset with a built-in mic, the mute button should be easy to find and use.

9.) Always Look At The Webcam To Show Your Engagement

When we talk to people in person, we naturally look them in the eyes. The same is true when we’re on a video call.

Look straight at the webcam if you want to seem interested, especially when it’s your turn to talk.

So, it looks like you’re looking at the person you’re talking to instead of like your eyes are somewhere else. If you followed our earlier tip on where to put your webcam, this might be a very small change.

10.)Improve Your Internet Connection

When video conferencing, it’s important to remember that not everyone has super-fast internet. Even with a high-speed internet connection, there is always a little bit of delay between real-time video conferencing.

So, unless you’re practicing a soliloquy, make sure to leave a little more time after questions and statements so that others can respond. No one wants to talk over other people, especially on a video call.

And since you worked so hard to look good on your call, you don’t want to ruin it by coming off as a bad listener by accident.

These Were The Top 10 Techniques To Improve Your Webcam Video Calls

By following or implementing all these techniques you will see some nice changes in your video calls. The pixels will now be brighter and smoother, your background will look classy and appealing.

In other words, your overall video call experience will be enhanced if you use these tips. If you have any suggestions regarding this write-up then you can share them with us by mentioning them in the comment section.