Great {hardware} efficiency can generally be present in small units. AnkerWork hits that mark with its PowerConf C300 Webcam.
Primarily geared toward enterprise customers, this webcam is a stable alternative for the inventory digicam on typical laptops. Its twin stereo microphones and spectacular low-light capabilities make this Zoom Certified conferencing device a helpful residence workplace tech improve.
The PowerConf C300 simply connects out of the field to any laptop with no particular software program or setup required. You can obtain supporting software program from the AnkerWork web site to tweak settings, however many of those changes are pointless for typical workplace video conferencing wants.
The tiny black construction is particularly useful to pop over a low-resolution laptop computer cam lens or perch atop a bigger desktop monitor. It handles single-user and small-group convention conditions exceptionally properly, measuring 3.8 x 1.3 x 1.3 inches and weighing 4.2 ounces.
At $99.99, the PowerConf C300 Webcam provides premium service at a discount worth.
Lightweight Yet Powerful Performance
The C300 wants no exterior energy supply because it feeds from the hooked up laptop. It solely requires a single USB-C cable plugged immediately into the pc’s USB port or via a hub or adapter.
This small system collects voice enter via its two on-board microphones. The video picture is sharp and shiny and requires no handbook changes via software program or on-device controls.
I used to be particularly happy with the video high quality. Even with my workplace window blinds closed and the brilliant ceiling mild dimmed, convention companions reported clear pictures and sharp colours.
The 1080p digicam produces clear pictures and sharply outlined colours. (Photo by Author)
The twin microphone array does a satisfying job in small workplaces and confined areas. But a devoted speakerphone is a greater choice for optimum voice readability in massive convention rooms.
The webcam doesn’t have built-in audio system, so with out a speakerphone or different exterior sound system, the audio output will come from the host laptop’s speaker system. That could possibly be a difficulty to be used with laptops or low-end desktop programs.
Ideal Fields of View
When first launched in 2021, this webcam supplied one of many widest angles in a consumer-priced mannequin, capturing a 115-degree subject of view (FOV). That continues to be forward of the standard functionality discovered in lots of webcams as we speak, whether or not for enterprise or shopper use.
For occasion, FOVs of 60 levels seize one particular person sitting in entrance of a pc. Beyond that, 78 levels captures two folks going through a digicam mounted to a pc monitor. For enterprise functions, it takes an FOV of 90 levels to point out a whiteboard or a bunch of individuals seated at a convention room desk.
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By comparability, a great subject of view for streaming use is no less than 78 levels. So, the C300’s adjustable FOV presents customers nice flexibility.
Its sharp 1080p digicam can also be able to 720p or 360p capturing at 30 or 60 frames per second with a hard and fast digital zoom. In addition, its Auto Frame mode ensures you keep within the image in case you are animated or transfer round throughout convention calls.
AI know-how drives a number of the most helpful automated options, extending past body changes to paint correction. Self-frame retains your head in the midst of the display as you progress round. Auto-frame detects a number of people on-screen and adjusts the body accordingly.
Additionally, the webcam presents HDR to regulate the distinction between the lightest and darkest components of a picture and an anti-flicker characteristic to scale back flicker when recording underneath synthetic lighting.
Completing the suite of superior functionalities, the PowerConf C300 additionally comes outfitted with an auto-white-balance perform that routinely adjusts shade balances, delivering true-to-life colours and pure pores and skin tones.
Compelling Compact Design
Webcams are usually spherical or horizontal, with their final dimension and form dictated by the kind of options housed inside. The PowerConf system defies that technique by counting on synthetic intelligence to compact plenty of digital controls inside a easy, rectangular black field with spherical corners.
(Image Credit: AnkerWork)
Microphone pinholes sit at both finish of the centered lens, whereas an LED to the best of the lens reveals when the digicam is lively. The rear casing homes a single USB-C port.
A folding hinged black clip offers a base to carry the webcam to the highest of a monitor or laptop computer display or sit securely on a close-by flat floor. You can even screw in a mini tripod as a substitute.
A detachable plastic slide covers the lens for extra safety when the webcam shouldn’t be in use. (Photo by Author)
One of essentially the most helpful design options is a detachable plastic slide that permits you to simply cowl the lens for extra safety when the webcam shouldn’t be in use. In truth, a second equivalent slide piece is included as a alternative.
Useful Software Add-Ons
Although I primarily used this webcam on Linux and Chromebook computer systems, Anker solely helps — no less than with its software program enablement package deal — Windows and macOS. But sure, this webcam works on Chromebooks as properly.
In my expertise, Anker merchandise all the time work on all types of Chromebooks. Anker product documentation to date doesn’t announce this truth. The solely Chromebook limitation shouldn’t be having the ability to run the extra options and changes which are software-based.
It would behoove the producer to develop supporting software program for Linux and ChromeOS, as their above-par merchandise would probably appeal to a broader buyer base.
Some of the specialised options already work on their very own. However, the downloadable software program offers entry to all personalized settings, together with these for the display, subject of view, and firmware updates.
You can use the software program to modify amongst Custom, Personal, Live Streamer, and Conference Room modes for one-click changes.
Bottom Line
The AnkerWork PowerConf C300 Webcam is a compact powerhouse, delivering distinctive efficiency in a modern plastic shell.
Just open the field, plug within the USB cable, and you’re able to teleconference. It offers nice usability at a really reasonably priced worth.
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