Video chat is no longer reserved for the occasional catch-up with a friend from far away; it has become an everyday form of communication. From virtual meetings and job interviews to online classes and collaboration, everything depends on video chat in one way or another. One thing that matters the most in online video chat is the quality of your video chat setup because it impacts how well you are perceived by others.
Low-resolution video, distorted audio, and poor lighting can turn a simple video call into a frustrating experience. To fix these issues and prevent the other person from having a full-of-hassle video chat experience, there are accessories available that can increase your online video chat quality significantly. So let us explore some essential accessories for high-quality video chat that will help you look and sound your best.
1. External WebCam
If you are using a smartphone for video chat, then it is fine and you don’t need any kind of upgrade. However, if you are using a laptop or PC for video chat, then you definitely need an external webcam. Most laptops come with built-in webcams, but these webcams deliver subpar image quality. To achieve a crisp and clear image quality while video chatting, you need to invest in a high-quality external webcam.
There are various webcams available in the market but look for a webcam that supports at least 1080p HD resolution. If you want a more premium one, you can go for 4K. Other features to consider include autofocus, low-light correction, and a wide-angle lens.
2. Ring Light or LED Lighting Panel
Great lighting can make all the difference in video chat quality. Relying on natural light or overhead room lighting cannot lead to good visuals because these can cast harsh shadows or make you look dull. Having a ring light or LED lighting panel can provide you with that smooth and superior image quality that you were looking for. The benefit of having a ring light or LED light is that these can evenly distribute light across your face, and you can adjust the brightness, and customize the color temperature to get an illuminated, professional look.
3. External Microphone
Just as high-quality video is important, crystal-clear audio is as important too. Sometimes, crystal-clear audio is even more important because people can tolerate a slightly blurry or low-quality image, but if audio is muffled, echoey, or full of noise, then it can frustrate other people. Invest in a high-quality external microphone that can provide crystal-clear audio. Add a pop filter or foam cover to eliminate background and ambient noise.
4. Tripod or Webcam Mount
Although it is usually overlooked, a tripod or webcam mount is quite useful for online video chat because the best webcam won’t help much if it is angled awkwardly or is constantly shifting. Investing in a sturdy tripod or webcam mount can ensure that your camera stays stable while video calling so there is no awkward camera angle or constant shifting. For small spaces, you can choose a mini desktop tripod, while for laptops, you can choose flexible mounts that clip to your monitor easily.
5. Background Screen or Green Screen
Your background can say a lot about you during video chats. Having a cluttered or distracting background can steal attention and divert the attention of the other person. So, having a background screen or green screen comes in handy, as it can help to create a clean and professional backdrop and enables the use of virtual backgrounds on platforms like MS Teams or Zoom without distortion.
