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Counter-intuitively, video is secondary to audio. If you have well-developed slides or are demoing software, for example, you may not need a camera feed at all. Indeed, it might only distract from the material you're presenting.
However, while a camera may not be a necessity, it's frequently useful. Appearing on camera can help your students feel some instructor presence. And for material that isn't especially visual, you may want to appear on screen to explain it directly.
Of course, to capture a video, you'll need a camera. While it's possible to hook up professional cameras to your computer, this is a costly measure for advanced users. Most people will rely on a webcam.
What is a webcam?
What is a webcam?
This may seem like an obvious question, but it's worth discussing the things that distinguish a webcam from more traditional cameras. Generally, a webcam:
Cannot record and save footage internally.
Has fixed optics. You will not be able to optically zoom or switch lenses.
Offers a wide field of view.
Is built into a computer or connects directly to computers via USB rather than a dedicated video connection like HDMI.
Webcams are associated with lower-quality footage, but in theory they can be quite high-quality, even if their size and lenses still limit them compared to larger cameras.
Choosing a webcam
Choosing a webcam
If you have a laptop, it probably has a webcam built-in. Most built-in webcams are not the best quality, so you may be interested in purchasing a dedicated webcam. However, the improvements to image quality will be more marginal than what a dedicated microphone provides for audio. Image quality will depend much more on factors external to the camera, such as camera placement and lighting.
Almost all webcams will connect to your computer via USB, and most also have a built-in microphone. (Though this is usually low quality. We recommend a dedicated microphone for your recordings.) Though many different webcam options are available, the Logitech C920 is a popular, reliable choice we feel confident in recommending.
Camera placement
Camera placement
If you’re using a laptop, the position of the built-in webcam can result in an unflattering low angle. Try raising your laptop with a stand or even just a stack of books.
A webcam placed at a low angle (left) and at eye level (right).
Other camera settings
Other camera settings
Image processing
Image processing
Many recording and video call programs now offer options to process your video by blurring or replacing your background, smoothing skin, and adjusting lighting.
Like many cosmetic enhancements, these should be handled with a light touch, as they can quickly look artificial. But they can be helpful. Background blur in particular can protect your privacy or hide a background that may not look ideal.
Newer Macs have some of these features built into the operating system. When a piece of software starts using your camera, an icon will appear in the menu bar that offers several video effects.
"Portrait" blurs your background, while "Studio Light" dims the background so you appear more prominent. Together, these can have a significant impact on your image. You'll need to adjust these to taste depending on your environment.
The default webcam image.
The webcam image with Apple's "Portrait" and "Studio Light" settings enabled.
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