In today’s world, audio and video communication via the internet is omnipresent. Be it for web conferences, training courses, live streaming or multi-client team meetings, it makes sense to use a dedicated camera for capturing and transmitting video - and the most obvious and lightweight choice with which to do so is the webcam. The Swissonic Webcam 2 Full-HD AF is a simple plug&play camera which requires hardly any installation, and can work at high resolutions straight out of the box. It is connected and powered via USB. A handy USB-C adaptor is included so that the most recent apparatus can be hooked up - including smartphones, via a dedicated application.
The Swissonic Webcam 2 Full-HD has a resolution of 1920x1080 and transmits at 30 frames per second. It includes an integrated stereo microphone good enough to ensure clear sound transmission during web conferences for example. The lens has a standard range which is roughly equivalent to a focal length of 38mm on a full-frame camera. It is also auto-focus. The provided camera holder allows the webcam to be easily fixed either onto a monitor, a regular threaded camera tripod, or simply placed on a table. A protective cover which pulls down in front of the lens allows the camera to be kept safe from damage at all times during transport. It can also help avoid unintentionally transferring images if, unbeknownst to the user, the camera is active. A 1.35m long USB cable is also supplied, a good compromise between length and transportability.
Webcams such as the Swissonic Webcam 2 are suited to pretty much any form of audio and visual communication via the internet, such as work-related web meetings or for anyone wishing to talk to their family on the phone via Skype while being live on video at the same time. They will also benefit streamers wishing to include a video of themselves alongside their on-screen content. Set-up and operation, especially with the auto-focus function, is simple. The Swissonic Webcam 2 can be easily operated on a multitude of platforms and systems by beginners who have little to no camera knowledge. Due to the slightly narrower angle of the image, little background is shown during transmission. Those feeling uncomfortable with webcam lenses that cannot be properly shut off will certainly appreciate the cover included with this model.
Launched in 1998, Swissonic is an in-house brand operated by Thomann. Swissonic's range of electronic and digital devices are built to precise specifications by well-known manufacturers and are thus available at very favourable prices via direct marketing without distributors. Swissonic mainly focuses on devices for use in conjunction with a computer. The product range therefore includes interfaces, webcams, monitoring speakers, MIDI keyboards, and routers but also sound converters and rack-mounted electronic equipment. Swissonic thus provides an extensive wide range of affordable equipment for computer and home studio-based sound processing.
The quality of digital cameras in general has greatly improved in recent years, and webcams are no exception. So it is no surprise that certain webcams, including this model from Swissonic, are Full HD capable. This makes for clear and detailed images, ideal for modern web conferences and internet telephony – while showing little background in the process. In keeping with the latest video standards, the picture quality is excellent and surpasses not only that of most integrated laptop webcams, but also that of many smartphone cameras. The flexible mounting options, whether the tripod or the monitor clamp, allow the camera to be optimally positioned thanks to the included swivel and pivot joints. Add all these benefits, particularly the lens cover and auto-focus function, to an attractive pricing point – and it could make perfect sense to upgrade from an older webcam.