Last update on 2024-04-28 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
Nowadays, most cameras contain either an optic zoom lens or a digital zoom lens.
Acquiring a camera with a zoom lens opens up a whole new world of opportunities as far as shooting videos and capturing images are concerned.
But with many tech enthusiasts ditching traditional cameras for webcams, manufacturers have had to keep up with the trends by upgrading the products to fit the needs of their clientele.
This brings us to the big question – do webcams have zoom lenses? Let’s find out.
Do webcams have zoom lenses?
Yes, most webcams come equipped with digital zoom or optical zoom lenses. These webcams allow you to zoom in closer to the subject or object of focus.
When you zoom in or out, the webcam will either move the lens physically to increase focal length (optical zoom) or enlarge the pixels at the center of the lens to magnify the subject (digital zoom).
Whether you buy a webcam with optical zoom or digital zoom, they both perform the same function albeit using different mechanisms.
The main point is that you are able to zoom in or out using your zoomable webcam.
Do Logitech webcams zoom?
Logitech manufactures a wide range of webcams, with the latest releases coming with zoom lenses.
Previous webcam versions did not have a zoomable lens. However, with the demand for zoomable webcams on the rise, Logitech started producing webcams that have zoomable lenses.
Now, it is very rare to find a Logitech webcam that doesn’t zoom. Nearly all Logitech webcams are able to zoom 5x – 10x.
Why get a zoomable webcam?
Whether it’s for professional video calls, webinars, or gaming, obtaining a webcam equipped with a zoom lens is always a solid investment.
A zoomable webcam allows you to capture more details by magnifying the scene in your video streaming. This is important when dealing with large conference halls and auditoriums.
Ideally, you can zoom in and out depending on the needs of your audience.
Also, you can increase your focus on a particular subject or object without having to move your webcam physically from its mounted position.
Other scenarios where a zoomable webcam is important are when:
- Recording live shows
- Covering board meetings
- Live streaming in large halls and auditoriums
- Covering webinars
How to zoom in and out on your webcam?
You can zoom in or out manually using the + or – button on the webcam. Some webcam brands come with physical buttons integrated on the side of the camera.
Others come with handheld remote controls that you can use to operate your camera. Using this remote control, you can zoom in or out, pan, or tilt the camera accordingly.
Alternatively, you can zoom in or out using the desktop or laptop app that came with your webcam.
Some webcams like Logitech come with an all-in-one content creation suite that allows you to zoom in and out seamlessly from your Windows or Mac PC.
4 Best Zoomable Webcams
Logitech PTZ Pro 2
Last update on 2024-04-28 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
If you are searching for one of the best webcams with an optical zoom lens, then the Logitech PTZ Pro 2 camera is a smart choice.
Logitech has a reputation for manufacturing high-quality gadgets, so it is not surprising that this webcam tops the list.
The cam creates a life-like video experience, thanks to its premium optics, sharp image resolution, and optical accuracy.
The webcam is extremely clear to the extent that every virtual meeting seems as if you were sitting with your audience in the same room.
With this 1080p HD webcam, you can pan, tilt, and zoom with relative ease. Its zoom function is simply incredible thanks to its 10x optical zoom that allows you to capture every detail in HD.
The best part is that you don’t have to move the zoom lens physically.
The webcam comes with a remote control that allows you to zoom in or out seamlessly during your meetings and video conferences.
Despite its highly sophisticated features, this zoomable webcam is very easy to set up.
In fact, you don’t have to do anything else other than connecting the camera to the USB port on your laptop or conference room computer.
Pros
- A premium zoomable lens with sharp image quality
- Three preset pan, tilt, and zoom settings
- Plug and play setup with multiple mounting options
- Compatible with all meeting and conferencing applications
- Available at an affordable price
Cons
- The robotics are somewhat noisy when zooming in or out
NexiGo 2K
Last update on 2024-04-28 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
The NexiGo 2K Zoomable Webcam with Sony Sensor is an excellent choice for those looking for a good alternative to Logitech cameras.
The webcam features a 1 5-megapixel zoomable lens combined with a Sony Starvis image sensor for ultra-sharp HD videos and images.
Its 3X digital zoom touch control allows you to zoom in or out to three different levels depending on the length of your conference room.
Besides, the digital zoom supports resolutions in full HD up to 1080p@30fps, thus guaranteeing high-quality images during your video conferences.
The webcam is widely compatible with a range of devices and applications. You can use it with popular apps like Skype, Zoom, Twitch, and YouTube.
It also works with devices like Xbox for gaming streaming.
The auto-focus and auto image correction work wonders by intelligently tracking your face all the time throughout your meetings or video calls, ensuring that you always remain in focus.
The only slight issue is that this webcam does not come with a remote control for zooming in or out, meaning you have to zoom manually using the button on the side of the camera.
Pros
- Offers three different levels of zooming (3X digital zoom)
- Autofocus and image correction keeps your face in focus
- Supports a wide range of devices and applications
- Comes with a privacy shutter to keep spies at bay
Cons
- Does not have a remote control for zooming
- The webcam is a bit pricey
Logitech BRIO Ultra HD
Last update on 2024-04-28 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
The Logitech BRIO Ultra HD Webcam is the ultimate camera for business video meetings and conferences.
This premium camera provides 4k ultra high definition videos at a frame rate of 30 fps. It works with HD 1080 and HD 720p at frame rates ranging from 30-90 fps.
It can also zoom up to 5X in HD with impeccable clarity and focus.
The adjustable field of view makes this webcam worth buying.
Whether you want the camera to focus on your face or to provide a full context to the room, the Logitech Brio is up to the task with your demands.
You can choose from three fields of view presets to give your audience the perfect view during your meetings.
You do not have to worry about low lighting or high contrasting conditions. The Logitech BRIO webcam uses RightLight™ and HDR technology to capture the best images in any lighting environment.
The webcam also comes with two omnidirectional microphones on either side of the camera, meaning you don’t have to buy a mic separately. Moreover, the noise-canceling mics capture your voice in stereo while filtering out background noise.
Pros
- Equipped with dual noise-canceling microphones
- 5X HD zoom lens for outstanding detail and clarity
- Three adjustable fields of view for sharper focus
- Low light capability
- Powered by infrared and optical sensors
Cons
- The webcam has a high price tag
Tenveo 30X-USB PTZ
Last update on 2024-04-28 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
If you want to cover large business meetings and conferences, then you need a zoomable webcam that can do the job perfectly.
The Tenveo 10X-USB PTZ Webcam is the ultimate professional video conferencing camera.
This webcam supports up to 20 participants at once in one video window, covering large spaces such as churches or classrooms.
You can also use it for telemedicine, distance learning, distance training, and teleconferencing
Its optical zoom lens can zoom in or out up to 10x without distorting picture quality, and it delivers a life-like face-to-face experience for everyone in the video conference.
Setting up this 30x optical zoom webcam is very easy. All you have to do is to plug it in into the USB port of your laptop or desktop.
Moreover, it comes with a remote control that you can use to operate the camera. The camera can pan to 340 degrees, tilt to 120 degrees and zoom 10x with the touch of a few buttons on the remote.
Even though it’s a bit pricey compared to other zoomable webcams, you get what you pay for when you add this camera to your inventory.
Its quality is incomparable to other webcams in its class, thanks to the wide range of professional features it has to offer.
Pros
- Can zoom 10x making it ideal for large meetings
- Can pan, tilt, and zoom with the touch of a button
- Comes with a remote control for easy operation
- Very easy to set up (plug and play)
- Compatible with various devices and applications
Cons
- The price of the webcam is on the higher end
Final thoughts and best pick
Buying a webcam that has a zoom lens has become more important than ever, particularly in this era of digital technology.
With a zoomable webcam, you can show more details in your live recordings, webinars, Skype calls, and video conferencing.
With that said, choosing the best pick from the list above is quite a challenge since all of them have very impressive features.
After thorough deliberations, the Logitech BRIO Ultra HD Webcam is our best pick of the day. This zoomable webcam has everything you need for professional video calls and live streaming sessions.
