Every week, I attend a number of digital conferences with each colleagues and professionals from different firms. With this being the case, it is necessary to me that I’ve an excellent webcam that may show me with good image high quality. Fortunately, in relation to selecting one of the best webcam for PC and laptop computer, we actually aren’t starved for choices. However there are additionally so many selections that it may be exhausting to know which of them to go along with.
I’ve spent the final week utilizing the EPOS S6 4K webcam and in that point I’ve discovered that whereas it is not excellent it does provide a number of perks that make it an awesome choice for most individuals.
EPOS S6: Value and specs
EPOS S6 4K Webcam
Value: $199
Decision: As much as 4K (2160p)
FoV: 90°, 78°, 60°
Connectivity: USB-A 3.0 | USB-C 3.0 cable
Dimensions: 58.4 x 42.5 x 29.4 mm
System: PC, Mac OSX
The EPOS S6 has an MSRP of $199 and might be bought at each Amazon and the EPOS web site. It is nonetheless a comparatively new product to the market, so it hasn’t seen any severe gross sales or reductions so far, however that might change as time goes on. 4K webcams usually vary from $60 to $300+ relying on the options and conveniences they provide. As such, the EPOS S6 is comparatively costly when in comparison with different 4K webcams, however it additionally features extra reliably than cheaper choices.
As an organization, EPOS is greatest recognized for its audio units — particularly gaming headsets. So seeing it produce a 4K webcam is just a little little bit of a change of tack from what is common. Nonetheless, the corporate has an excellent status and produces high quality units, so seeing it broaden its merchandise would not give me pause. If something, a webcam is smart as a stepping out level because it nonetheless makes use of audio options.
EPOS S6: Design
One thing I really like in regards to the EPOS S6 is that it appears to be like skilled and would not look unusual or distracting like another webcams on the market. Relatively than being extensive and squat, it has extra of a compact dice form, and the big lens virtually offers it the look of a tiny projector.
It conveniently comes with each a USB-A to USB-C cable and a USB-A 3.0 to USB-C cable, making it work with a greater variety of units. The factor I used to be stunned to search out within the field was the exhausting shell carrying case. It’s padded inside to securely maintain the EPOS S6 with out damaging it. Plus, there’s a mesh pocket that is giant sufficient to carry the cable mandatory for plugging it right into a laptop computer or PC tower.
Bodily privateness shutters are a should for me, in relation to webcam peace of thoughts, so I used to be pleased to search out that the EPOS S6 has a dial on high that opens or closes the shutter over the lens relying on which manner I flip it. Moreover, a easy white mild activates to the left of the lens at any time when the digital camera is capturing video, so I can simply inform if I may be in somebody’s view.
The EPOS S6 has a dial on high that opens or closes the shutter over the lens relying on which manner I flip it.
I did not need to prep something earlier than utilizing the EPOS S6, since arrange is so simple as plug-and-play, with no software program or divers wanted for performance. There are two means by which to mount the webcam. It contains a built-in adjustable clip that permits it to be positioned on high of a monitor and adjusted primarily based on the angle of the mount.
Moreover, a 1/4-inch mounting thread on the underside makes it suitable with most mounting arm screws. My solely downside with this setup was that I used to be in the course of testing a monitor once I acquired the EPOS S6. It match on the flat monitor properly sufficient, however once I swapped to an ultrawide curved monitor, I discovered that the EPOS S6’s mounting clamp could not open extensive sufficient to carry itself up on the highest center of the thick show casing. Luckily, I used to be capable of get round this centering subject due to EPOS’ free software program, which I will talk about within the subsequent part.
EPOS S6: Image high quality
The EPOS S6 4K webcam presents nice image high quality with crisp particulars and good colour. It mechanically adjusts lighting when it detects darkish imagery to point out me off higher. Moreover, every little thing is proven in right proportions with no fisheye or different distortions.
Nonetheless, as with most webcams, if it will get too darkish, there is not a lot that the EPOS S6 can do to assist the scenario. In dimmer lighting, it was very simple to see movement blur and even trails following my motions. However with a purpose to get one of the best image high quality of any webcam, you actually must be in a well-lit space anyway.
You may recall that I mentioned earlier that I could not get the EPOS S6 to carry itself on the highest center of my 49-inch ultrawide curved monitor. The truth is, I needed to place it 5 inches in from the tip of the monitor, which initially put me at a skewed angle. Nonetheless, by downloading the free companion software program, EPOS Join, I used to be capable of zoom in and modify the main focus of the seize in order that the digital camera confirmed me as centered.
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This useful program has three default zoom choices Large View, Default, or Shut Up and in every of those choices, I can use the Pan & Tilt buttons to regulate precisely the place the digital camera focuses. EPOS Join additionally has a number of different easy settings for adjusting lighting and the temperature of captures, however the Superior settings space offers extra handbook management for adjusting brightness, distinction, hue, saturation, sharpness, publicity, white steadiness, and zoom. From right here, I may even select whether or not Anti Flicker is disabled, at 50 Hz or at 60 Hz.
It is not essentially the most refined program, however EPOS Join simply permits me to make sufficient changes to enhance how I look on digital camera.
EPOS S6: Microphone
There are two microphones, one on both facet of the EPOS S6 lens. I examined out how properly these twin mics seize sound by getting suggestions from digital assembly attendees and by recording my voice and listening to the way it sounded. As I would anticipate from a gaming headset producer, the microphones are actually good so long as they’re considerably near my face. Nonetheless, when the digital camera is located on high of my monitor (a couple of foot from my face) there’s a distinct echo from my voice bouncing across the room. So, ideally, it is best to make use of the microphone shut up, however that is may not be conducive to all monitor or laptop computer setups.
Since these are noise-canceling microphones, I particularly made it so my robotic vacuum was operating in my workplace whereas recording myself after which listened to the audio. Nonetheless, the microphone both didn’t block out any of the distracting noises, or a minimum of did not do sufficient to enhance the scenario.
After all, webcam microphones are supposed to be extra utilitarian relatively than being the optimum audio resolution. If you would like your voice to be carried to others in one of the best ways doable, then you definitely’ll wish to buy probably the greatest microphones for PC and use it as a companion to your webcam.
EPOS S6: Competitors
As Zac Bowden acknowledged in his Logitech BRIO 4K webcam overview, this digital camera helps a crisp and clear picture. It is certainly not a brand new product, however it’s nonetheless an awesome selection for anybody wanting a 4K webcam with HDR expertise. The built-in mount clip opens wider than the EPOS S6’s and may thus work with extra screens and laptops. Plus, this webcam comes with a tripod, USB-C to USB-A cable, and a carrying bag for straightforward toting. When model new it had an MSRP of $229, however because it’s now not the newest product it might typically be discovered promoting for round $150 on Amazon.
Now if you happen to’re particularly in search of an excellent streaming webcam then why not go along with Elgato, the corporate that is recognized for its seize playing cards. As Miles Dompier mentioned in our Elgato FaceCam Professional overview, this webcam’s “strong decision choices with 60fps help make this a unbelievable choose for rookie {and professional} content material creators alike.” It is vitally costly, nonetheless, and can set you again $299.99 at Elgato’s web site.
EPOS S6: Do you have to purchase it?
You can purchase it if…
You shouldn’t purchase it if…
Anybody who steadily attends digital conferences will recognize the superb image high quality of the EPOS S6. Colours show precisely, particulars come via crisply, there isn’t a fisheye distortion, and the webcam mechanically reduces background noise. What’s extra, you’ll be able to have extra management over how you’re displayed through the free EPOS Join app, which gives fast and superior settings choices. As an added perk, anybody who often travels however nonetheless must attend digital calls will recognize the safe carrying case which contains a exhausting shell, mesh pocket for the cable, and form-fitting padding for the digital camera.
Actually, the one causes for pause are the webcam’s considerably excessive pricing and the restricted adjustability of the built-in mount. There are positively cheaper choices on the market, however that is dependable and can work properly. Nonetheless, in case your monitor casing is thicker than normal, then you definitely may not be capable to get the digital camera to take a seat the place you need it.
With its means to seize crisp particulars and nice colour, the EPOS S6 is a dependable webcam on your residence laptop or touring laptop computer. Plus, the compact form and included exhausting shell case make it very simple to tote round on the go.
