The ACTUAL Best Webcams | Opal C1 vs Insta360 Link

I’ve used the Sony ZV-1 camera as a webcam for months now. But it’s just not practical to have a $700+ camera attached to the top of my monitor. So, in my search for a decent webcam, we pitched the Opal C1 against the Insta360 Link and the Logitech C920. We test the image and sound quality, look into focussing issues and investigate the user experience. Marketed as the ‘first professional webcam’, the C1 fell very, very short!

#PETEMATHESON #techreview #tech #bestwebcam #webcams #c920 #insta360 #opalc1

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My name is Pete and from 2011, I started and grew an IT Support and Services Company from £0 to over £1m in turnover before selling the business in 2020. New video's every Wednesday and Saturday! I upload vlogs, tech reviews, how-to / behind the scenes technology videos.

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Disclosures: All opinions are my own. Some links in the descriptions are affiliate links that if you click on, I’ll receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

--SMPOST--DSLR Quality in a webcam...REALLY?!

[LencoTB]

One of the better videos I’ve yet seen for comparing both the audio quality and video quality for webcam. Audio quality I just as important. Super nice touch with the thermometer 🌡️ What is the monitor you are using at 4:17 and how does it look like it is floating in the air?

[Vrashful]

Nice video. I was an early backer of c1 and I absolutely hate their software updates. Something always breaks. It’s a shame that I am inclined to throw it away and get the instalink

[_Cosmic]

I wonder if this cam zoom in/out on every angle you choose it to zoom in/out? or this gesture works only when your face is in frame?

[StephanAinley]

I definitely need to find the resources to get this for my classroom. Lots of options for a teacher here.

[hugosanina]

Hi, can I use two or more insta360 for streaming? Can the camera software handle two or more cameras ?

[swirefamily]

Thank you, Pete! I loved my Opal at first and thought I had found gold, but I've been more and more frustrated and their customer service is super weak. It's overheated and always hot. It drags and doesn't focus properly as you mentioned. I also don't want a full DSLR setup as I have three Mac Studio displays side by side and no room for that - I want a clean setup!

I've just spent the last 4 hours trying to fix my opal and connection to my screengrab software and vocal chain via UA Apollo Twin and their software. Ugh, so many issues. So, so many issues.

I'm going to try the Insta360 Link and I do hope it works as you share. Thank you.

[deanwilliams]

Love the honesty of your review. So many simps for that Opal C1 and it has the worst software. Can't believe people would pay $300 USD for it

[stevew]

The built-in mics from the Insta360 sound somewhat hollow and have a slightly echo-chamber effect.

[nicholasboule]

What’s crazy is the M2 MacBook looked only about a half step down from the insta360

[meleekat]

try out the razer kiyo ultra pro thing its basically a dslr camera

[GentleBones]

This is a really well done video, nice work.

[markreynolds]

Pete, you're so in tune with my thinking. I've got that exact Sony cam that you mentioned at the beginning, and for ages have wanted a web cam alternative to make the whole process more simple etc. I've had the C920 for years and want to replace it because it doesn't deal with light too well and surely tech has moved on in that I'm amazed by the number of updated/new articles online, and videos that still say it's one of the best. I love that in the first minute or so, you honesty shone through. You're awesome, I look forward to meeting you one day 😆

[hugooblak]

So you recommend the Insta360 over the Logitech Brio and Facecam Pro?

[duckielouise]

Great review! I have the Opal C1 and have found that after using the "focus lock" feature, you can stay in focus - just not going to be like the ZV1's continuous auto focus. The light and relative exposure settings on the camera make a huge difference on the dynamic range performance and color / image. Once you get the settings dialed in, the Opal DOES perform - in my opinion.

I don't love that it's still in Beta - and no Windows support though, so I'm definitely looking into this Link here soon.

[BradsHacks]

When a Chinese company (such as Insta360) suddenly comes out with a product that blows the competition out of the water performance-wise, yet offers it for cheaper, and throws in a crazy feature that existing companies didn't even entertain the idea of implementing, I call it... THE SHENZHEN EFFECT

[Nestor]

question: does the zoom and AI tracking works during zooms calls?, it feels like they only work while doing a local recording

[innovatoTV]

The Insta360 looks v.interesting. Have you ever looked at the MEVO range, had that on my wish list for a while. I realise their Multicam options more forgive streamers etc but even a single unit seems pretty impressive. PS I'm not affiliated in any way... :)

[JasonDouce]

Are there any alternatives to the insta360 link that has similar things like ( motion tracking via the camera physically moving + ai tracking software with gestures ) that may be worth looking into ?

[douglashornell-scott]

Pete - seriously considering this but would you recommend an external mic to use with this? I do a lot of zoom / teams calls so I’m looking at a better quality mic. My current set up is an iMac 27” late 2014 when I’m in the office. Still using the inbuilt camera but for mic and headset, my air pod pros. I love my iMac which I’ve recently upgraded and it’s perfect for my needs so no plans for change. When I’m out and about, have an iPad Pro with keyboard.

[FelixNielsen]

I must admit that some of the features, are not just gimmicks, however, I'm still not convinced in regards to the image quality, and if that's not exceptional at that price, everything else is irrelevant.