Walter Shillington Today I am running the Annke WX810 webcam though a series of tests, checking to see if this 4K camera can meet these requirements.
Description
This camera is 4.7 inches wide, 1.1 inches deep, 1 inch high, and weighs 4.9 ounces. It comes sheathed in a black brushed aluminum case.
Walter Shillington
Walter Shillington
A large camera lens faces forward alongside a pair of light sensors. Slots positioned at the far left and right note the position of the webcam’s microphones.
The USB-C port is mounted to the rear of the webcam. A standard clip mount is attached to the bottom.
This ultra-high-definition webcam streams at 30 frames per second, is equipped with autofocus, and features a 91-degree field of view.
Specifications
Brand: Annke Name: 4K Webcam Model: WX810 Weight: 125 grams (5.35 ounces) Dimension: 12 x 2.8 x 2.6 centimeters (4.7 x 1.1 x 1 inches) Max video resolution: 3840 × 2160 @ 30 fps/25 fps Lens: 3.6 mm fixed focal lens Field of view: horizontal FOV: 83°, vertical FOV: 53°, diagonal FOV: 91° Angle adjustment: pan: 0° to 360°; tilt: 0° to 90° Shutter time: NTSC: 1/30 s to 1/50,000 s (PAL: 1/25 s to 1/50,000 s) Min. illumination: 0.1 Lux @ (F1.2, AGC ON) Lens mount: M8 Angle of view: Horizontal FOV 102°, Vertical FOV 52°, Diagonal FOV 124° Cable: 2-meter USB-C to USB-C Wide dynamic range: Digital WDR Image enhancement: Distortion correction White balance: Auto Audio sampling rate: 16 kHz Video output: USB 3.0 Indicator: White indicates normal operation Operating system: Windows 8.1+ / Android 8.1+ / Linux 4.14+ / macOS 10.12+ / Chrome OS Audio: 2 built-in microphones Power supply: DC 5V ± 5% (USB) Power consumption: 4.5W max
Connectivity
The Annke WX810 attaches to a computer via a two-meter power and data cable. Because I worry that some nefarious entity might use my camera to spy on me, I installed a powered USB hub between the webcam and my computer. When finished with the webcam, I simply turn off the hub. Walter Shillington Setup proved straightforward as my Windows operating system automatically loaded the appropriate audio and video drivers.
Mounting System
Like most webcams, the Annke WX810 is fitted with a rubber-backed clip designed to perch the camera atop a wide variety of monitors and laptops. Perhaps because of its weight, this system held the camera more steadily than others I tested. The clip can also be mounted to a tripod. Walter Shillington Walter Shillington
Video
The Annke WX810 provides a 91-degree viewing angle. This presents a view wide enough to include several people without inducing a fisheye effect Walter Shillington Using the Cam In software, I experimented with varying illumination levels, capturing a series of still shots. During a follow-up Facebook video chat, I repeated this experiment as my associate monitored her screen, commenting on each result. My Vogek grow light provided the illumination necessary to conduct these tests. This device is fitted with three sets of dimmable LEDs connected to flexible arms. Backlighting for this experiment was contributed by a wall-mounted lamp, a side window with its blinds closed, and sunlight passing through the open doorway behind my chair. This webcam appears to be engineered to work best in low to normal light levels. When bright sunlight is introduced, faded images and shiny skin surfaces result. I felt the video stream appeared most lifelike during daytime hours with limited backlighting and one lamp at half its maximum brilliance. My associate, who participated using her smartphone, was favorably impressed by the video streaming from the new webcam.
Audio
I set up a Facebook video chat to examine the characteristics of the webcam’s microphones. My associate remarked that my voice came across crisply and clearly. The blaring air purifier, muffled by the webcam’s noise-canceling microphones, went unnoticed.
Overall Impression
This webcam exhibits the appearance and feel of professional-level quality. It sits atop my monitor, providing a generous 91-degree field of vision without the expected fisheye effect. The microphones produce the strong and accurate output desired during long Zoom conferences, aided by good noise suppression. The video output is excellent; however, like all devices of this type, if you want superior results, time must be spent setting up the proper lighting. The Annke WX810 Webcam is recommended. This content reflects the personal opinions of the author. It is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and should not be substituted for impartial fact or advice in legal, political, or personal matters. © 2022 Walter Shillington
