review – I’m always looking for new webcams. I’m currently looking for a good webcam to take with me when I leave my desk and mount the webcam on a monitor stand. Let’s see how the CyberAcoustics Essential (WC-3000) webcam works and if it has a place in my travel kit.
What is it?
The Cyber Acoustics Essential (WC-3000) is a 5 MP (2592 x 1944) webcam with an integrated cable and monitor clip. CyberAcoustics Essential features two integrated microphones and a mechanical privacy shutter.
What’s in the box?
The Cyber Acoustics Essential (WC-3000) webcam only comes with the camera and a multi-page folded reference guide. It’s nice, simple, and important.
Hardware Specifications*
* Quoted from the official CyberAcoustics documentation
- High resolution HD video (2592 x 1944 @ 30fps)
- 5MP
- HD Autofocus and Light Correction
- Dual omnidirectional surround microphones
- wide diagonal field of view
- Integral Swivel Privacy Blinds
- Universal Monitor Stand
- Plug and Play USB for easy operation
- Automatic low light correction
- Video Resolution:
2592×1944@30fps
1920×1080@30fps
1280×720@30fps
640×480@30fps
Design and Features
An in-depth description of the product and its features. This is the point of your comment. If you want to add additional subheadings to the main section of your comment, use H3 headings (using the dropdown menu set to Paragraph by default). Here are some examples you might want to use, but you can delete them if you don’t need them.
set up
Setting up the CyberAcoustics Essential (WC-3000) webcam was as simple as clipping the camera to my laptop and plugging the USB cable into a USB-A port on my computer. Windows immediately recognized the camera and installed the appropriate generic driver.
Astute readers will note that this is not a laptop. I managed to delete photos of the camera I was using on my laptop. I lent the camera to my son because his camera was dead so I had to sneak into his room while he was at school and sneak a few pictures while trying not to trip over my ankle.
Performance
To actually use the camera, I have to simply rotate the privacy shutter back, and then, I’m using the less candid camera.
closure
The Cyber Acoustics Essential (WC-3000) webcam outperformed some other cameras in the same price range that I reviewed. I’ve been using a camera with a wider field of view as my main camera for the past 18 months, so it’s a little weird to see myself up close. This webcam performs well for basic business video calls and personal video conferencing (certainly better than the camera integrated into my laptop). Even if the camera is 5 MP, I don’t want to use it for large rooms because of the standard field of view (people at the edge of the room will be cut off). I can’t really evaluate the auto white balance function, but the autofocus works well. I did have some issues using the camera in dark work areas (just vintage work lights), but the WC-3000 outperformed other cameras in the same price range.
I was able to successfully use the CyberAcoustics Essential (WC-3000) webcam with Skype, Zoom and Teams. I spend the most time on Zoom because that’s what I use for coaching.
I shot some video clips to test how it could be used to record educational videos, but I wasn’t happy with the quality of the video compared to my current desktop camera.
My only gripe with the camera is the integrated cable (which I can live with) and the integrated (and non-removable) monitor clip. I would love to see a detachable mount so I can attach it to the arm using a standard threaded mount without messing with the universal monitor clips or replacing the clips if they break (honestly, I probably Just build a new installation solution of LEGO bricks).
what do I like
what can be improved
- I would like to see a detachable monitor clip
- Better low light performance.
final thoughts
The Cyber Acoustics Essential (WC-3000) webcam had a place in my travel kit, but I had to ditch it for a home webcam that ended prematurely. I can recommend this webcam as an entry-level camera for those who want to use it for personal use at a desk at traditional light levels (such as in an office or a well-lit room), but I find it less suitable for low light or conference room use.
price: $54.99
where to buy: Amazon
source: This product sample is provided by network acoustics.
