Read This Before Wasting Your Money on a New Webcam
Your Logitech C920 Might Live Another Day
Whether you’re a sales bro hungry for your bonus, a freelancer hustling to charm new clients, or a remote worker navigating the digital office — your peace of mind might just depend on how well you come off on video calls. If you’re aiming to unlock the vault of infinite riches and power (check our previous article to find out why), it’s time to up your video call game. So, what can you do to ace your video calls, convert those leads, and earn that cheese?
Before you get rid of your Logitech C920 in exchange for a significantly more expensive webcam, hol’up. Trust me, I’ve tested pretty much every popular webcam on the market — you can check out my deep dive on the top picks here.
So… What’s Wrong?
It’s all about the light! Most of us without some type of content creation background overlook this problem, but the reality is that more often than not, you are better off adding a ring light, key light or light bar to your setup before a new webcam, because without proper lighting, even the most advanced webcam won’t deliver clear, professional video.
When your home office setup room is dark, webcams struggle to capture clear images, leading to grainy, washed-out footage that can obscure facial expressions and nonverbal cues — key elements of effective communication. Too much backlighting can turn you into a silhouette, robbing the frame of detail and depth. Without adequate, well-placed lighting, even the best webcams can suck, resulting in a video that’s not only unflattering but also unprofessional, making it hard for others to connect and engage with you during video calls.
What Are You Missing Out On?
So, what is your crappy lighting setup (or lack of) costing you?
1. Missed non-verbal cues
Facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, and body language are important aspects of communication. They help us convey emotions, intentions, and feedback. Low quality video calls can make it hard to see or interpret these things, and this can lead to misunderstandings and confusion. It also makes it tougher for the viewer to connect on a human level with you. When you’re on camera, you want whomever is on the other side to be able to feel empathy for you.
2. Engagement
The human brain can struggle to decipher all the mixed or muddled signals of a low quality video call to the point where people are not even listening to what’s being said.
3. Trust
Good quality video calls can help build trust and rapport with others. Low quality video calls can undermine that trust. A dodgy-looking video might make people perceive you as less reliable, credible, or professional.
Quick Word on Non-verbal cues
Let’s pause for a moment to consider an important aspect about non-verbal cues, although it overlaps quite a bit with engagement and trust, as well. We’re talking about micro-expressions; those brief, involuntary facial expressions that reveal hidden emotions. In video calls just as much as in real life meetings, micro-expressions can play a crucial role in making sure your clients , colleagues, or partners connect with you.
Micro-expressions can help the observer read between the lines, understand the true meaning behind what you’re saying and hold their attention, both of which are super important to make a good impression and maintain your online charm. Remember this for when the webcam is on you! It stands to reason then, that if you are dealing with video call quality that’s too weak to convey your micro-expressions, you are depriving the online world of your flawless rizz.
Shedding Light on the Solution: Easy Tips to Enhance Your Video Call Lighting
Now that we’ve pinpointed lighting as the unsung hero of video calls, let’s dive into what you can do to take your video presence to the next level. If you really want to level up, I’d suggest you look into lighting products for your setup — working on a full buying guide, follow us so you don’t end up wasting your money on a sub-par solution. In the meantime, here’s some zero cost tips you can put into action straight away:
1. Embrace Natural Light
Natural light can be your best ally, but only if used correctly. Avoid being backlit; having a bright window behind you can plunge your face into darkness. If possible, try to re-arrange your setup so that your natural light source (aka window) is in front of you. If you’ve got a window in front of you, let it light up your face, bathing you in a flattering glow.
2. Beware of Mixing Light Sources
Be careful when combining natural and indoor lighting. The clash of color temperatures can make you look like a fake-tan addict or the latest addition to the Blue Man Group — either too orange or too blue. Stick to one type of light for a consistent look. If you’re opting for indoor lighting, aim for a warm, consistent tone.
3. Angle for Flattery
Instead of having your setup face the window head-on, try a 45-degree angle. This creates a softer shadow on one side of your face, adding depth and a touch of cinematic flair, while subtly hiding minor blemishes.
4. Indoor Lighting Hacks
If you’re relying on indoor lights, avoid the interrogation-style glare of a desk lamp aimed right at you. Instead, get creative with lamp placement. Bounce the light off a wall for a diffused, soft effect that’s kind on your eyes and your appearance.
5. Background Lighting
Want to jazz up your background without it becoming a distraction? A strategically placed lamp can add depth. If you have smart bulbs, play around with dimming or accent colors to make you pop against the backdrop.
Quality is key when it comes to making video calls work for you. You want to make sure to create a professional impression each time, so remember: poor video quality can lead to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and an overall uninspiring experience for everybody involved. On the other hand, high-quality video calls can help you communicate effectively, build trust, and establish a strong professional relationship with your clients, colleagues, or partners.
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