Gift guide: 11 gift ideas for the friend who is on way, way too many video calls

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All of us are engaged in video calls every minute of the day nowadays and there's always an opportunity to upgrade your system with higher quality sound, video, or user-friendliness. Here are a few options! Add them to your list of things to buy or gift them to your loved ones who appears and sounds like they're calling from interior of the bottle.

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Webcams

The best thing you could do is to get an internet-connected webcam. Even the most expensive ones available are usually better than your laptop's built-in camera.

It is possible to connect a complete DSLR to make Zoom phone calls ... however, in the event that you don't have one in your possession, it will cost you a lot. However, there are alternatives that are less expensive, and also ones that are less difficult to give.

(Note that all of the cameras we recommend allow for 60 frames per second video. Although this isn't an option for these chat platforms at the moment If you're planning to buy a high-quality webcam today, it ought to be future-proofed.)

A decent starter cam that has an integrated light

The Razer entry level Kiyo is an excellent way to get away from the high-quality built-in webcam on your desktop or laptop monitor. It's got good image quality and an ordinary light that can fill the frame a little. (That light is quite tiny, and you may prefer a more powerful one however it's better than nothing.)

Pricing: $100 on Amazon (on sale at $70 at time of publication)

Logitech gets upscale

Logitech produces a variety of webcams and they're all great however, this StreamCam appears to be an effort to go beyond the business-oriented (and appearing to be) devices they've been offering for a long time. It's beautiful, features great 60 fps video , and includes advanced features like automated framing.

Cost: $160 on Amazon

High high-quality, YouTube and Twitch ready however, BYO mic

The camera is used by TC staff and TC staff, the Elgato Facecam offers excellent image quality thanks to its non-compressed video options. It also is compatible with a range of recording and streaming options which Elgato is familiar with. If you or the person you are contemplating a vlogging career and doing how-to videos, or any other popular YouTube activities it's a great option to achieve a professional appearance without having to purchase an "real" camera. There's no built-in microphone, however, so be prepared to offer one. In that regard...

Microphones

The majority of webcams have a microphone included, but in essence you'll get better sound from something that is closer towards your mouth- that is that's where your voice will come out. A separate microphone is an excellent option in case you don't wish to make use of headphones (which can be a bit sluggish in terms of sound quality generally) or a large headset (which could look a bit snooty even if you're not involved in the game of death.)

Cheap and affordable, but superior to nothing

It's unlikely that anyone will use this device to record an podcast or album and I can tell that it's better than using your computer or using the built-in webcam one. For just $30, FIFINE's USB microphone will do exactly what it is supposed to record your voice with precision and adapt when you are not in camera but close to you. I ordered two for friends to give as gifts in the video-calling era in 2020. They've been satisfied.

Bee like me

I've used NEAT's Bumblebee microphone for calls and recorded interviews over the last one or two years and it's been a great choice. It's not the most compact, but I appreciate its convenience. It's easy to set up and easy to adjust with its long neck, and features controls for audio profiles, gain and headphone volume levels on the built-in audio port in one place. I've received nothing but praise about the quality of the sound and it's built like tank, too. Don't travel using it.

Sound (and appear) like a professional

The MV7 is likely to be the best microphone that users require for daily use If you've ever considered recording, or if your family member's podcast is being hindered by the loud roar from laptop fan, it's time to purchase an expensive piece of equipment. Some TC staffers have this device to help with their podcasting. Find a large tripod or articulated arm to ensure you're in the frame, so that people can tell you have an item ... Everyone else seems to be doing it.

An essential ring light, so you can no longer use your monitor for beauty light

A large (12 or more) rings light can give a more uniform illumination as well as avert the changing and cold light that your display emits from it making your appearance unattractive. There are billions of rings lights available and you can't fail if you ensure that it comes with a tripod that is actually functioning (among other things), so that the light can be folded and then file them away) and a finely-tuned the brightness and color temperature (look for dials that offer several options and not sliders that limit your options to just two or three choices.)

Many of us at TC have used this $190 18 GVM lamp for our various virtual events for the last 2 years and it's getting the job completed.

Have fun playing with it

If you're looking to add a little colour to your style, Philips Hue Play light bar is the best device to recommend. You can use it as a bias light behind your monitor or a temperature-controlled illumination for yourself, bouncing it off the wall for plenty of natural scattering. Do you find it useful? You can add more. They work well as sets.

A tip for you: you can buy the two packs, however purchasing them as individual units is at the same cost make sure you do so because multipacks typically only have one power brick, while the single units have their own. The more power bricks, the more freedom when it comes to how you utilize them.

Zoom buttons

Are you muted? You don't need to look for the mute/unmute icon , or even move your mouse to show it because it's just the button that's sitting on your desk. It's also used for turning videos to off and on. The little buttons from Linkidea are inexpensive, but they appear to function pretty well, at the very least with Zoom. They are available with Mac and Windows versions, so make sure to check before purchasing.

The upgraded version of the earlier version

If you'd prefer something unique and at a minimum something that's a bit unique, think about buying this small collection of Zoom keys instead. It's more expensive, however it looks twice as great and if the person who is buying it likes to be (like me) particular about what they put in their workspace, then it could be worth it to upgrade. I love the tiny LEDs, which are like miniature "RECORDING IN SESSION" studio signs.