What The Tech: Gifts for Zoomers and Streamers
BY JAMEY TUCKER, Consumer Technology Reporter
We’ve all been in a Zoom or video meeting where someone pops on camera and… well, it isn’t
great. The laptop is down so low you’re looking straight up their nose. The lighting is dim or
harsh. And the background looks like a storage room or a tornado aftermath.
The good news is that improving the way you look and sound on video calls is surprisingly easy,
and the holiday season is the perfect time to find deals on gear that makes a big difference.
A built-in laptop webcam may be serviceable, but if you want to look more polished, a dedicated
camera is the way to go. Brands like Sony and Canon make compact models that plug directly
into your computer. They produce a cleaner, sharper image and can soften the background
without the distracting digital blur effect. These cameras also double as excellent photo and
video tools when you’re off the clock.
Audio is the next upgrade most people overlook. Professional podcasters love Shure microphones, but those come with a professional price. You don’t need to spend that much. Rode makes small clip-on microphones that cost under fifty dollars. They connect to computers,
phones, or cameras and deliver clear audio that sounds far more natural than a laptop mic.
Another easy fix is camera angle. If you’re using a laptop, a stand can put the camera at eye level, instantly giving you a better look. It’s a small accessory, usually inexpensive, but it eliminates that unflattering up-the-nose angle that shows up in so many meetings.
Lights may be the biggest improvement of all. Bad lighting makes even the best camera look
bad. The Lume Edge light works as both a desk lamp and a soft key light that brightens your
face without glaring into your eyes. If you’re on video calls all day, consider a small LED panel
from Neewer. These cost around fifty dollars and let you adjust the color temperature to match
your room’s lighting so you look natural on screen.
And if you’re using virtual backgrounds to hide a messy room, you’re probably getting strange
digital artifacts around your hair and shoulders. A portable green screen from Elgato solves that.
It pops up when you need it and rolls back down when you don’t, giving you a clean, professional background every time.
Whether you upgrade one piece of gear or several, the difference is dramatic. Better lighting,
sound, and camera positioning help you look confident and prepared. And with so many deals
during the holidays, improving your video calls is easier than ever.
