There’s an ever-growing need for decent webcams. As more people work from home, families move farther afield, and global networks grow, the ability to transmit decent sound and vision is essential to projecting good-quality images and sound.
A short while ago, I reviewed another webcam from EMEET. The S800 was designed for streaming and, following a couple of quickly rectified software issues, proved excellent. I’m still using it and am impressed with its performance. However, there is sometimes a need for something smaller and lighter. While the S800 was great for a desktop, it wasn’t that heavy or bulky, but its design wasn’t intended for constant portability in a laptop bag.
This is where the EMEET SmartCam Nova 4K webcam comes into play. It’s an altogether more compact device. I put it through its paces to see if it could produce a good enough image and record high-standard sound for those important meetings.
First Impressions
I must congratulate EMEET again on its minimal use of single-use plastic. There was only a fine cellophane wrapper and a tiny bag for the optional privacy screen.
The camera is smartly made from robust plastic.
The USB 3 cable is hardwired into the camera. That cable is a generous 54 inches (137 cm) long and is of high-quality construction, about 3.5 mm in diameter.
The base is a hinged bracket that hooks over the screen, and the camera is attached to that with a ball mount, while below is a standard ¼-inch threaded socket for attaching it to a tripod.
In Use
The EMEET software was already installed on my computer, and it recognized this camera when it was plugged in instead of the S800. The app's functionality changes because the Nova 4K is not as advanced as the S800. Nevertheless, there is the opportunity to change some aspects of the transmitted image. There are a couple of preset looks (cartoon and black and white), plus a customization mode that allows you to adjust the basic tonal and color settings.
The camera clamps loosely on top of the screen. It hooks over the front with the base plate opening up to clamp the back. However, its weight, plus the friction of the rubberized interior of the clamp, means there is little fear of it falling off. Even giving it a firm nudge with my fingers, it stays in place. I could even walk around with it on top of my laptop, and it didn’t fall off unless I nearly inverted it, something I am unlikely to do in the real world.
The cable is thin enough to be flexible but does not feel flimsy. As I mentioned, it is hardwired into the camera, and I am in two minds about that. On one hand, it is easier to store a separate cable; on the other, USB sockets do wear from constant use. So, on balance, this was a good compromise.
The camera is mounted on the bracket with a universal ball joint, so it is possible to rotate it by 360°. It can tilt on that ball joint up and down by 15°.
The picture quality was pretty good. It doesn’t have the dynamic range of the S800, which I think has a larger sensor and lens. Nevertheless, there are significantly worse cameras out there. One particularly useful feature in the EMEETLINK app is the backlight compensation switch. It made a huge difference to me because where I work, the window is behind me and off to one side. In effect, it increases the exposure value of the image.
In low light, it coped well, with only the slightest graininess appearing in the image.
The image was sharp, and the phase detect autofocus works well even in low light. There was a smooth transition from a subject close to the camera to focusing on my face sitting at my desk. It took about half a second, which is not as fast as an interchangeable lens camera, but more than good enough. I'm not using this camera for fast-moving subjects.
It records at 30 frames per second, and I found that perfectly adequate for my needs.
A Note About Privacy
The camera comes with a privacy shield that sticks to the top and folds over the camera. I didn’t use this for two reasons. Firstly, it spoils the look of the webcam, which otherwise has a sleek appearance. Secondly, if I want privacy, I will also want to turn off the microphones too, and the cover won’t do that. The only surefire way of achieving sound and vision privacy is by unplugging it. For me, that is easy as it is plugged into a USB hub on my desk.
Even so, I lead an unexciting life in my office. I am not dancing around naked, and even if I were, it’s not something anyone would find titillating. Nor am I discussing state secrets that would interest overseas spies, law enforcement agencies, or major data-hungry conglomerates. So, if someone were to hack my camera, they would be wasting their time. Nevertheless, cybercrime is big business, so it's advisable to deactivate any webcam when you are not using it.
Microphone Performance
Microphone technology has come a long way in the last few years. The dual noise-canceling microphones in the EMEET SmartCam Nova are behind two tiny pinholes at the front of the camera. I didn’t expect them to record good sound quality. However, they were clear and more than adequate for a video call. Yes, I can get better audio from a professional mic, but these were good enough to support a conversation on Zoom.
What I Liked and What Could Be Improved
What I Liked
- Smart build.
- Good Image quality.
- Good sound quality.
- Sits firmly on the screen.
- Versatile mount.
- Reasonable cost
What Could Be Improved Next Time
- A hardware power switch that physically disables the camera and microphone when not in use.
In Conclusion
I am pretty impressed with this webcam. EMEET has once again produced something that does the job nicely. They certainly have a battle on their hands with over 1,000 webcams on Amazon alone priced from $3 to $1,200. (Interestingly, the most expensive model on the list is also an EMEET.) However, these are great quality and value, and it’s a successful brand making big inroads into the market.
This model is currently only available at Amazon for $69.99. Other EMEET models, some of which are similar in design to this but with some variations such as having only 1080p capabilities, are available at B&H.
- Package Dimensions L x W x H: 12.6 x 7.9 x 6.7 cm
- Package Weight: 0.18 kilograms
- Product Dimensions L x W x H: 5.5 x 10 x 5.9 cm
- Item Weight: 0.29 pounds
- Effective still resolution: 8.3 MP
- Video Resolution: 4K
This is one big Emeet advertisement for a device that copies the original Logiotech Brio, which has been out for 5 years. I appreciate that fstoppers has to make $, but this is over the top.
If I had a nickel every time some whiner cried, "_____ copied _____", I'd be a very rich man. It's not uncommon for some major parts to be sourced from the same place; or, is being sublet by the major brand. Who knows. Let them build and let the lawsuits and customer satisfaction sort 'em out.
Also, EMEET has been doing that similar design for at least 5 years. Here's a pic of their 1080p webcam.
I agree with Black Z Eddie. It's also a lot cheaper than the Brio. A win for buyers.I hate those replies to articles from armchair failures who just attempt to run an article down by making up nasty replies to undermine it.My opinion is I didn't read it as an advert at all. I thought it was a full description of the device with balance and well illustrated with examples to prove the point. Lots of photo equipment looks like other brands stuff because that is how it evolved. English isn't my first language so I hope you understand this.