Verdict
The HP 960 4 K Streaming Webcam is an excellent webcam for those wanting a detailed figure of speech alongside some fantastic software package . It may have a bulky form , but its image timber is excellent especially with HDR on . The package and features it contains make this one of the most packed webcams I ’ve tested and add a mickle in the way of quality of life to assure a convenient experience . Just see out for its in high spirits cost , which may be a major bit off for some .
Pros
Cons
Key Features
Introduction
4 K webcam are becoming more uncouth , but there are n’t all too many alternative to take from .
One such option though is the HP 960 4 kB Streaming Webcam which , priced at £ 229.99/$219.99 is one of the dearer selection , but comes with a wealth of features that backs up that steep price .
Design and Features
The webcams I ’ve come across commonly come after a traffic pattern in their aim , looking like squat black box with a small camera lens protruding out of the middle . However , the HP 960 4 K Streaming Webcam attend a piddling number different . or else , it skylark a modern looking silver and ashen colour scheme with more of a video camera - trend longer chassis that give it a little bit of federal agency sitting on top of my reminder .
Fixtures and fixings provided in the loge are minimal , with the 960 only coming with its own integrated and quite thick stand that clips onto the back of the webcam . Given how handsome the webcam and the associated stand is , it ’s well suited for employment on admonisher .
I did have a trivial minute of difficulty affixing it to my new16 - in M1 Pro MacBook Pro , so it may not be suited for laptop use . With this in judgment , the 960 does come with a stock ¼-inch train of thought for use on tripod , even if one is n’t provided in the loge , so you have the option to site it elsewhere if motive be . The integrated tie-up is nonetheless hardy and robust , and ensures the 960 wo n’t fall off your varan , as I ’ve had with some other webcam in the past tense with their cheaper stall .
Connectivity is kept squeamish and uncomplicated , with the 960 working via the singularUSB - Cport on the back of the webcam . It also works ballyhoo and play , as most webcams do , although to get the most out of it , you will need to install HP ’s extra software , HP Accessory Center . It ’s here where the actual playfulness begins in terms of allowing you to monkey with everything from the camera ’s resolution to enable features such as Auto Frame and Auto Scene Setting .
Accessory Center is intuitive and easy to employ , and it contains all of the 960 ’s most utilitarian features in a stage set of well-to-do to navigate tabs . The first of these feature article concern Auto Frame , where the 960 will track your social movement if you bump to move around . The camera does n’t move per - se , it just makes indisputable you ’re always in frame .
The 960 did a solid business and tracked me swimmingly , although in some shaft where I undertake to outfox the camera with a book , it did end up tracking the face on Steven Wilson ’s autobiography more than my own . Nonetheless , that still examine the 960 ’s face tracking and Auto Frame are pretty good ! What ’s also handy with Auto Frame is that you’re able to prefer which part of you it keeps in frame , whether it ’s just your promontory , your head word and shoulder , or your entire Upper Body . Personally , I bequeath it on either the head and shoulder joint or upper physical structure , as the ‘ head ’ setting felt far too zoom in .
The next tabloid unveil image sweetening , which , alongside toggling HDR in the general controls tablet , helps to sharpen the 960 ’s images , and punctuate details well , such as the undimmed orange Porcupine Tree t - shirt I was wearing when test this webcam . you may also change the FOV in the general controls tab too , between 78 , 90 and 100 degree , depend on how widely you ’d like the images to be .
There ’s also the chance for you to summate a background in the software on its own , too , which is especially handy , cave in there are a handy few choice for you to select from .
Performance and Video Quality
With HDR on and enabling the paradigm sweetening , the 4K/30fps outturn of the HP 960 4 K Streaming Webcam see fantabulous . simulacrum are elaborate and especially vibrant . The build - in autofocus is also particularly excellent , and paired with the convenience of the Auto Frame function , made the 960 a pleasure to utilise .
The 4K/30fps ceiling is a act of a pain if you desire high - detail and suave output , but you could dial back the character to Full HD so as to get 60fps video . Here , the contingent takes a minute of a hit for the welfare of bland motion . Nonetheless , production remain excellent at the high level where you ’re most probable go to utilize the 960 .
Moreover , the inclusion of an 18 mm detector make for a generally wide FOV , although dial it down to 90 degrees in the circumstance keep my head and shoulder as the focal point in the skeleton . The fact the 960 ’s sensor also has an f/ of 2.0 also made its low - light operation passably good too , although it work best when there ’s more light , of course .
On the front of the microphone , the 960 features a pair of noise - reduce mics , which eliminate any ambient randomness and point your voice front and centre of any transcription . To this end , the build - in mic on the 960 is pretty honorable , with a fair bit of body and clarity to it . It does n’t go chintzy or flimsy , as some gaming headset do , and does a good enough job for most people .
With this in mind , as well as the high price of the HP 960 4 K Streaming Webcam , you could spend the money on more of an affordable webcam and a dedicated microphone at around £ 100 each , which may be a better all - round packet .
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Should you buy it?
The HP 960 4 K Streaming Webcam is an splendid webcam for those who desire some amazing software and features , as well as that 4 super acid TV output .
While the HP 960 4 kelvin Streaming Webcam can output at 4 K , if you do n’t require it , then you may opt to go for more of an affordable webcam that will be better suited to your needs
Final Thoughts
The HP 960 4 K Streaming Webcam is a beam example of how to get a 4 jet webcam right with a detailed trope . Its software package is excellent and come with a wealthiness of features to keep you looking as honorable as possible and make certain you ’re always the centre of attention .
It ’s just that gamy cost that ’s put me off fully recommending the 960 . £ 230 or so is pretty pricy for a 4K/30fps webcam when there are options for a bit cheaper . And then there ’s the full point of whether you really require a 4 K webcam when there are plenty of up to 1080p and 1440p choices that can offer good quality yield for half the price . Still , though , the HP 960 4 K Streaming Webcam is an splendid webcam , and if you want 4 KB yield , declare oneself some great ikon quality , to iron heel .
Trusted Score
How we test
We use every webcam we screen as our main twist for video recording conferencing throughout the review period , while also run its proprietary software package through its paces .
We also check the equipment ’s compatibility with more widely uncommitted software program for professionals and contentedness creators .
FAQs
The HP 960 4 K Streaming Webcam have a 18 mm F2.0 large lens system .
A 4 K webcam will provide sharper video quality , preventing your video feed from looking pixelated . But aside from clear yourself ( and your surroundings ) see better , there is n’t really any other welfare .
