
OBSBOT
Meet 2-4K
Sharp 4K, great low-light, but buggy software.

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A webcam is a webcam, and most are trash. If you're not using your phone, a "decent" middle-ground webcam that you can use for other 1080p purposes is the Logitech C920x. [https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-C920x-Pro-HD-Webcam/dp/B085TFF7M1](https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-C920x-Pro-HD-Webcam/dp/B085TFF7M1) $59.99 on Amazon. Might be cheaper on other sites, and Black Friday is right around the corner. They just need to see you, see your ID card, etc. 4k isn't doing anyone any favors, so even that one is overkill. Includes a microphone like most. The much more important buy happens after you get the camera. They need to see your monitor, your workstation (whatever computer you're using). Basically, proctors need to see: 1) Your screen 2) Your hands 3) Your keyboard all at the same time. Webcam type won't change that, it's all about the angle. The webcam I suggested can clip onto different surfaces, attaches to tripods and selfie sticks. I've even clipped it around a lamp while visiting family, or the back of a chair to point at me. Pretty versatile. If someone suggests a cheaper one, go for it. Just don't go "better" for exams.
Best webcam imo is the [Logitech StreamCam](https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Streamcam-Streaming-YouTube-Graphite/dp/B07TZT4Q89/ref=sr_1_3?crid=233MCEZLIDB4T&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.PLjdU2NdBukqjL_S_PrBQiqVhy11yvwnmv5Xuc03M_Xu_7eT9F7Htlt3Of7ERXw_4S7dtiTYOu0icf3LUnO8Kpaxyaki5mUDEJpl8Z8vkPV6PZ-5e922FrLP67NXMQ_IOZgABzhvRr4_GTdKwLgaWNEpIsWysjg04T9FQPP9M2SHbukCFY6ZmfEjzl84uAxjgVINj7d0QMBAoBatxq3J4_xmV-mh9I8J562-sRlEMSY.hy8ySocsH1_GByEb80WHtDdaNiIC42xc8nAgRqfMDS4&dib_tag=se&keywords=logitech+streamcam&qid=1775237564&sprefix=logitech+strea%2Caps%2C186&sr=8-3) and totally worth waiting to save up a bit more (150 USD). I think my old one is a [C920x](https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-C920x-Pro-HD-Webcam/dp/B085TFF7M1/ref=sr_1_4?crid=SPT11JDWNCFH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.iypj-IRnlQph2-8xfSjeyYzyKjw-aMC-FxSgZO_KUF1b6DdbCK-eJ4DXw96Rd84EexTwi7wg57r_FsV5SlaTEoPTVXUDNP_j6lXFMsEmsBB3H80sI0M-lm7bDOzB2lihkG4rC9YSRuq_pb7dwWmyNZJ_-turr5g-3OLvuyITqxOnTLtZuquZolncn4KxhdYvvIQPEcHj_cVKq29bOlj40eIhicLWyspI2gho_OFxZSI.5gTgcdGPZbRU_D7KhM-tHHYTkuEvRtanLYDxaqTYSJE&dib_tag=se&keywords=logitech%2Bwebcam&qid=1775237655&sprefix=logitech%2Bwebca%2Caps%2C210&sr=8-4&th=1) but I personally think if you're gonna spend 60USD on the C920x then just wait until you can afford the StreamCam.
Any Logitech camera will connect quickly to a Windows PC without an issue. I like them because they are plug-and-play, consistent audio, and decent video. One of my clients use the cheapest one for dictation software, though the video could use an upgrade. For $17 - [https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Desktop-Widescreen-Calling-Recording/dp/B004FHO5Y6](https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Desktop-Widescreen-Calling-Recording/dp/B004FHO5Y6) For $25 - [https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Webcam-Meetings-Streaming-Built/dp/B0BXGFFSL1](https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Webcam-Meetings-Streaming-Built/dp/B0BXGFFSL1) For $50 - [https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-C920x-Pro-HD-Webcam/dp/B085TFF7M1/](https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-C920x-Pro-HD-Webcam/dp/B085TFF7M1/)
I've never had any issues with this one. They are right around the same price though, so probably worth the upgrade.
This is what I use 30 Inch Webcam Stand Camera... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MVTX8LV?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share Logitech C920x HD Pro Webcam,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085TFF7M1?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I use a Logitech C620 which is 1080/720 @ 30fps along with FaceTrackNOIR and OpenTrack and it works just fine. I would think that 60fps might be better. You don't need 1080 for face tracking (read below). The software just needs to get a rough idea of where you eyes, nose and mouth are. The FPS though that might with faster tracking to make it smoother but like I said my camera is 30 and it's fine. I've used a Playstation Eye which is either 640x480@60 or 320x240@120 and it was fine with tracking. That is once I finally found drivers that worked and went through the headache of getting to seen by FaceTrackNOIR and OpenTrack. So in other words; don't both with this camera.

OBSBOT
Meet 2-4K
Sharp 4K, great low-light, but buggy software.

EMEET
Pixy Series
Strong AI tracking, great value; poor mic, limited Linux.

Insta360
Link 2
Great 4K image, effective tracking; software is problematic.

Logitech
C920S PRO HD WEBCAM
Durable, reliable budget workhorse; needs light, 30fps.

Insta360
Link 2C Pro
Strong 4K, low-light, and value; but software is quirky.

Ranked #1
Logitech - C920S PRO HD WEBCAM

Ranked #1
Logitech - Rally Camera (960-001226)

Ranked #1
Logitech - C922x

Ranked #1
Logitech - C922x

Ranked #1
YOLOLIV - YoloCam S3

Ranked #1
EMEET - Pixy Series