Arms-on: Poly Studio P5 Webcam

We’ve acquired our justifiable share of webcams over time, every just a little completely different from relaxation. Whereas the previous couple of fashions I’ve examined have been alongside the mid-level to excessive finish, the Poly Studio P5 goals just a little decrease.

Poly, previously generally known as Plantronics, gives a full suite of headsets, speakerphones, and different conferencing wants. Within the age of distant working and digital conferences, its services and products cater to a variety of client {and professional} customers.

The Poly Studio P5 ($79) is a small however spectacular webcam that steps issues up from the built-in digicam you’ve been utilizing in your PC or laptop computer. Not solely does it have a extra well-rounded video expertise, its audio is moderately compelling, too.

Studio P5 Key Options

• 1080p (Full HD), 720P (HD) Appropriate
• Auto focus with 4x zoom / EPTZ
• 80° DFOV
• Low gentle high quality & true shade photos
• Customized controls by Poly Lens Desktop
• Single directional microphone optimized for private workspaces
• Built-in privateness shutter
• Adjustable monitor clamp
• Tripod prepared
• USB-A port built-in for wi-fi headset adapter
• 2-year restricted guarantee

Design

Included within the field with the Studio P5 is a detachable monitor clamp and USB cable. Small in stature, the digicam does have help for tripods; merely unsnap the monitor clamp and also you’ll be capable of thread it onto your most well-liked tripod.

The monitor clip has a fairly stiff hinge which permits for a spread of vertical angles. Furthermore, the digicam can rotate freely on the clip as properly.

Round again is a USB-A port that’s tucked contained in the physique. Take away the shell and you’ll insert a wi-fi adapter for a headset or speakerphone and principally share the identical PC port.

Poly Lens App

Whereas the Studio 5 works simply high quality out of the field, the Poly Lens app extends the capabilities and offers extra granular management. Use it to regulate settings for distinction, again gentle compensation, sharpness, and different preferences.

Along with these choices, the app can also be the way you’d handle firmware updates, get product help, and extra. There’s even some well being and wellness stuff to assist preserve you bodily and mentally sound.

Compatibility

The Poly Studio P5 works with Microsoft Home windows (8.1+) in addition to Mac OS X (10.7+). Licensed for Microsoft Groups and Zoom video conferencing, it additionally works with Chromebooks, Bluejeans, Google Meet, and different instruments. It’s additionally plug and play (USB 2.0) suitable for something that makes use of UVC/UAC requirements.

Utilization

Whereas my wants don’t require one thing high-end with 4K video or auto-tracking, I can respect when customers do. My work life is extra easy and to that finish the Poly Studio P5 works properly. For my wants 1080p is kind of alright.

The 80-degree mounted area of view is greater than enough to choose me up at my desk and seize the house round me. I’ve discovered that the digicam is best for low-light conditions than the webcam that’s constructed into my Chromebook. Even with out having to regulate for backlight brightness it delivers a reasonably brilliant picture with little noise.

One of many causes I like this unit is as a result of it’s significantly better at grabbing audio than the built-in microphone. The directional mic does a unbelievable job of selecting me up in Google Duo calls, Zoom, and different companies.

I additionally just like the bodily privateness shutter in that I can rapidly determine whether or not it’s energetic or not. When enabled you’ll see a pleasant pink circle over the place the place your lens is. Merely rotate it and it strikes to disclose the digicam.

Parting Ideas

The Poly Studio P5 is designed for companies and particular person customers alike and fairly priced for each settings. I just like the portability and adaptability of this digicam because it not solely improves the picture high quality however the sound, too. Talking of which, in case you have a favourite headset or speakerphone, you may piggyback off the USB-A port.