In today’s digital landscape, video meetings have become a core part of how we conduct business. Many of us spend hours each day in front of our computers, navigating the world of virtual communication. While video calls have their advantages, one thing that often disrupts the experience is eye contact—or the lack of it. We’ve all been in meetings where it’s clear that the other person isn’t looking directly at you, making the interaction feel impersonal. The iContact camera, priced at $129, is designed to solve that problem by bringing the camera closer to the center of your screen, so you can maintain better eye contact during video calls.
What Is the iContact Camera?
The iContact camera is a unique solution to a problem that many of us face during virtual meetings. It is a compact USB-C webcam attached to a slim plastic arm that hangs down from the top of your computer screen. This innovative design places the camera closer to the middle of your screen, allowing you to make eye contact with others while still viewing their image on your monitor.
The iContact camera works with both Mac and Windows systems and fits onto most laptop and desktop monitors that range from 1/8 to 1/2 inch in thickness. It’s a plug-and-play device, making it easy to install without requiring any additional software or drivers.
Key Features:
- Resolution: 1080p
- Sensor: Hi-definition 1/2.7” sensor
- Weight: 0.6 oz
- Dimensions: 3.96 in (height), 0.58 in (width), 1.6 in (depth)
- Cord Length: 34 inches
- Compatibility: Works with laptops and desktop monitors
- USB-C Interface
What’s in the Box?
When you purchase the iContact camera, you receive:
- The iContact camera unit
- A user manual for easy setup
- A zippered carrying case (optional but highly useful for travelers)
The carrying case is especially handy for those who need to take the camera on the go. It’s compact and helps protect the camera and cable from damage.
Setup and Installation – icontact Camera Review
Setting up the iContact camera is straightforward. You place it on top of your monitor, with the slim plastic arm extending down the front of your screen. The camera itself is located at the end of this arm, sitting closer to the center of your display. This allows you to place the image of the person you’re talking to directly beneath the camera lens, so it appears as though you’re making direct eye contact.
The camera’s 34-inch USB-C cable should be long enough for most laptop users. However, desktop users with computers positioned under their desks may find the cable a bit short. In that case, you might need to use a USB extension or connect the camera to a nearby USB port on your monitor, if available. If your device only supports USB-A, you’ll need an adapter.
One small drawback is the lack of an autofocus feature. You’ll need to manually adjust the focus by turning a dial around the camera lens, which can be a minor inconvenience during initial setup. Additionally, since the camera captures video in 1080p resolution, your face may appear closer to the lens than with other webcams, meaning you’ll need to sit farther back for a more flattering image.
Performance and Video Quality – icontact Camera Review
The iContact camera’s primary selling point is its ability to mimic direct eye contact during video calls. When positioned correctly, it does this quite well, making virtual meetings feel more engaging and personal.
In terms of video quality, the 1080p resolution provides a decent image, though it’s not as crisp as some higher-end webcams on the market. For the price, a higher resolution would be expected, but the camera still produces a clear image that works well for everyday meetings. The camera shines in smaller, more focused meetings, but in larger group calls where the screen is divided into multiple windows, maintaining eye contact becomes more challenging. Switching to “speaker mode” can help, as it places the active speaker in the center of your screen, making it easier to engage using the iContact camera.
Audio Quality – icontact Camera Review
While the iContact camera excels at solving the eye contact issue, the audio quality is less impressive. The built-in microphone works, but it’s nothing special. At this price point, one might expect better audio quality, but in reality, it’s fairly average. If you prioritize crystal-clear sound during meetings, you may want to invest in a dedicated external microphone.
Design and Usability
One feature that stands out in the iContact camera’s design is the ability to move it easily. However, because the camera sits in the middle of your screen, it can feel a bit awkward when you’re not in a meeting. It’s not something you’ll want to leave attached to your screen full-time, especially if you switch between tasks or browse the web when not video conferencing. This could lead to frequent removal and reinstallation, which could become tiresome over time.
For those who travel often and need a portable webcam solution, the zippered carrying case is a nice touch. It’s compact and offers protection, making it easy to toss into a bag without worrying about damaging the camera.
Areas for Improvement
While the iContact camera solves the problem of making eye contact during video calls, there are a few areas where it falls short:
- Resolution: At $129, a higher resolution would be appreciated. Many competitors in this price range offer 2K or even 4K video resolution, which would improve the overall image quality.
- Arm Length: The 4-inch arm that extends the camera into the middle of your screen is helpful, but it’s not adjustable. A longer or adjustable arm would allow for even better placement, especially in larger video calls.
- Auto-Focus: Manual focus is a bit of an outdated feature for webcams at this price. Adding auto-focus would improve the overall usability.
- Privacy Cover: Many webcams come with a simple privacy cover that slides over the lens when the camera is not in use. This is a small but important feature that would add value to the iContact camera, especially for security-conscious users.
- Audio: The audio quality is functional but could use improvement. A clearer, higher-quality microphone would elevate the overall experience.
icontact Camera Review | Final Thoughts
The iContact camera is an innovative solution for anyone looking to improve the quality of their video meetings. Its unique design puts the camera in the center of your screen, helping to create the impression of direct eye contact. This feature alone makes it a worthwhile option for professionals who spend a lot of time in virtual meetings.
However, for the price, some improvements could be made, particularly in terms of resolution and audio quality. If you prioritize eye contact in video calls and can live with the trade-offs in image and sound quality, the iContact camera is a solid choice. For those looking for an even more flexible option, the iContact Pro offers a foldable arm design, but at a higher cost.
