Revamping my conference setup
It has been nearly 6 years since I last made any significant changes to my video call and conference setup. Back then I ditched the Logitech Brio (which sometimes showed odd behavior on macOS) and got an HDMI-USB adapter and a Canon DLSR camera. While this setup might be a bit overkill, it worked really well and the video quality was great.
In the beginning, getting the Canon to work was a bit of a challenge. While the camera provides a clean HDMI output (without all the additional data people actually knowing how to use a camera want to see), the HDMI to USB adapter proved to be a problem. Elgato seemed to be the goto here, but the Camlink crashed after 40 minutes and I needed to unplug it and plug it back in. A cheap 1080p adapter off Amazon worked without issues. And realistically there is no point in a 4k input signal for video conferences anyway, you are lucky if the software transmits 1080.
At some point I added a BeyerDynamic Space so I do not have to wear a headset all day long. This was the biggest game changer in regards to comfort, and the microphone is as good as the one on a BeyerDynamic MMX300 according to people I am on calls with on a regular basis.
The Struggle
Fast forward to a few weeks ago. The Canon started struggling. The image just does not look clean anymore, color shifts to a more reddish tone and it loses focus from time to time. This might be due to daily abuse as a webcam, it might be a changed lighting setup. The latter feels unlikely to me, especially with two keylights lighting the scene.
I take video calls and conferences seriously. They are part of my job, which means I am not willing to accept obvious shortcomings in my hardware - like a camera losing focus regularly. Also I want to point out that this is a personal decision and I do not hold it against anyone not caring that much about it, as long as you do not blast a conference on MacBook speakers while your microphone is not on mute.
I could get a new DSLR. I could try one of these fancy new webcams that seem to be getting really good. I think the Insta360 Link 2 was recommended to me multiple times, but there are also others that tested really well. The price is about the same as a DSLR on sale.
While I was busy still considering what I actually want to do, I simply used my iPhone with continuity camera as an interim solution... and I have to say the experience was unexpectedly excellent. Not a single hiccup for three weeks. The front camera alone has a more than good enough image quality to outperform the DLSR as it is, the rear camera being obviously better. This is very specific to my use case, I do not buy that the iPhone in all circumstances will outperform a real camera, no matter what Apple claims - but for my video calls it did.
The only downside I noticed was that the phone got noticeable warm, so I am not sure what longterm use would mean for its longevity. I personally do not care much about not being able to use my phone when on a call as it is on do not disturb anyway, but I could see it not being available as an issue for other folks. So while this was a good interim solution, I continued looking for alternatives.
The first time an iPad was useful (for business)
My 11” iPad Pro is a slightly older model, from 2021 to be precise. But its front camera is more than good enough for video calls. Funnily enough, video conferencing software on mobile sucks only half as much as on a desktop. I do not know why, but the difference is very noticeable. I got a Satechi hub to connect a power source and my BeyerDynamic (no bluetooth if I can avoid it!) at the same time. I opted for the one I can also use on my phone to use wired headphones instead of an SD card slot.
Overall this setup proofed to be capable and very enjoyable. Having the camera off to the side is a bit odd and the 11" was a bit too small for my liking. The BD Space worked instantly via USB-C and iPad OS remembers to use the speaker / microphone. I have the iPad right next to my main monitor, so I can control it via keyboard and mouse from my Mac.
The setup actually worked so well that I got an 13" iPad Pro two weeks ago. I was considering one anyway as I am getting more and more into 3D modeling as a hobby and I wanted to see if ZBrush or Nomad Sculpt on the couch or the garden lounge would provide a nice way to relax and model a bit. (So this was not just a fancy video conferencing solution.)
Having center stage, the camera at the correct side of the device and 2" more screen real estate made all the difference. Especially with the software not running on my main desktop and "just working" this is a very enjoyable setup. If I have to screen share something I simply dial in with my other system. Which has the nice side effect that I can actually see what I am presenting myself and adjust font sizes etc. before people squint, rub their nose against the screen and then ask me if I could do that.
It is expensive, I like Apple less and less every day and I still hate that they make iPad OS completely unusable. But I got to admit, the device is great and it is doing exactly what it is supposed to do. Also, Marvel Unlimited and DCs equivalent really profit from the larger screen - not that I would have these apps on a work device.