Cameras built into Macs in recent years have been criticized more than once, although thankfully that’s something we’re starting to see resolved in newer models. However, we still have those camera-less Mac mini or Mac Pro that forces us to depend on a third-party webcam to be able to make videoconferences or broadcasts.
Today we are going to test one of these webcams, the Anker PowerConf C300, ready to fit on any Mac promising HDR quality and 60fps in its image. This promise is kept, but with a few nuances.
Anker PowerConf C300, technical characteristics and design
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anker powerconf c300 |
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Sensor |
2 MP, CMOS (1/2, 7 “) |
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field of view |
115º |
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resolution |
Dimmable up to 1080p and 60fps |
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Focus range |
3 meters, autofocus |
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focus distance |
15 centimeters to 3 meters |
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microphone |
Double, with automatic noise cancellation and gain control, audio jack distance up to 3 meters |
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video codec |
H.264 MJPEG |
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LINK |
USB-C (includes adapter to USB-A) |
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ACCESSORIES |
Display handle and plastic cap included |
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Price |
129.99 dollars in Amazon |
Anker PowerConf C300 1080p Full HD Webcam, Video Conferencing and Streaming Modes, AI Autofocus and Framing, Noise Canceling Microphones, HDR, Low Light Correction, Zoom Certified
The Anker PowerConf C300 camera takes the look used by all mid and high-end webcams: flattened and horizontal, with dimensions that seem quite large if you are not used to using large lenses on a webcam but ultimately no question.
The finishes are shiny plastic and the USB-C connection is located in an easily spotted hole on the back. It is also appreciated that the cable can be replaced in case it breaks us. Other options have the cable attached to the camera with no ability to disconnect it, so any issues with that cable would require us to change the whole camera. This is not the case with the PowerConf C300. The detail of including an adapter also isn’t bad for those who still don’t use USB-C ports.
We can screw the PowerConf C300 to a tripod if we want to use it in places other than our monitors.
As for the handle to hold it to monitors, we have the typical bracket to prop it up on top of screens without the need to screw or adapt anything. The camera’s own weight makes it already well positioned and we can adjust its angle both vertically and horizontally. And if we want to put it somewhere else, we have the universal wire to use it on any tripod.
Optional software, but highly recommended
Updating the camera’s firmware is almost effortless with the AnkerWork app.
At the operational level, the isolation is practically zero. Connect the camera to our Macs already the computer recognizes it automatically, without doing anything more to be able to use it in applications such as Zoom, Google Meet, Streamlabs OBS, Skype, FaceTime or QuickTime.
Now, if we want to make the most of the possibilities of the camera, we must install the AnkerWork software (not yet optimized for the M1 chip but fully compatible thanks to Rosetta 2), compatible with macOS Mojave and later versions and downloadable for free from its official website. Sharpen English, because its interface is not translated into Spanish.
This application allows us customize the camera viewing angle between three fixed positions or an automatic angle that will vary depending on where we position ourselves. You can also modify values such as saturation, contrast, fps (between 30 or 60) or brightness; or invert the image horizontally (goodbye the mirror effect) and activate its HDR profile. AnkerWork also takes care of updating the firmware of the camera automatically and transparently, with no more effort than clicking and waiting for a few moments.
Image: Good HDR and autofocus, but low-light definition can improve
I don’t have an HDR screen on my desktop, but still you notice an improvement in colors if I activate this profile. The price to pay is that said HDR profile is only able to work at 30fps, and it is disabled if we go to 60fps:
Here a server with the HDR profile of the Anker PowerConf C300 enabled …
… and the same shot with HDR disabled. Here I can work at 60fps, but the colors are less vivid.
I have nothing to say about camera focusIt’s one of the best I’ve seen and doesn’t require me to make a move or put my hand in to react if I’ve changed my position. There’s no complaints about the audio quality either – a dedicated mic will obviously improve that quality a lot, but the PowerConf C300’s built-in microphones are more than adequate.
In terms of image quality, by focusing on definition, the Anker PowerConf he succeeds but does not get a very good mark. It’s definitely a better picture than many Mac FaceTime 720p cameras, but I’ve seen better definitions in alternatives like the Logitech Streamcam. It is particularly visible in nocturnal environments, with low lighting:
The definition of the PowerConf C300 is a bit behind in the night settings. You can view the image in original quality by opening it in a new tab or downloading it to your device.
The good news is that by regulating the levels of color, contrast and saturation, you can improve it, although this already requires some knowledge of editing images.
The conclusions that can be drawn from this Anker PowerConf C300 is that it is a suitable camera for those who want to improve the image of their Mac’s built-in camera and have the option to change the color attributes manually with a lot of flexibility. It is also a good camera for anyone who wants a wide angle of view with its 115º of field.
Who wants a higher definition then I would recommend other high end alternatives. I already warn, yes, that the price will then increase more than the 129.99 dollars that this camera costs.
This product has been released for testing by Anker. You can verify our business relations policy.
