As mentioned, the movements of the intelligent zoom of the PanaCast can get a little distracting, so while it’s a neat feature, I found myself turning it off more than I had it on. The jury is still out on whether anyone really needs a webcam with 4K, since the resolution isn’t supported by all video conferencing platforms. And even where it is supported, varying connection speeds, computer processing capabilities and video compression all conspire to prevent viewers from seeing you in true Ultra HD.

One USB-C cable (included) connects the PanaCast 20 to your computer. I plugged the PanaCast 20 into a MacBook Pro and a Microsoft Surface; Google Meet found it instantly for both computers. The unit is certified for Microsoft Teams and Zoom, and when I opened Zoom on my Windows laptop, I was able to select the PanaCast 20 without a problem.

SPECIFICATIES

We really like the hardware, from the metal body to the integrated lens cover, while the video and audio quality are both excellent. A smart stand, USB-C connectivity and included hard-sided case all go some way to justify the price. Ultimately, this is a top-tier webcam, aimed at those who demand the very best and will pay a hefty premium for it. The Jabra isn’t for everyone, but I’m glad it exists for those who want the very best. Although the noise isn’t awful in well-lit environments, it’s pretty overwhelming in darker situations; test captures with my face illuminated only by my monitor were full of fuzzy artifacts. If you can’t ensure sufficient light in a room, consider getting a fill light like the Logitech Litra Glow. Both the Razer Kiyo Pro and the AnkerPowerConf C300 are far less noisy in low-light settings. Test capture in a dark room with fill light Hybrid working is the new normal. Teams are collaborating more, and seeking to do so in a flexible, hybrid network – from cafes, to their home, and satellite offices. Since the beginning of the global pandemic, we’ve seen a significant increase in video usage as we work more in distributed teams – with 66% of office workers using either a stand-alone webcam or built-in PC camera pre-COVID, and now 86% of home workers doing the same 1. The Jabra PanaCast range has been engineered to help businesses navigate the flexible hybrid way of working, combining immersive vision and video, world-leading audio technologies and cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence to completely reinvent meetings and collaboration. The PanaCast 20 is a 4K webcam with a 13MP, 1/3.2-inch sensor and a 117-degree, f/2.25 lens. It relies on three MEMS microphones for audio capture, and you can power it via USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports (more than 500mAh). PanaCast 20 combines powerful integrated Edge AI processing technology with a premium 13-megapixel camera to not only deliver a crystal-clear 4K Ultra HD video image, but intuitively and automatically adjust your framing and picture quality in real time with intelligent zoom and intelligent lighting optimization. Wherever you work, PanaCast 20 ensures that you are front and center, picture perfect, and presented in the best light. Deliver impactful presentations with picture-in-picture

Although the webcam is 4K, you're unlikely to take full advantage of that raw resolution because video calls typically don’t take up all of a screen (and most monitors aren’t even 4K). However, the extra resolution enables the camera’s adjustable field of view and the Intelligent Zoom feature, which lets it digitally crop in up to 3x and still provide a minimum 720p picture. The Jabra Direct software for macOS and Windows lets you adjust the PanaCast 20’s picture settings, enable its zoom and framing features, and update its firmware. It’s a simple, multipurpose program designed to work with most Jabra devices that you can connect to a computer. Not everyone needs features like Intelligent Zoom of course, and maybe you're perfectly happy with a lower resolution webcam for the occasional chat with your colleagues and distant relatives. If that's your situation, then spending the same amount of money that could get you a pretty decent smartphone might well seem over the top, no matter how many extras get thrown in. Jabra launched the PanaCast 20 alongside the PanaCast 50, an all-in-one conferencing environment for the meeting room. You’ll still need a set of headphones and a microphone for communicating with your team members via audio, but the PanaCast 20 will handle all of the video content for you – down to the finest details. I also particularly appreciated that the PanaCast 20 could automatically focus and adjust to fit the level of light in the room.It’s a fun feature to play around with and was often quite useful. But on the other hand, it could also become distracting, both for myself and the others on my calls. The Jabra Panacast 20 is a webcam that distinguishes itself from other webcams at the better end of the premium class by actually being quite elegant. It also excels at good image quality and a decent AI that keeps you in the center of the action.