Jabra PanaCast 20 Webcam Review
April 09, 2023
With remote work becoming more prevalent, video conferencing has become an essential tool for staying connected with colleagues and clients. As a result, the demand for high-quality webcams has grown significantly. Jabra, a well-known brand in the audio communication space, has released the PanaCast 20, a portable webcam that promises to take video conferencing to the next level.
This 4K camera boasts advanced AI technology that offers an intelligent feature set and delivers an impressive real-time 4K Ultra-HD image that’s crystal-clear, with virtually no latency. In this review, we will explore the capabilities of the Jabra PanaCast 20 and see if it lives up to its promises.
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Who is the Jabra Panacast 20 for?
The Jabra PanaCast 20 is an excellent option for remote workers, hybrid workers, and work-from-home offices. With the increased demand for video conferencing, it’s essential to have a high-quality camera that provides clear and sharp visuals. The PanaCast 20 offers an intelligent, portable, and secure video collaboration solution that's superior to in-built laptop webcams. Its advanced onboard AI delivers an impressive real-time 4K Ultra-HD image that’s crystal-clear, with virtually no latency. It's perfect for anyone who needs a portable and quality solution for video conferencing from anywhere, whether it's from a café or kitchen table.
Camera Specs
The Jabra PanaCast 20 offers impressive specs for a portable webcam, starting with the 4K Ultra-HD video resolution delivered by a 13MP camera, advanced processors, and integrated AI. Weighing in at just 139g, this oblong-shaped camera measures 80mm long by 44mm wide and 25mm high, making it easy to carry and use anywhere. The camera's physical privacy cover is a standout feature, giving users full control over what appears on the camera.
The camera also features a well-designed integrated mounting clip that rotates down from the bottom and firmly holds the camera in position. The camera also has three MEMS mics that work quite well, so you don't need to be wearing a headset to take a conference call. It has everything you need in one tiny package to take professional video conference meetings.
What's Included in the Box?
The Jabra PanaCast 20 comes with everything you need to prepare for your next video meetings right out of the box. Inside, you'll find the webcam itself, as well as a convenient zippered carrying pouch that keeps it safe when on the move. The package also includes a USB-C to USB-A cable so you can connect it to your computer, and the length of the cable is quite generous at 1.5m.
Additional Features
In addition to its impressive specs, the Jabra PanaCast 20 webcam also comes with a range of advanced features. One of these features is the Jabra Direct software, which allows users to access the camera controller or settings. The camera controller opens up in a separate pop-up window with a camera preview and toggles for both intelligent zoom and picture-in-picture below the preview. You can save up to two presets as well.
The intelligent zoom feature is particularly useful, as it automatically zooms in and centres your image at all times. You can also toggle on the picture-in-picture option, which displays your image in a separate window in the bottom right corner while you can then manually adjust the main view to focus on another area of interest.
Device settings include a default toggle for intelligent zoom, video flicker settings, and field of view angles. 90 degrees is recommended, but you can also select 75, 60, or 45 degrees. A toggle is also available to enable or disable the camera microphones. Lastly, firmware updates are managed in the settings of the Jabra Direct software.
Daily Usage Experiences
Before writing this review I spent time with the Jabra PanaCast 20 webcam both in the office and working from home, and can say without hesitation that it is an impressive little device. The webcam offers a significant improvement over most budget webcams and even over some in the same price range. I could see this webcam become an essential part of many people's daily work routine, and certainly my own.
One of the standout features of the PanaCast 20 is its ability to provide 4K Ultra-HD video through its 13MP camera, which is enhanced by advanced processors and integrated AI. This feature allows for improved clarity and colour accuracy, even in low-light conditions. The integrated AI also provides intelligent lighting optimisation, which has resulted in noticeably better lighting and video quality during video calls.
The intelligent zoom feature has been a game-changer for me, ensuring that I am always in the centre of the frame and close up to the camera during video calls. This has helped me engage more actively in conversations, and callers have noticed the difference.
I have also found the optional picture-in-picture feature to be useful when I need to show people something in more detail during a call. I can see a lot of teams getting value out of this feature for presenting in meetings.
Price
The price of the PanaCast 20 price falls somewhere between budget and midrange for professional webcams. Below is the current price at Simply Headsets. It might seem like a lot for a webcam, but when you consider its 4K picture quality, 3 included MEM microphones and AI technology, its value becomes more apparent. It also comes with a 2 year manufacturer warranty, and a lifetime support guarantee if you buy it from us.
43%
Off
RRP: $559
Now:
$317
inc GST
Save: $242
- Picture-perfect image quality
- Integrated Privacy Lens Cover
- Plug and Play
- Intelligent Zoom
Pros and Cons of the Jabra PanaCast 20
The Jabra PanaCast 20 is a fantastic webcam that delivers exceptional build quality, performance, and accompanying software. It's equipped with features like Intelligent Zoom and picture-in-picture that make it stand out from the competition. However, it's a pricey option that might not be worth the cost for those who only need a basic webcam for occasional chats with colleagues and distant relatives.
If you're looking for a high-end webcam that can deliver top-tier performance, then the PanaCast 20 is definitely worth considering. It provides outstanding video resolution and lots of customisation options, along with some smart features that can be useful in various situations. The integrated AI optimises lighting to improve image quality, and the intelligent zoom ensures that you are always in the center of the frame and actively engaged in conversations.
One downside of the PanaCast 20 is the lack of a stand option. You cannot put the camera flat on a surface as the USB cable slots in underneath. However, it's easy to clip the camera to any screen and it's sturdy enough to avoid falling off.
Overall, the Jabra PanaCast 20 is a top-tier webcam that provides advanced features and excellent performance for a premium price. Its lack of a stand option and high price tag may be drawbacks for some users, but those who are looking for a high-quality video conferencing experience will likely find the investment to be worth it.
Final Verdict
In summary, if you're willing to invest in a high-quality webcam and require advanced features, the Jabra PanaCast 20 is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you're looking for a basic webcam and don't require additional features, then there are cheaper webcams available to buy. Ultimately, the decision depends on your budget, video conferencing needs, and the level of video quality you're looking to achieve.
But if you are looking to step away from the more budget quality webcams and get something a little nicer, then we believe that the Jabra PanaCast 20 is an excellent investment, especially for anyone who wants to outfit their office with gear that provides richer and more professional experiences. It's clear that the camera has been designed with the future of hybrid and remote work in mind, and we would highly recommend it to anyone in need of a high-quality video conferencing camera.
Shop the Jabra PanaCast 20 Today at Simply Headsets
If you're ready to take your video conferencing to the next level, the Jabra PanaCast 20 is an excellent investment. You can easily purchase it at Simply Headsets, or contact their team of headset experts at 1300 889 728 to place an order or to discuss your specific needs. Rest assured that any purchase you make will come with free LIFETIME support, so you can confidently rely on this camera for all your virtual meetings and conferences. Upgrade your virtual presence today with the Jabra PanaCast 20.