Someday, we will have webcam systems that will better approximate in-person eye contact, but until then, there is PlexiCam!
I recently purchased a PlexiCam, a moveable, portable wecam mounting device that allows you to postion your webcam almost anywhere on your screen. I find it gives me a stronger human connection with my clients and audiences because I can see their faces and reactions much better than when I was just talking to the camera at the top of my computer. I’ve always been good at making eye contact by looking into the web cam, but now with my PlexiCam positioned on the screen I can better see other people’s faces when I speak. And, my eye contact is better when they speak because the camera is closer to their on-screen face.
Pros:
-Easy to assemble (not many parts, comes with instructions)
-Easy to use (it’s pretty low-tech)
-Increases eye-contact and reduces looking down at people’s faces when they talk
-Clear plexiglass is easy to see through, and easy to move
-Well-made (and well-packaged) quality product
-Can be used in place of a teleprompter
Cons:
-Webcam fit. My webcam barely fit on the platform, because of the protrusion of the webcam cord (but now there is a new accessory, the Wave Shelf Kit, on pre-order, that offers more flexibility with the Brio webcam).
-Screen view blocked a little. Some of the monitor screen is blocked by the webcam (easy to move though)
-Habit change. I had to retrain myself to not look at the top of my monitor when speaking (where I used to have my webcam)
-Cost. Although this is not an expensive item ($55 for the PlexiCam Pro, which is what I got), it isn’t a mass market item, so the price seems high if you are used to inexpensive products from China.
For more information or ordering, check the PlexiCam website.
(note: I have not been compensated for this review).