If you want to step up your game in the video conference world, then you might need to take a look at the Jabra PanaCast 20. Yes, we are a fair way into the pandemic life, but video conferencing can always be improved over what we have become accustomed to, and this is where Jabra are bringing in the goods. With 4K HDR Capabilities, on board AI image enhancement for intelligent zoom, lighting control and face frame centring, the Jabra PanaCast 20 is leading from the front in making video conferencing all that much better.
Unboxing
The first thing you notice once you unbox this little gem, is the quality of its construction. Made from cast alloy with a black anodised finish, the PanaCast 20 screams class. It comes in a small fabric carry case, which makes sense in this flexible working world, where taking your camera with you and working from anywhere is the norm. A 1.5m USB-C to USB-A cable is also included in the package for easy connection to a laptop, Mac, Doc, or PC. (And, can we add, we love a USB-C connection!) With its low profile, the Jabra PanaCast 20 would look stylish and streamline on top any monitor.
Resolution
The webcam is not for your average video conference user. If you want something to Skype your Aunt once a month, you may want to look at other options. No, the Jabra PanaCast 20 is a top tier video conferencing tool for the professional who relies on quality video during presentations and meetings. It features a 13MP 4K camera that uses artificial intelligence to keep you centred in frame. It improves facial lighting giving you a sharp clear image for a more professional look to your video calls and presentations. What I noticed while using the Jabra PanaCast 20 was a massive improvement in both clarity and resolution; I found it really brought a new level to my presentations.
In fact, it has been an important upgrade to my workstation. Presentations are a key part of my work day. And when you spend as much time presenting as I do, a professional look helps build a lot of credibility. The vast improvement in clarity, AI image enhancement and Intelligent Zoom removes the distractions of constantly checking on how I am presenting to customers. Instead, I can stay focussed on the contents of my presentations. This Jabra PanaCast 20 has certainly helped up my game.
Setup
Like so many of Jabra’s products the Jabra PanaCast 20 is plug-and-play and requires no special software to run on a PC or Mac. Jabra does have a direct app that allows you to play with and customize the settings if you choose. This is great if you want to tinker, but definitely not necessary. With a clip at the base of the housing, the camera connects effortlessly to any laptop screen or monitor. There is also the option to mount it to a tripod if preferred, there is provision for a standard tripod screw of 6.35mm and thread size 20.
Sound
Jabra engineered 3 Digital MEMS microphones into the PanaCast 20 which produces a good audio quality, two are forward-firing (stereo), and one on the top for noise reduction. This gives nice clear sounds and definitely out performs your everyday laptop or Mac. If you don’t have a dedicated microphone on a boom (say, something like the Blue Yeti X), you can feel confident in the quality the microphones will produce for your audience.
Privacy
Jabra have used a very clever design to help you to keep your privacy, with the use of a physical flap to cover the lens. The shutter is built invisibly into the housing and covers the front of the lens with the push of a button on the underside of the camera. In this day and age, privacy is a must, so this is a selcome addition, and it being so discreet just adds to the great aesthetic design of the Jabra PanaCast 20.
Compatibility
As we all know, Jabra are well known for their compatibility with most UC apps, so you won’t have any issue plugging it in and jumping straight into your Teams or Zoom meetings.
Conclusion
With so much of our time being spent on video calls, high quality image and audio quality are must. If you are someone who does a lot of professional presentations (especially if you run training seminars or regular information sessions), this is even more critical. Throw in the built in AI, Plug and Play, durable design and its stylish looks, the Jabra PanaCast 20 is worth it’s $559.00 price tag. However at time of publishing it seems Amazon has it close to AUD$370 which is a bargain.
A big thank you to our friends at Jabra for allowing us here at DRN to test drive the Jabra PanaCast 20
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
General info:
- Box contents PanaCast 20, carry case, USB-C to USB-A cable 1.5m/4.9ft (USB 3.0)
- Packaging dimensions (WxHxD) 160mm x 50mm x 130mm | 6.3in x 2in x 5.2in
- Main unit dimensions (WxHxD) 44mm x 25mm x 80mm | 1.73in x 1in x 3.14in
- Weight: 136g | 4.9oz
- Warranty: 2 years
- Certifications and compliance Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Works with all leading UC platforms
Video:
- Number of cameras: 1
- Camera resolution: 13 megapixels
- Image sensor: 1/3.2″
- Zoom Up to 3x lossless digital zoom at 720p
- Field of view Horizontal: 90°, Vertical: 75°, Diagonal: 117°
- Resolution 4k Ultra-HD: 3840 x 2160 @ 30 fps | 1080p Full HD: 1920 x 1080 @ 30
- fps | 720p HD: 1280 x 720 @ 30 fps
- Focal length: 2.26mm
- Aperture: 2.25
- Intelligent Zoom: Yes
- Vivid HDR: Yes
- Picture in Picture (PIP): Yes
Audio:
- Microphone type: MEMS
- Number of microphones: 3
- Microphone sensitivity: -37dBFS
- Microphone frequency range: 100Hz – 8000Hz
- Software & Apps:
- System requirements Compatible with Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1 (64-bit and
- 32-bit), macOS 10.15 and later, including macOS 11.x
- Compatible software and/or apps Jabra Direct, Jabra Xpress
- Software Development Kit (SDK): Yes
Ease of use:
- Manual Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ): Yes
Connectivity:
- Connectivity: USB-C
- Supported USB versions: USB 3.0, USB 2.0 (supplying more than 500mA of current)
- UVC versions: 1.1
Extended info:
- Operating temperature 5°C to 35°C | 41°F to 95°F
- Storage temperature -20°C to 60°C | -4°F to 140°F
