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Poly Studio P15 USB-C 4K Webcam: A Complete Review
Cameron Cashman
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April 11, 2024
When they were first introduced almost 30 years ago, webcams were seen as a novel but unnecessary peripheral for most consumers. The very first webcams were only capable of streaming static shots to websites for others to view.
Then, in the early 2000s, instant messaging clients began adding support for video calls, driving up demand for consumer-grade webcams. While these early webcams were adequate for basic video calls and teleconferencing, they weren’t exactly known for their quality and clarity.
Luckily, thanks to advancements in technology, webcams are more powerful and versatile than ever before. Consider Poly’s extensive line of high-quality webcams. In particular, the Poly P15 USB-C 4K webcam is an impressive and fully featured video bar, perfect for casual users and professionals alike.
All-in-one features
The Poly Studio P15 is more than just a camera - it’s an all-in-one solution for high-quality video communication, whether you’re streaming or teleconferencing. Like most other webcams, the Poly Studio P15 includes a camera and microphone in a portable, lightweight package.
What makes the Poly Studio P15 so special is its powerful integrated speaker, which has a couple of design features that are worth reviewing.
Speaker supremacy
The P15’s built-in speaker features a passive radiator and an acoustic suspension design. This means the case lacks any vents, which creates a semi-airtight seal within the speaker. The sound pressure generated by acoustic suspension drives the passive radiator, which improves bass response without the need for a separate subwoofer.
A simpler way of representing a speaker’s power is through frequency response. This refers to the range of frequencies that a speaker or audio device can accurately reproduce before becoming distorted. This indicates how well it can produce low and high-frequency sounds.
With an impressive frequency response of 100 Hz to 20 kHz, the P15’s integrated speaker can accurately output a wide range of sounds.
Alongside this speaker is an equally impressive three-element beamforming microphone array, which features a frequency response of between 50 Hz and 14 kHz. A microphone array allows the P15 to identify and follow your voice, so it won’t fade in and out if you move around.
And whether you’re recording a video or in the middle of a conference call, Poly’s proprietary audio technology ensures you’re getting a crisp, clear audio experience. For instance, Acoustic Clarity allows multiple people in the same room to use the P15 and participate in conference calls.
There’s also Poly’s NoiseBlockAI, which intelligently detects distracting background noises and eliminates them, enhancing the clarity of your voice and eliminating the need to selectively mute your microphone.
Similarly, Poly’s Acoustic Fence technology only picks up the voices within a defined zone, eliminating anything outside that area and thereby further improving the quality and clarity of your voice.
Vibrant visuals
Of course, audio is just one part of the equation. What about video? Poly hasn’t cut any corners here, either. The P15’s camera can record in 3840 x 2160 Ultra High Definition (UHD), 1920 x 1080 Full HD (FHD), and 1280 x 720 standard HD, all in 30 frames per second (FPS).
Also worth mentioning is the camera’s field of view (FOV). FOV indicates the width of a camera’s viewing angle. A higher FOV means you’ll get a wider view, while a low FOV corresponds to a narrow view. With a 90-degree FOV, you’ll be able to capture a wide angle behind you, perfect for including presentation aids in video conference calls.
And if you don’t want your coworkers to see too much of the area behind you, don’t fret. Just like the P15’s speaker and microphone, Poly has loaded this camera with proprietary technology designed to further enhance and improve visual clarity.
In particular, automatic camera framing keeps you front and centre on the screen - and the camera will automatically adjust to your movements so you’re always in focus.
Plus, inefficient lighting won’t be an issue with the P15 thanks to automatic low-light compensation, which keeps the picture bright and clear even in dim environments.
P15 Versatility
The Poly Studio P15 features all the flexibility you’ve come to expect from Poly. Attach the webcam to your monitor using the included adjustable clamp - alternatively, you can attach it to a tripod with ease.
And the device even doubles as a USB hub thanks to two USB 2.0 Type-A ports - plug in your favourite wireless headset adapter or charge your phone, or both.
Worried about privacy? Poly has you covered there, too: a convenient status LED indicates whether the device is in use, and you can pull down the built-in shutter for maximum privacy.
Powerful plug-and-play
Setting up the Poly Studio P15 couldn’t be easier. Connect the device to a power source with the power adapter. Then simply connect it to your computer via the included USB-C cable, and you’re ready to go.
Once you’ve connected the Poly Studio P15 to your computer, you have a few options. Thanks to Microsoft Teams and Zoom certification, you can get right into your next conference call and let the software do the work.
For more control over your Poly Studio P15 video bar, consider installing the Poly Lens app, which allows you to configure and update all your Poly devices in one convenient place.
Video bar uses
In today's landscape, an unprecedented number of individuals are embracing remote work, finding themselves stationed at home or constantly on the move. Simultaneously, there is a significant focus on fostering enhanced communication and collaboration within teams.
Along those same lines, more and more people are turning to content creation to make a living.
So whether you’re a busy professional or a competitive live streamer, the Poly Studio P15 has you covered with sharp, vibrant visuals and crisp, clear audio.
Small businesses
The Poly Studio P15 USB-C 4K Webcam offers numerous advantages for small businesses. Its powerful video and audio capabilities provide an immersive communication experience, whether it's for video conferences, client meetings, or team collaborations.
The device's versatility, easy setup, and USB hub functionality make it a convenient and efficient solution for small businesses seeking seamless communication and collaboration experiences.
Work-from-home professionals
With that in mind, this webcam elevates the remote work experience in a similar way. The microphone array with beamforming technology captures voices accurately and filters out background noise, maintaining clear communication even in noisy home environments.
The camera's field of view provides a broader perspective, allowing professionals to include relevant visual aids or present a wider view of their surroundings. Conversely, if you’d rather not show the environment behind you, the automatic camera framing keeps the user in focus and cuts out distracting background elements.
Content creators
Once a niche internet hobby, content creation and streaming are now full-blown full-time jobs for many people. They can benefit from the Poly Studio P15 USB-C 4K Webcam, taking their production quality to new heights.
With its exceptional 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD) video recording capabilities, this webcam ensures that every detail of content is captured with clarity and precision. Plus, the webcam's automatic low-light compensation feature guarantees optimal image quality even in dimly lit environments, so content creators can shoot anywhere, regardless of recording conditions.
Summary
The Poly Studio P15 USB-C 4K webcam offers a seamless and immersive experience for streaming, teleconferencing, and content creation. With its sleek and portable design, Poly Studio P15 users can enjoy an effortless setup, superior audiovisual quality, and a range of features that elevate their communication and content creation to new heights.
