Available through Skype’s online store, the Freetalk Everyman HD webcam model works with Skype HD with the built-in H.264 hardware encoder.
The installation process is very fast: After downloading Skype to your computer, simply open the program, attach the webcam with the supplied USB cable. As soon as you answer the call or start the video call, the webcam will pop up right away.
Through experimentation, colors are captured clearly (thanks to this device has 24-bit color depth). 720p video recording (1,280 x 720 resolution at 22.5 fps) works very well. The ability to automatically focus chat people not something on the back.
This webcam features auto-exposure and auto-white balance for color adjustment and contrast. However, when video calls, some problems arise.
First of all, the camera has a wide angle lens which makes the facial features of the object slightly distorted. You can manually adjust the camera and attach it to the top or side of the computer screen for best viewing angles, but it does not fix distortion. The clamshell of the camera is suitable for the screen, but difficult to hold tight, weight is slightly light so it is difficult to stand.
The camera continuously adjusts the sharpness when the user waves his hand or tilts his head. Skype chat you see the picture moving very tangled. This device also has problems with sudden changes in brightness: The screen will appear bright blue in a few seconds to stabilize.
Another disappointment is that this Everyman HD model does not have a microphone, so you’ll have to buy an external microphone for video chatting.
FreeTalk Everyman HD Webcam (TALK-7140): Buy it now
Design and build quality
The Freetalk Everyman HD is a plain black plastic webcam, compact and with no decoration to speak of. It looks equally at home on a kitchen table or an office desk.
An adjustable clip holds it on a monitor or laptop, or you can sit it on the desk. The grip is secure and the camera doesn’t slide around. Tilting it is a little awkward, though, because the clip mechanism is on the stiff side.
You can tell it’s a budget product, but the plastic shell is solid enough for daily use. Wipe the lens now and then and don’t force the clip, and it will last a good while.
Video
The Everyman HD shoots 720p (1280×720) at up to 30 fps. Anyone moving up from an old standard-definition webcam will see the difference immediately, and motion stays smooth on calls and streams.
Lighting makes or breaks the picture. Sit facing a window or in a bright room and you get a clean image with natural colors and almost no distortion. In a dim room the image gets soft and grainy. Before you touch the software settings, try a cheap desk lamp pointed at your face. It makes a bigger difference than anything in the software.
The lens is fixed focus and covers a moderate area. That works for one person sitting at a normal distance from the screen, but not for showing objects up close or fitting several people into the shot.
Audio
The built-in mic handles calls well enough, but it doesn’t filter much. In a noisy home or a shared office, a headset or separate mic will make you easier to hear.
Setup and software
There’s nothing to install. Plug it into a USB port and your computer should recognize it within a few seconds. It works with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype and Google Meet on Windows and macOS.
Freetalk’s software covers brightness, contrast and saturation, plus photo and video capture. It’s simple to use but rarely updated. For finer control, try a third-party camera app.
Where it fits
The Everyman HD is built for everyday calls, whether with colleagues or family. It’s also a good fit for online classes and presentations, as long as there’s enough light in the room. For casual streaming or vlogging the video is perfectly usable, though if you’re after a polished look, you’ll need a better camera.
Pros:
Low price
Clean 720p video in good light
Works straight out of the box over USB
Solid plastic build
Cons:
720p only
Needs good lighting
Clip is stiff to adjust
Software is basic and rarely updated
Verdict
For video calls and online classes on a small budget, the Everyman HD is a sensible choice. Just give it good light, because that’s what makes the biggest difference to how you look.
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Tech Reviewer & Product Analyst
Định Bia has spent over 10 years testing consumer electronics with a focus on smart technology. He work as a product advisor at Biareview where he helped customers find the right devices for their needs. He personally tests every product featured on this site using a consistent evaluation framework covering quality, durability, and value. All reviews are based on experience, not influenced by the manufacturer.