AVer CAM520 PRO review
Aver Cam520 Pro: 18x Zoom Camera for Video-conferencing
The Aver Cam520 Pro is ideal for business owners and remote workers who hold frequent meetings. This PTZ camera provides 18x magnification through a combination of its optical zoom lens and digital zoom, with systems for combatting poor lighting conditions, which isn’t unusual in conference rooms.
Furthermore, this video conferencing camera has a high-end facial recognition AI program. With the Cam520 Pro, every individual’s face will remain in the frame while maintaining high picture quality. It is ideal for first meetings and introductions between new members.
The Aver 520 Pro has a wide pan and tilt range. This feature makes it ideal for large rooms, as there would be fewer instances of anybody missing from the shot. And with a remote controller, the facilitator can ensure their recordings are perfect.
After using the Aver 520 pro for a remote meeting with my 20-member team, I realized that I didn't need to look further for more video conferencing cameras. Here’s my opinion on the camera; hopefully, it helps you make an informed decision.
Video production
The Aver Cam520 Pro uses Sony True Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) technology to create consistent images, no matter the room's lighting condition. It uses 12x optical and 6x digital zoom, with SmartFrame technology for accurate facial recognition and face-framing. Add that to the 1080p footage you get at 60FPS, and you have nothing to complain about.
This camera pans at 340° and tilts at 120°, a few degrees shy of a complete 360. This range is excellent for an indoor camera because it will ensure that larger teams don’t struggle to fit in the frame. It also produces consistently good picture and video quality in YUV, YUV2, MJPEG, and NV13 formats.
This device is a solid 10/10 rated camera for video production. You can remotely control the Cam520 Pro using the RTSP/RTMP support via H.264 IP streaming. So even if you aren't at a meeting and want to see everything there, you can simply tilt and pan the device according to your desire.
Connection types
This camera has four connection ports — USB 3.1 type-B, RS232 in/out, DC 12V, and LAN for IP streaming/remote access. The USB 3.1 is backward compatible with USB 2.0.
You get a 12V/2A adapter out of the box for supplying power to the device. You can also connect the IP (RJ45) cable to your LAN or Ethernet device. I would give the Avercam 520 Pro a 7/10 rating in the connectivity department because first-timers may struggle with the many connectivity cables.
Setup
The Aver Cam520 Pro is easy to set up and comes with a manual. As part of the Cam520Pro, you get a wall mount and an optional TV foldable mount. Fasten the device to these mounts using the screws, then connect it to the power outlet.
When the device is on, connect the RS232 and USB cables. Connect the USB 3.0 cable to the computer and the Ethernet cable for IP streaming. After, open your browser and input the camera’s IP address — 192.168.1.168.
Then download the AVer IP Finder app and locate the camera. A screen where you can log in with the default password aver4321 should appear. When you log in, you can control the camera and tweak settings. I think the setup is decent but not the easiest, so I rate it 7/10.
Conclusion
The Aver Cam 520 Pro is ideal for business owners that hold frequent remote meetings. You can control it remotely and live stream, but with only Google Chrome. The device is easy to set up and operate, which is good news for those who don’t like to get too technical.
The camera’s pan and tilt range are excellent, and its SmartFrame facial recognition technology works surprisingly well, scanning faces even in a poorly-lit room.
I rate this device an 8/10. It's a worthy investment for all business owners and professionals. So, if you have been looking for an excellent video conferencing camera for your large team and have considered the Aver Cam520Pro, go for it.