Meet the Poly Studio P5 Webcam, the first of Poly’s new line of P-series products for the home office and enterprise. If you didn’t know, Plantronics and Polycom merged back in 2018 and rebranded as Poly. The P5 webcam is ideal for both home or office use, and I’m loving the clarity I’m getting on my video calls.
Quick specs
- 1080p (Full HD)
- Built-in single directional microphone
- Custom controls through Poly Lens Desktop app
Like the Poly EagleEye Mini, setting up the P5 is pretty easy. You simply attach the webcam to the stand, which clips on magnetically. Alternatively, you can also screw the webcam to a tripod mount. To use the webcam, it’s as simple as plugging it into the USB port of your PC or Mac. You’ll need a USB-C to USB-A converter for the Mac though. There’s no need to install any drivers.
The 80 degrees field of view means it will capture plenty around you. That does mean you have to take care to hide things you don’t want seen on screen. Alternatively, use a virtual background if your apps support it. The quality of the full-HD camera is pretty on point, and you’ll look clear and crisp. That’s perfect for when you want to look good when presenting. If you’re plugged in and don’t see an image, that’s because the P5’s camera is turned off via the ring control. Turning it all the way also closes the integrated privacy shutter.
Other functions include a built-in directional microphone, in case you don’t already have one. You can also plug in a wireless headset dongle in a hidden USB port to connect your webcam to your headset. This helps free up port space if you’re short. There also enterprise functions, such as cloud management to track your device. But this does not give them access to view through the webcam, in case you’re wondering. The Poly Desktop Lens app also lets you tweak the camera settings, but you don't really need it.
Available at around S$200, the Poly Studio P5 Webcam is more expensive than other similarly specced webcams. This is particular true when you compare it to cheaper Chinese Brand’s. But what you’re paying for is quality in the form of exceptionally clear optics. Get it from Shopee or Lazada.
Note: Review unit provided by Poly.
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