Webcams and Microphones

Hello all Zoomers!
The only computer in our home capable of Zoom is my Wife’s laptop and, due to so many meetings going virtual for both of us, there can be competition as to who uses the laptop. :-( So I need to buy a webcam and microphone (possibly as part of a headset) to work with my desktop computer running Linux. The Farnell/CPC website has the following Logitech models.
C525 HD Fold-n-Go SMP webcam (code960-001064)
H110 Stereo PC Headset (code 981-000271=H110) which includes a microphone with two 3.5mm jack plugs
Presumably, the PC feature will filter out all sexist, racist or other unpleasant speech?

Are these Logitech products as good as their mice and keyboards?

Not strictly RISC OS, but may be one day?

An alternative I chose for my mother where a new monitor was needed anyway was an integrated solution by Asus, the ASUS BE24DQLB. Camera and microphone and speakers integrated, real buttons at the side to control them, plug&play via one USB connection to the host PC (Windows 10).

For around 200€ I think this is a good deal overall. The screen quality (24" Full HD) looks good, too.

Thank you, Steffen, for reply. This solution may be for later, but at the moment we have enough monitors around the house.

I use a basic (read sub-20ukp) Logitech one. Most have inbuilt mic. You’d need to judge the sound quality from the videos/feeds where I’ve been talking, but IMHO a separate headset us unnecessary, and just increases the amount of cables.

The problem is that prices have skyrocketed due to COVID. Cameras that were sold for 15ukp now sell for 30-40, even if you can get hold of them. It is worth remembering what price they should be and set expectations accordingly.

Problem is, I have no idea on Linux compatibility on any of these. I know that the hardware is decent (for the price), but logitech software is generally a bit, erm, less than ideal. For example, the camera drivers won’t install on W10 if core isolation security is enabled.

a separate headset us unnecessary, and just increases the amount of cables.

A headset mic might be, but headphones are not. Without them, it’s a very fine balancing act between setting the mic level high enough that people can hear you, and not setting it so high/keeping the speaker volume low enough that you don’t feed back to the call with the well-known echo effect.

ETA: Also, getting the mic out of the way can stop you catching it with things mid-call. That’s one of the main advantages of the headset that I use with the work laptop: using the inbuilt mic results in clicks and scratches when typing and the like.

I’ve not had good experiences with inbuilt webcam mics, either, but that might not be universal.

FWIW, I use a cheap, ancient 3.5mm jack-connected mic which came as a “distress purchase” from PC World around 15 years ago. It’s better quality than anything else I’ve tried, although the bar isn’t high.

Problem is, I have no idea on Linux compatibility on any of these. I know that the hardware is decent (for the price), but logitech software is generally a bit, erm, less than ideal.

I use a Microsoft LifeCam (3000, possibly – don’t quote me on that), at least in part because that’s what my preferred local dealer could do for a price that I was willing to pay at the height of Lockdown 1.0. That, plus the aforementined microphone setup, is what you’re seeing/hearing if I’m sat in front of the yellow wall and bookcase at an online RISC OS event. The computer is an Ubuntu 20.4 box.

IME, this site is useful for getting a feel for Linux compatibility.

Thanks for responses. I have ordered a Logitech C615 webcam.