This blog was originally posted to medium before I launched TechieZach. I am reposting this here so I may house content all in one place. This blog is specifically for recommending a Salesforce Webcam for your Salesforce certification exam.
I’ve started to think about blogging lately, but I’m stumped about what to blog about, and honestly, a little bit intimidated as writing is not my best skill.
The problem at hand – no more in-person Salesforce Certification Exams!
With the #Coronavirus lock-down expanding globally, this is causing Salesforce community members to encounter their local testing centers closing down. This is impacting the ability to schedule Salesforce certification exams.
These recent events may force individuals into uncharted territory for themself: Taking a Salesforce certification exam remotely!
So after I saw this tweet on a Merivis thread
I wondered, do others have recommended cameras that they have used successfully to take a Salesforce certification exam? Of course, you could figure this out yourself, by checking out these articles on specifications required:Kryterion Support
A camera with a heavy base and flexible neck allows for easier placement. The webcam you choose must meet the following criteria:
The Key Details for a Salesforce Certification Exam:
- Minimum Video Resolution of 720p with a frame rate of 30 fps
- High Speed USB 2.0 connection — Plug and Play preferred
- Cord length of 6 ft (2 m) or more
- Manual focus ring
- No auto zoom or auto focus allowed. These features must be turned off.
- Built-in microphone
The following are not acceptable as camera alternatives:
- Digital cameras/camcorders
- Smartphones (Sorry no Iphones!)
- GoPros
- Tablets
- Playstation Eye/Camera
- Eye Toy
- Kinect
- Additional laptops/computers
On the other hand, I prefer to read recommendations. Thus, who better to ask than the Salesforce community? Time to find the best webcam for salesforce certification exams and to schedule your salesforce exam remotely!
After 24 hours later, there have been 6,000 impressions, and a couple of hundred engagements. Great, there is a level of interest here on Salesforce webcams for remote certification exams!
A lot of folks mention in the thread how you don’t need the fanciest webcam, some stacking on books, using a USB extension cable, or meeting another part of the external view requirement through creative methods. Some folks use the camera for other purposes, so they may choose to invest more. I’ve gone ahead and found the camera folks mentioned on the thread, linked them below, and added some high level details for quick-scrolling.
Salesforce Webcams for Salesforce Certification exams
Forward-Looking Statement Time: Please be cautious of making a purchasing decision for a webcam based on tweets on the web, and you should do your own research in ensuring the Webcam matches the guidelines as specified by Kryterion and Trailhead support. This blog post is a compilation of tweets from the community on what has worked for them in taking the Salesforce exams remotely. When you buy something using the retail links in my blogs, I may earn a small commission.
I hope this blog post helps you in taking a Salesforce Exam remotely if you so desire. All of the links I’ve found are on Amazon, but i’m sure you can find the products on other websites. Without further a-do, here is the list of Salesforce webcams for Salesforce certification exams:
Logitech C270 —$39 USD as of 11–24–2020
It looks like the cheapest webcam on the list has seen a price increase due to the coronavirus. You may be able to find this webcam at other retailers through a quick google search. This seems very well-liked by the community and is quick and simple to setup.
Kryterion does have a disclaimer about this camera, so you may have additional work to set this up:
Please Note: Driver issues with Internet Explorer and the Logitech C920 and C270 cameras have caused delayed video loading, which may negatively impact your exam experience. It may be beneficial to download the latest webcam drivers prior to launching your exam.
Logitech C920 S HD Pro— $130~160 USD as of 11–24–2020
This subtweet thread had quite a few people recommending this camera model. Depending on the exact model (Standard vs Privacy) you decide to pursue, you could see an increase of about $30 USD. I really would enjoy having the privacy option!
Here is the link to the non-privacy shutter version.
Kryterion does have a disclaimer about this camera, so you may have additional work to set this up:
Please Note: Driver issues with Internet Explorer and the Logitech C920 and C270 cameras have caused delayed video loading, which may negatively impact your exam experience. It may be beneficial to download the latest webcam drivers prior to launching your exam.
Papalook 1080P PA452 Webcam — $40 USD
This does not appear to be compatible with Mac Operating systems, something to keep in mind if you are a Mac User. Maybe this will work with bootcamp? This option is out for me, but is an option for others!
Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 for Business — $64 USD as of 11–24–2020
I’ve used a Microsoft Camera in the past, and it seems this one is quite simple to setup and has pleasant reviews. It seems cameras do not need to be anything fancy.
My Verdict —
Well I had heard on the thread that Bob from Appirio, the Salesforce Consultancy firm where I work, had recently upgraded a lot of folks to a specific webcam. I was told to reach out to him.
This caused some confusion on the thread….
Bob confirmed he is real… #BobIsReal
And he confirmed when I asked him at work the recommended Webcam is the Logitech C920. So Bob and the Salesforce Community both seem to really like the 920, it has a great cable, appears to work with Mac, pretty convincing to me!
Well I like streamers, I like Bob, I like the Salesforce Community, and the camera appears to meet the requirements for many. That will be the model I decide to buy, and I’m going to monitor for restocks on the privacy model. It appears webcams are in fact selling out!
Anyways, thanks for reading my first blog, it was a lot of fun. Which camera are you going to buy, or is there another one that isn’t included in this list? Maybe my next one will be to talk about my workstation setup for taking an online exam!
Check out another blog i’ve posted about the Salesforce Spring 21 Release Notes or why I rebranded myself in the Salesforce industry.