How does the different video conferencing camera producers manage camera pixel information

1. Using Interpolation to Inflate Pixel Count

Some manufacturers claim higher megapixels by using interpolation — a software technique that artificially increases image resolution by adding pixels between real ones. This doesn’t improve actual image detail, but it inflates specs on paper.

Example: A native 720p sensor might be marketed as “up to 1080p” with software interpolation.

2. Marketing 4K, But Delivering 1080p

Cameras with 4K sensors are sometimes marketed as “4K cameras,” even if:

The video conferencing platform only transmits at 1080p or lower.
The actual USB bandwidth or camera processor caps the live output to 1080p.

So while the sensor is 4K, the video you (or others) see isn’t — it’s 1080p or even 720p.

3. Cropping Instead of Zooming

Some cameras with 4K resolution use the extra pixels not to deliver full 4K video, but to enable digital zoom and intelligent cropping (e.g., face framing, speaker tracking) without losing quality — which is useful, but still a different use of “4K.”

These features are valuable but shouldn’t be confused with streaming a full 4K image.

4. Pixel Binning in Low Light

High-res sensors often use a method called pixel binning in low light — combining data from adjacent pixels to improve brightness and reduce noise. While this enhances image quality, the effective resolution gets lowered.

It’s not manipulation — it’s smart processing — but it’s worth knowing the full picture.

5. Overselling Megapixels for Video Use

A sensor with 8 megapixels sounds great — but video is typically measured in frame resolution, like 1920×1080 (2MP) or 3840×2160 (8MP). Some brands highlight still image capabilities (e.g., “16MP camera!”) even when the video resolution is just HD (720p or 1080p).

6. Not Disclosing Frame Rate

Some cameras advertise 1080p or 4K resolution — but don’t tell you that it only works at 15 fps, not the standard 30 or 60 fps. That results in choppy video despite the pixel count.

How to Read Between the Lines

When evaluating a conferencing camera:

Look for native video output resolution and frame rate.
Check actual supported resolutions on conferencing platforms.
Pay attention to lens quality, autofocus, and FOV (Field of View).
See if the claimed resolution is native or interpolated.
Research real-world reviews and sample footage.