Jabra PanaCast vs PanaCast 20: Which is Best for Your Video Conferencing Needs? 

In the era of remote work and digital collaboration, a reliable video conferencing setup is more critical than ever. Jabra offers two cutting-edge solutions: the PanaCast and PanaCast 20. While both are engineered to enhance your video calls, they cater to different use cases. Let’s dive into the specifics to help you choose the perfect device for your needs. 

Design and Build 

Jabra PanaCast is billed as the world’s first intelligent 180° Panoramic-4K plug-and-play video solution. It’s designed for professional environments and can be flexibly mounted on various surfaces for optimal coverage. 

Jabra PanaCast 20 offers personal, AI-enabled video conferencing with a portable design and integrated privacy cover. This device is tailored for individual users who need high-quality video on the go. 

Video Quality and Field of View 

The original PanaCast boasts an impressive 180° field of view in Panoramic-4K resolution, ensuring everyone in the meeting room is visible. The auto light correction and electronic Pan-Tilt-Zoom (ePTZ) maintain video quality in varying light conditions. 

Conversely, the PanaCast 20 features a narrower 90° field of view, but with the same 4K resolution. Its Intelligent Zoom, and Intelligent Lighting Optimization are designed to keep the focus on the individual, adjusting the frame and lighting in real time. 

Audio and Microphones 

Audio quality is crucial for clear communication. The PanaCast initially has its microphone disabled, requiring activation via Jabra Direct. Once enabled, it captures sound with clarity. (How do I enable/disable the built-in microphone on the Jabra PanaCast using Jabra Direct?) 

The PanaCast 20 has three built-in MEMS microphones, providing an optimal range of up to 2.5 meters (8 feet) and ensuring crisp audio pickup directly out of the box. Get excellent audio by pairing with Jabra’s extensive professional-grade headsets and speakerphones. 

Connectivity and Compatibility 

Both devices connect via USB 3.0, ensuring fast and reliable video data transfer. However, the PanaCast offers additional compatibility with a USB 2.0 through the Jabra USB hub, making it more versatile for different setups. 

Innovative Features 

Jabra’s PanaCast includes Intelligent Zoom and Whiteboard, which are ideal for team settings. It can automatically capture and enhance a whiteboard’s content in real time. 

PanaCast 20 shines with personalization features such as Picture-in-Picture and On-device Background Effects, catering to personal users who need to control their video presentation intricately. 

Use Cases 

Choose Jabra PanaCast if you are outfitting a meeting room and need to capture every participant or if your focus is on collaborative, interactive sessions involving whiteboards or large group discussions. I carry the Jabra PanaCast Meet Anywhere Bundle everywhere I go. I have used it several times when people couldn’t join an in-person meeting, and there was no AV equipment in the room. The Jabra Meet Anywhere and Meet Anywhere+ bundles have everything you need to transform any space into a meeting place. A compact travel pouch keeps the intelligent Jabra PanaCast and premium Speak 750 in one easily portable place, so you can enjoy simple plug-and-play communication whenever needed. Check out this video! Jabra PanaCast Meet Anywhere Bundles | Unboxing and Overview 

Opt for the PanaCast 20 if you are a remote professional or educator seeking high-quality video and audio for one-on-one interactions or if you frequently move between workspaces and require a portable, personal solution. The Jabra PanaCast 20 has become my default webcam for video meetings and filming YouTube videos! Check out this video! Jabra PanaCast 20 Unboxing, Overview, Intelligent Zoom and PIP Demo 

Price Point 

Considering the budget, PanaCast is priced at $550, reflecting its enterprise-focused features. The PanaCast 20, at $199, is more accessible for individual users or those needing a high-quality video solution without the breadth of a full room capture. 

Conclusion 

The Jabra PanaCast and PanaCast 20 cater to different environments but share the same commitment to quality. For expansive room coverage and interactive sessions, the PanaCast is unmatched. For personal use with intelligent framing and lighting, the PanaCast 20 excels. 

Evaluate your space, audience, and type of communication to make the best choice for your video conferencing needs. It’s best to contact an Authorized Jabra Reseller like Call One, Inc. to help guide your decision.  

Call One, Inc. is a nationally certified women’s business enterprise and woman-owned small business headquartered in Cape Canaveral, FL.  We are B2B and provide professional-grade audio and video solutions for personal and team workspaces. We believe in the fundamental principle that people do business with people. Our passion is to help people do their business better by simplifying access to business communications and collaboration technology. 

Manufacturer / Model	Jabra PanaCast	Jabra PanaCast 20
MSRP	$550.00	$199.00
Description	Engineered to be the world’s first intelligent 180° Panoramic-4K plug-and-play video solution	Engineered for intelligent AI-enabled personal video conferencing
SKU	8100-119	8300-119
What’s in the Box	PanaCast Camera, USB-C to USB-A cable (1 m/3 ft)	PanaCast 20, carry case, USB-C to USB-A cable 1.5m/4.9ft (USB 3.0)
System Requirements	Windows 7 or above macOS X 10.9 or above Linux Ubuntu 16.x or above Chrome OS USB 3.0 (supports USB 2.0 through the Jabra USB hub)	Windows 10, compatible with macOS 10.15 and later, including macOS 11.x
Video Platforms Supported	Certified for use with Microsoft Teams, Zoom and works with Cisco Webex, and many more. For compatibility information go to jabra.com	Certified for Microsoft Teams, Zoom certified, and works with all leading UC platforms
Warranty	Two years	Two Years
Resolution FPS	Panoramic-4K: 3840 x 1080 @ 30fps 1080 Full HD: 1920 x 1080 @ 30fps 720p HD: 1280 x 720 @ 30fps	Ultra HD 4k: 3840 x 2160 @ 30 fps 1080p Full HD: 1920 x 1080 @ 30 fps 720p HD: 1280 x 720 @ 30 fps
FOV	Horizontal: 180° / Vertical: 54°/ Choose between 90°, 120°, 140° and 180° through Jabra Direct	Horizontal: 90°, Vertical: 75°, Diagonal: 117°
Zoom Capability	Electronic Pan-Tilt-Zoom (ePTZ)	Up to 3x lossless digital zoom at 720p
Auto Light Correction	Vivid HDR Optimizes video quality under varying lighting conditions	Intelligent Lighting Optimization
Microphones	Two built-in HD microphones. The optimal microphone range is up to 2.5m/8ft. The microphones are off by default. You can change the setting using Jabra Direct, after which you must restart the camera for the change to take effect.	Three built-in HD microphones. The optimal microphone range is up to 2.5 meters/8 feet. The microphones are off by default. You can change the setting using Jabra Direct, after which you must restart the camera for the change to take effect.
Connection	USB 3.0	USB 3.0 Type C
Privacy Shutter	No	Yes, built-in
Cable Length	1 m/3 ft	1.5m/5ft
Mount	Flexible mount: For easy placement on top of your monitor or laptop, a tripod mount, optional Table Stand, and Wall Mount are available.	Clip to any laptop screen or monitor or mount on a tripod
Device Management	Jabra Direct, Jabra Xpress	Jabra Direct, Jabra Xpress
Other Features	Intelligent Zoom Automatically adjusts the field of view so everyone is included in the conversation. Whiteboard Captures anything you write on a whiteboard in real-time, enhancing readability. 180° Video-flip: Allows you to flip the video feed if the device is installed upside down	Intelligent Zoom, Vivid HDR, Picture in Picture (PIP), On-device Background Effects