With the rise of video calling and conferencing over the past few years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, the ability to video chat directly from a TV has become an increasingly popular feature. Many modern smart TVs now come equipped with built-in cameras to enable this functionality right out of the box. But do all new TVs have built-in cameras? Or is this still a relatively rare feature only found on certain high-end models? Below we’ll examine if and which TV brands and models come with built-in cameras.
Page Contents
- 0.1 Do smart TVs have built-in cameras?
- 0.2 What are the benefits of a TV with a built-in camera?
- 0.3 What are the downsides to a built-in TV camera?
- 1 Do Samsung smart TVs have built-in cameras?
- 2 Do LG smart TVs have built-in cameras?
- 3 Do Sony TVs have built-in cameras?
- 4 Do Vizio smart TVs have built-in cameras?
- 5 Do Hisense smart TVs have built-in cameras?
- 6 Do TCL smart TVs have built-in cameras?
- 7 Do budget smart TV brands have built-in cameras?
- 8 Conclusion
Do smart TVs have built-in cameras?
The short answer is some do, but not all. Built-in cameras are still considered a specialty feature on most smart TVs. However, they are becoming more common, especially on higher-end 4K and 8K TVs from top brands. As video calling continues to grow in popularity, more manufacturers are likely to incorporate built-in cameras into their smart TV offerings.
What are the benefits of a TV with a built-in camera?
There are several potential benefits to having a built-in camera on a smart TV:
– Ease of use – No need to purchase and connect an external webcam to enable video chat capabilities. The built-in camera is ready to go out of the box.
– Video call quality – Built-in cameras are designed specifically for each model of TV, so they can take advantage of optimal sensor size, positioning, lighting and integration with the TV hardware and software. This can provide a better video call experience than an external camera.
– Clean setup – Without the need to mount an external camera on top of the TV or place it on a stand nearby, a built-in camera results in a cleaner, seamless look.
– Future-proofing – As more apps and services add support for video calling from the TV, having a built-in camera ensures the TV is ready to take advantage of these features.
What are the downsides to a built-in TV camera?
There are also some potential drawbacks to consider with built-in TV cameras:
– Added cost – TVs with built-in cameras tend to cost more than comparable models without them. The cameras themselves aren’t overly expensive, but the feature bumps up the TV price.
– Privacy concerns – Some consumers understandably have concerns about an always-on camera in their living room, even if safeguards are in place to prevent hacking. External cameras can be unplugged or covered when not in use.
– Limited controls – In some cases, built-in cameras may have limited controls for zoom, pan and tilt compared to external webcams designed for conferencing. But this varies model to model.
– Extra steps for external use – While built-in cameras work seamlessly with the TV’s software and apps, using them as a webcam for a computer or mobile device generally requires extra steps like sideloading apps or adjusting source inputs.
– Spotty software support – Some TV brands have robust software support for their built-in cameras with lots of compatible apps. But other brands’ software limits the capabilities of the camera or doesn’t integrate well across apps and devices.
Do Samsung smart TVs have built-in cameras?
Many new high-end Samsung smart TVs come equipped with built-in cameras, but it is not a universal feature across their lineup. Here are some specifics on Samsung TVs with built-in cameras:
4K and 8K TVs with built-in cameras
Several premium Samsung 4K and 8K TVs include built-in cameras:
– QN900B Neo QLED 8K TVs (2022 models)
– QN800B Neo QLED 8K TVs (2022 models)
– QN90B Neo QLED 4K TVs (2022 models)
– QN85B Neo QLED 4K TVs (2022 models)
– Q80B QLED 4K TVs (2022 models)
On these TVs, the camera is embedded just below the screen in the thin bezel. It offers up to 4K resolution at up to 60fps.
Lower-end models without cameras
Most other classes of Samsung smart TVs do not contain built-in cameras, including:
– Q60B QLED 4K TVs (2022 models)
– AU8000 Crystal UHD 4K TVs (2022 models)
– AU7000 Crystal UHD 4K TVs (2021 and 2022 models)
– Q50 QLED 4K TVs (2021 models)
– Q60T QLED 4K TVs (2020 models)
So built-in cameras are limited to the highest-end Samsung smart TV offerings like Neo QLED and premium QLED models. More affordable series do not offer built-in camera capabilities currently.
Using the built-in camera
On Samsung TVs with built-in cameras, the camera can be used for:
– Video calls through apps like Google Duo
– Fitness tracking with apps like Smart Trainer
– Gesture controls and facial recognition through Bixby
– Virtual backgrounds and effects through Smart Hub
The camera includes a physical privacy switch or cover to disable the camera when not in use. Samsung also includes security measures like encryption and user consent requirements to help prevent unauthorized access.
Do LG smart TVs have built-in cameras?
Like Samsung, LG offers built-in front-facing cameras on some of its high-end smart TV models, while excluding them from more affordable series.
OLED TVs with built-in cameras
The following LG OLED TV series feature built-in cameras:
– Z2 8K OLED TVs (2022 models)
– G2 4K OLED TVs (2022 models)
– C2 4K OLED TVs (2022 models)
The front cameras on these TVs include a physical shutter for privacy when not on a video call.
LCD/LED TVs without cameras
None of LG’s current lineup of LED/LCD TVs include built-in cameras, including:
– QNED Mini LED TVs (2022 models)
– NANO90 LED TVs (2022 models)
– NANO85 LED TVs (2022 models)
– UP8000 LED TVs (2022 models)
So for LG, built-in cameras are exclusive to their premium OLED TV offerings. Their lower-priced LED LCD TVs do not offer integrated cameras.
Using LG’s built-in cameras
LG TVs with built-in cameras allow for:
– Making video calls through apps like Google Duo
– Gesture and motion control of the TV interface
– Facial recognition for personalized settings and recommendations
– Background effects and filters for video calls
LG also provides a physical switch to disable the camera along with cybersecurity measures to keep video feeds and personal data secure.
Do Sony TVs have built-in cameras?
At the present time, none of Sony’s 2022 smart TV lineup includes built-in camera functionality. However, some of their older high-end models did offer integrated cameras:
Past TVs with cameras
The following Sony TVs included front-facing cameras when released:
– Z9G 8K LED TVs (2019 models)
– A9G 4K OLED TVs (2019 models)
On these TVs, the camera enabled video chat along with gesture and voice control features.
Current TVs without cameras
Sony’s current smart TV offerings no longer offer built-in cameras, including:
– Z9K 8K LED TVs (2022 models)
– A95K QD-OLED TVs (2022 models)
– A90K OLED TVs (2022 models)
– X95K 4K Mini-LED TVs (2022 models)
– X90K 4K LED TVs (2022 models)
While their past flagship models had cameras, Sony has moved away from integrated cameras in their latest lineup. Even their high-end 2022 models do not include cameras built into the TV hardware.
Potential reasons for removal
Sony may have removed integrated cameras from their TVs due to:
– Supply chain shortages or cost reduction
– Lack of consumer demand for the camera feature
– Privacy concerns surrounding always-on TV cameras
For now, no current Sony smart TVs offer built-in video calling cameras. Owners need to connect an external webcam for video chat capabilities.
Do Vizio smart TVs have built-in cameras?
No, Vizio smart TVs do not contain any integrated camera hardware. None of their current lineup of 4K LED TVs include built-in cameras for video chat or other functionality purposes.
TV models without cameras
Vizio’s 2022 smart TV lineup encompasses several series, none of which offer built-in cameras:
– P-Series Quantum X 4K TVs
– P-Series Quantum 4K TVs
– M-Series Quantum 4K TVs
– V-Series 4K TVs
– D-Series 4K TVs
Past Vizio TV models also did not include integrated camera hardware. So this is not a new policy for them.
Reasons for lack of cameras
There are a few potential reasons why Vizio has not added built-in cameras to their smart TVs:
– Focus on affordability – As a value brand, Vizio aims to keep costs down. Integrated cameras may be seen as an unnecessary cost increase.
– Limited utility – Without a platform for video chat apps, the usefulness of a built-in camera is constrained on Vizio TVs.
– Privacy concerns – Vizio may wish to avoid privacy criticisms and scrutiny associated with onboard TV cameras.
– Supply chain issues – Component shortages may make built-in cameras infeasible for Vizio TV manufacturing currently.
Alternatives for video chat
Since their TVs lack onboard cameras, Vizio owners need to use external USB or Bluetooth webcams for video calling functionality. Some recommended options include:
– Logitech C920e HD Webcam
– Anker PowerConf C300 Webcam
– Razer Kiyo Streaming Webcam
– ZigTalk Premium Web Camera
These can connect to a Vizio TV’s USB port to enable video chat through a paired smartphone or tablet.
Do Hisense smart TVs have built-in cameras?
Like Vizio, Hisense does not include integrated cameras in any of their 2022 lineup of smart TVs. Even their high-end models lack built-in cameras.
TV models without cameras
Here is Hisense’s current product range, none of which offer onboard camera hardware:
– ULED Premium 4K TVs
– U7H 4K Quantum Dot QLED TVs
– U6H 4K LED TVs
– A6H 4K LED TVs
– A4H LED HD TVs
Past Hisense smart TV models were also devoid of built-in cameras for video chat or other functionality.
Reasons for no camera support
Hisense may have opted not to include integrated cameras due to:
– Cost savings – Adding cameras would increase the manufacturing costs.
– Component shortages – Like other brands, they may be impacted by supply chain issues.
– Privacy concerns – Allowing onboard cameras would introduce potential privacy risks.
– Software limitations – Their smart TV platform may lack apps that would utilize the cameras.
Alternatives for video chat
Owners of Hisense smart TVs have a couple options for enabling video calling:
– Wired USB webcams – Many budget-friendly wired USB cameras can connect to Hisense TVs.
– Wireless webcams – Pricier wireless webcams connect via Bluetooth without wires.
– Smartphone/tablet – A mobile device can be used for video chatting while mirroring its screen to the TV.
With these workarounds, the lack of a built-in camera on Hisense TVs can be overcome relatively easily.
Do TCL smart TVs have built-in cameras?
TCL takes a similar approach as Hisense and Vizio when it comes to onboard camera hardware – none of their current smart TV models include integrated cameras.
2022 TV lineups without cameras
TCL’s latest TV series encompass a range of display technologies and prices, but all lack built-in cameras:
– 6-Series R648 Mini-LED 4K TVs
– 5-Series QLED 4K TVs
– 4-Series LED 4K TVs
– 3-Series LED HD TVs
Even their 2022 6-Series sets with advanced Mini-LED backlighting do not incorporate front-facing camera modules.
Reasons for the omission
TCL’s motives for leaving out integrated cameras align with some of the other mainstream budget brands:
– Cost control – Adding cameras would drive up manufacturing costs substantially.
– Component shortages – Supply chain issues may preclude integrated cameras.
– Privacy implications – Onboard cameras pose potential consumer spying risks.
– App support – Google Duo is the only major video chat app on TCL’s platform.
Without better app support or consumer demand, built-in cameras are unlikely to arrive on TCL TVs anytime soon.
Available video chat options
To enable video calling functionality, TCL smart TV owners can utilize:
– USB webcams – Wired USB cameras provide an easy plug-and-play solution.
– Mobile screen mirroring – A phone or tablet can handle the video chat sessions while mirrored to the TV.
– Bluetooth cameras – Some wireless Bluetooth webcams will interface with TCL TVs.
So there are still ways to video chat even without integrated camera hardware.
Do budget smart TV brands have built-in cameras?
Beyond the major brands covered already, there is a range of smaller, budget-friendly smart TV manufacturers serving the more value-focused segment of the market. This includes brands like Insignia, Onn, Toshiba, JVC, and more.
Lack of cameras across budget brands
In keeping with their affordable pricing, none of these lower-cost smart TV makers offer models with integrated cameras built into the TV hardware.
This applies across budget-priced models like:
– Insignia F20 4K Fire TVs
– Onn. 50″ UHD LED Roku TVs
– Toshiba C350 Fire TVs
– JVC LT-50MAW595 LED HDTVs
Reasoning behind the missing feature
There are a few sensible reasons why built-in cameras are not found on cheaper off-brand smart TV models:
– Added cost – Cameras add expense that hurts profit margins on budget TVs.
– Limited utility – Many apps don’t support video chat on lesser-known TV platforms.
– Privacy issues – Having onboard cameras introduces privacy and security concerns.
– Supply constraints – Camera components may be in short supply.
Ultimately for the manufacturers, the costs and downsides outweigh the benefits of including integrated cameras.
Video chat options for budget brand owners
Owners of off-brand smart TVs have a couple approaches to enable video calling:
– Wired USB webcams – Inexpensive plug-and-play USB camera options exist.
– Mobile screen casting – A smartphone or tablet can handle the video chat sessions.
– Bluetooth webcams – Some Bluetooth camera models are compatible.
So while built-in cameras are not present, external webcam solutions can provide video chat as needed.
Conclusion
While built-in cameras are appearing on more high-end smart TVs from top brands like Samsung and LG, they are still not a universal feature across the smart TV landscape. Most mid-range and budget TV models do not contain integrated camera hardware currently.
But with the growing demand for TV video chat capabilities, built-in cameras will likely expand to more models and brands in the future. Until then, owners of TVs without onboard cameras still have options like external USB/Bluetooth webcams or mobile screen mirroring. So integrated cameras remain a luxury rather than necessity for most consumers’ smart TV needs.