About Opal windows
To talk at length about the software features of the Opal Tadpole, but when the company sent me the webcam, I was not informed that the companion software, called Opal Composer, is exclusive to macOS. That means all those features were not accessible to me since I only have Windows machines. I also couldn't get any response about whether a Windows version of the software is planned. Still, through some research, I can see that Opal Composer does have some interesting features for those with MacBooks. It has a pretty complete set of tools for tweaking the image, such as white balance control, saturation, manual focus options, and so on and so forth. It also includes more unique features like background replacement and blur, stickers, special effects, and more. It also provides gesture support, so you can do things like turn off the webcam with a peace sign or zoom in with a pinch gesture. I was not informed that the companion software, called Opal Composer, is exclusive to macOS. That means all those features were not accessible to me since I only have Windows machines. The software also includes a recording tool so that you can record your webcam, your screen, or both. Even more interesting, you can record a video loop. This means you can record a short clip that loops indefinitely, which you can use as a trick to pretend you're always paying attention during a call. I can't attest to how well these features work in practice, but they've been available for a while for the C1 webcam, so I imagine they're fairly polished at this point. I do wish I could try them, though. Should you buy the Opal Tadpole? You should buy the Opal Tadpole if: Your laptop's webcam is 720p or not great in general You have frequent virtual meetings in public spaces You want a webcam made for portability You should NOT buy the Opal Tadpole if: You already have a solid laptop webcam You want to mount the webcam on a monitor You have a Windows PC and want to use
Key features of the Opal windows that are enabled through these drivers include:
- Windows - Opal Glass And Aluminium
- Free opal viewer lite Download - opal viewer lite for Windows
- Brazilian Opal Information - Opal Auctions
- OPALE - definition of OPALE by The Free Dictionary
- Opale Mobile – Opale Mobile Apps
- Opals by Steed - Australian Opal Jewellery
- Opal Site Index - Opal Collection
I've tested many high-end webcams over the past couple of years and seen many more online. But one thing I've never seen before is a webcam made specifically for laptops — at least, until the Opal Tadpole showed up in my email inbox. As a webcam designed for laptops, the Opal Tadpole is extremely compact and sleek, but it still promises great image quality thanks to a large 48MP Sony sensor. It's truly a unique and interesting device with a lot going for it. Unfortunately, it still has some big shortcomings regarding image quality, and there's no Windows app, meaning most software features are locked to Macs. These problems make it hard to recommend the Opal Tadpole as it is right now wholeheartedly. About this review: Opal sent us the Tadpole webcam for the purposes of this review but did not have any input into its content. The review was written based on usage with Windows PCs. Image credit: Opal"" data-modal-id="single-image-modal" data-modal-container-id="single-image-modal-container" data-img-caption=""""> Solid but not amazing Opal Tadpole A decent on-the-go webcam that could use some improvement The Opal Tadpole is a webcam designed for laptops above all else. It comes with a 48MP sensor that should be a nice upgrade over most laptops, but it struggles with uneven lighting and image quality could be better. Resolution 48MP sensor binned to 1080p Connection USB Type-C (built-in) Integrated Lighting No Aperture f/1.8 Frames per second 30 Mounting Mounting clip (35 degrees) Compatibility Works with most laptops, Mac-exclusive companion software Sensor size 12.7mm Additional features Tap-to-mute microphone Size (WxDxH) 45x20x35mm Weight 45 grams (including cable) Pros & Cons Much more detailed images than most laptop webcams Portable and sleek design looks great Clever tap-to-mute feature It has trouble with uneven lighting It can still muddy up some images No 4K capture despite the large sensor Companion software is exclusive to Macs Pricing and availability The Opal Tadpole launched on Nov. 14 and it immediately became available for purchase through Opal's website and Amazon. Those currently seem to be the only retailers selling the camera, which comes in either white or black
