Compare Panopto Desktop Recorder with Panopto Capture (browser recorder)

Having a hard time deciding between Panopto Desktop Recorder and Panopto Capture? This article details features of both recorders.

Summary

The Panopto Desktop Recorder application and the browser based Panopto Capture recorder are both great lecture capture tools, but did you know they offer different features that may be hard to tell apart? This chart will compare both recorders and help you decide which one works best for your needs.

Feature Comparison

Feature	Panopto Desktop Recorder	Panopto Capture
Capture Slide Annotations	Won't record slide annotations*	Will record slide annotations
Auto contents listing for slide titles	Will generate auto Contents listing for slide titles.	Will not generate auto Contents listing for slide titles – you must enable Smart Chapters in the Panopto editor under the Contents tab for that to take effect
Live Webcast	Yes	No
Recording	Pause and Resume while recording	Cannot pause or resume while recording
Storage	Stores recordings locally and can be uploaded to Panopto anytime	Stores on Panopto Only
Requires Software Install	Yes	No, browser based
Virtual Background	No	Yes, blurred background, default background, or upload your own background image
Recording Quality Adjustment	Standard, High, and Ultra Presets or custom	Standard, HD, and Ultra HD Presets
Camera Control	Manual Camera Controls	Smart Camera tracks one or multiple people
Multiple Camera Selection	Yes	Yes
Secondary Source Selection	Desktop Selection Only	Select individual application sharing or entire desktop

*A workaround is to record the full screen where your slides are showing in addition to checking the “Record PowerPoint” box on the Panopto Desktop Recorder. It will record both the slides and the screenshare. The screenshare will show your annotations.

Use Cases

Panopto Capture

• Recommended for use in classrooms on Cynap or Classroom PC’s. Can be operated from within a web browser - Chrome recommended, Safari, Firefox and Edge work as well. Simplified interface makes it easy to setup a recording quickly on any device.
• If you want to use features like the Smart Camera or a Virtual background you will have to use Panopto Capture. Smart Camera tightens the presenter camera and keeps you (the presenter) centered in the video. Keep in mind that this setting simply crops the video image and follows your face which may result in lower video quality or shaky video.

Panopto Desktop Recorder

• Recommended for use at home or office. Allows a cleaner end look with the ability to add certain details with additional cameras or screens. You do not need an active internet connection to record. You can upload the presentation later when you have internet access.
• Required for recording live webcasts.