Can HD Webcam give Better Image Quality than a 4K Webcam?

I am planning to buy a ELP brand optical zoom webcam for use in a conference Hall on a Win 10 machine and Zoom. They have adjustable Zoom and manual focus. They offer a low light 1920 x 1080 version and also a 4K version (3840x2160). My budget is $80-120 so am not expecting miracles.

I am wondering if all being equal, if the HD version will have better image quality than the 4K version. I know that image quality is affected by the lighting, position of the webcam, the zoom level (which reduces light), the usb extension cable loss, the internet quality, the software and settings and the computer processing power. I know that more pixels do not always mean better quality. Yes, its tempting to go for the 4K version, but am wondering if there is more that can go wring with 4K.

I have read reviews and also contacted ELP but am still wondering what is the best choice. Does anyone have any on-hand experience with these webcams or using Zoom with HD and 4K? Your advice would be appreciated.

Kind regards
Chris

4k is higher.

But Zoom is limited to a maximum of 1280 x 720 in all case, If you are on a free account, then the highest resolution would be 640x480... 1080P have to be enabled in your ZOOM configuration console of your Business or Enterprise subscription to be available and I have not seen anything about 4k except for local recordings.

Thank you both for your answers. MaloK, you make a valid point about the limitations of Zoom (1280x720). I have no idea if downsizing from 4K to 1280x720 will be any better than downsizing from a full HD webcam 1920x1080). Of course, the lighting and the quality of the sensor and lens all play a part.

Kind regards
Chris Nicola

Yes, the quality of the camera plays more than the resolution used