While this might seem like a downside, most streamers are already using either a headset or stand-alone microphone. The last notable hardware choice was to not include a microphone. The FaceCam is surprisingly (alarmingly?) light. A monitor mount attaches via the industry-standard 1/4-inch thread, so it can be mounted on a variety of options-including Elgato’s Multi Mount System and basic tripods found on Amazon. A bundled plastic privacy cover clicks into place.
The FaceCam connects to a PC via an included USB 3.0 Type-C (camera) to Type-A (PC) cable. Other 4K webcams have a wider FOV out of the box and let you crop in on the signal-which gives nice flexibility but can impact image quality. Unfortunately (and unlike the Kiyo Pro) there is no option to get a wider FOV in situations where you might need it Elgato chose to tune the camera for this length. The FaceCam defaults to a 82-degree field of view (FOV), which roughly translates to 24mm on a full-frame camera, and is a nice focal length to aim for. The FaceCam is still much smaller than this Canon EOS R with a zoom lens. I’m completely fine with the lack of auto-focus in a webcam, especially because the FaceCam is designed for a distance of 12 to 47 inches from the camera-standard for a desktop setup.
It features a fixed-focus lens in order to combat focusing problems (like the Kiyo Pro continues to have) that appear as a distracting ‘breathing’ pattern when a camera’s trying to auto-focus. We’ll get into image performance soon, but one area where the FaceCam differs from other webcams is in its lens setup.
However, 1080p is actually preferred in many scenarios. The FaceCam-like the Kiyo Pro-tops out at a 1080p, 60Hz signal, which is well below the 4K resolution in other cams in this price range. Adam Patrick Murray/IDGįrom left to right: Elgato FaceCam, Razer Kiyo Pro, AverMedia PW513, Logitech BrioĪt the heart of the FaceCam is a Sony Starvis CMOS sensor, the same one that seems to be featured in the Razer Kiyo Pro and the Dell UltraSharp 4K. Because of an all-plastic construction it’s shockingly light at 96g, or 0.21 pounds, which gives it a cheap feeling in the hand despite the high-end hardware that’s packed inside. It has a more boxy, security-camera look compared to other webcams I have on hand. Streaming from a desktop with a large monitor, it doesn’t look that crazy, and it’s actually much smaller than a mirrorless camera. It would look downright silly teetering above a laptop screen. Everything about Key Light says: you mean business.There are no two ways around it-the FaceCam is huge. App-enabled and destined to evolve with you. Space-saving and built to stand the test of time. And that’s just the beginning, because with Stream Deck, new integrations just keep coming.įlawlessly designed to beat the rising demands of video production, Key Light sets the bar for high-end studio lighting. You can even save different settings for instant access on the fly. Power up, adjust brightness, tweak color temperature, and more. Stream Deck takes Key Light to the next level thanks to direct integrations you can customize as you see fit. Lights, camera, action – all with a single tap. And even sync as many Key Lights as you wish. So you can kick back with the Control Center app, tweak your lighting from the comfort of your mouse, get real-time, on-screen feedback. Why jump up to adjust settings only to return to a blown-out image? Key Light replaces hard-to-reach knobs with a direct Wi-Fi connection to your PC. And a silky-smooth opal glass face guarantees balanced, glare-free diffusion at the perfect beam angle.
A color temperature range of 2900 to 7000 K produces hues from arctic blue through sunset amber. 160 premium OSRAM LEDs ensure extra-bright illumination you can dim down to a subtle glow. While soft boxes tend to make you sweat, Key Light keeps heat impressively low despite its massive 2800-lumen output. Simply clamp the pole mount to your desk, extend it to your ideal height, and you’re ready to roll.
It doesn’t even touch your floor, plus it stands flush against your wall. Built from solid metal, Elgato Key Light eliminates this issue thanks to a streamlined profile that stays out of your way.
And with Key Light, they instantly know you’re pro.Ĭonventional studio lighting can clutter your setup. From the way you smirk and celebrate to the way you focus and freak out, viewers want to see every expression in detail. Quality lighting is the secret to making your camera feed shine.