Review: Konftel Cam10 is a really good webcam for just shy of $100

Working from home has taken a new imperative in 2020 and now 2021, which means affordable, quality web cameras are needed. Sweden-based Konftel has been in the cam game for more than 30 years, so it should be no surprise that its new Cam10 full HD offering is much better than anticipated.

I’ve spent the last few weeks with the Cam10, and while it does not dethrone the Logitech BRIO 4K, it makes up for it by being almost half the price. Here is what else you need to know about the Konftel Cam10.

The Konftel Cam10 is available through Amazon (via Provantage LLC) for $98.94 as of this review. Because this is a business-focused device (although anyone can buy one), there is a discount when buying 14 units or more ($89.39 per device).

Customers can also go through Konftel.com, with sales directors and channel managers to better assist companies who want direct purchases and support. The company can set up a live demo of the camera to experience how it looks in real-time. Additionally, Konftel can send a sample unit to companies interested in trying it themselves.

A two-year warranty from Konftel backs the Cam10, and it offers service beyond the warranty period.

Konftel Cam10: What you’ll like

The Konftel Cam10 is a straightforward and traditional webcam. Its housing is a bit larger than the Logitech BRIO 4K, but not by much. A 1.55-meter USB Type-A cable is used to plug into any device, and within seconds the blue LED light lets you know the camera (or microphone) is enabled and being used.

The specifications are typical for a webcam at this price. While 4K is not supported, very few services run at 4K, making the point mostly moot, especially for businesses where bandwidth is also concerned.

On top of the Cam10 is a slide toggle that enables the privacy shutter, itself emblazoned with a big red center target. It’s simple to use and more effective than Logitech’s extra flip door that can be lost in transit.

Two microphones flank the camera and sound exceptionally good. While Logitech still edges out Konftel here, these mics are more than good enough for your everyday video conference calls being clear and crisp. Konftel offers its Ego compact and portable “personal speakerphone,” which can be used in addition to the Cam10 for enhanced audio as it features “OmniSound” with HD audio.

The camera bracket is adjustable and easily mounts to any laptop or desktop display. It also has a threaded 1/4″ tripod mount for more professional use, something Logitech omits.

Software is handled via Konftel Camera Control, a free download for Windows or macOS. The app lets you flip vertical/horizontal planes, toggle anti-flicker, zoom and pan, and advanced controls like white balance, saturation, sharpness, and more complying with UVS standards to work with other apps. The company also offers firmware updates with detailed changelogs.

And actual image quality? It is terrific. After years of trying generic webcams, Konftel Cam10 is better than I expected. White balance, skin tones, and sharpness are all above average. Focusing is fast and can even manage macro shots.

By default, the 90-degree viewing angle is too wide for home or single-person use, but that can be adjusted via the Camera Control software. But that 90-degree option is killer for conference rooms where multiple people may want to be on the call and is a big differentiator from other options.

Konftel Cam10: What you won’t like

The Cam10 is no champ in low light when compared to Logitech Brio 4K, but it can edge out Razer’s new Kiyo Pro, which is surprising. Of course, you could also get a Lume Cube kit to improve your home “studio” setup without breaking the bank.

It is hard to complain about the lack of Windows Hello facial recognition (via infrared sensors) at this sub-$100 mark, but offering it would be welcomed.

While the Cam10 does not have 4K Ultra HD support, Konftel does offer the Cam20, which does, along with 123° field of view, but it is also more geared towards conference rooms over personal use.

Konftel Cam10: Competition

The most obvious competitor to the Cam10 is Logitech’s BRIO 4K. Make no mistake, Logitech’s flagship webcam is still the reigning champion considering it has UHD support, Windows Hello IR, HDR, better software, and the best low-light performance around. However, it also costs around $180, which explains that price gap.

Razer has its Kiyo Pro, but despite its huge size (and high $200 price tag), it doesn’t quite live up to the hype nor the cost, even if it is, at times, capable of greatness.

There are other options, too, like AVerMedia Live Streamer CAM 313 or Mouse Facial Recognition Camera (with Windows Hello), which are slightly cheaper but not as performant for visual quality. You can see more choices in our best webcam for Windows PCs guide.

Konftel Cam10: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if …

• You want to spend less than $100
• You need an excellent full HD webcam for home or work
• You want excellent support, warranty, from a well-known company

You shouldn’t buy this if …

• You need 4K resolution
• You want the best low-light camera
• You can afford to spend more money

Overall, I am incredibly impressed with the Cam10, more so than I thought. There are dozens of me-too generic full HD webcams on Amazon in this day and age, most using the same sensor and produced from no-name companies. Konftel, here, is different. All they do is make professional, enterprise-level conferencing hardware (including selling whole kits). You get a great warranty, and they will live-demo the camera, which is an excellent service.

The image quality with the Cam10 is excellent and approaches Logitech quality. Sure, the BRIO 4K is still better, especially for low light, but the pricing helps explain that difference.

4.5
out of 5

Whether you’re a work-from-home Microsoft Teams user or someone in an office, the Cam10 should be on your list of webcams to consider.