Thoughtful features make the Logitech StreamCam a solid choice for creators
Source: Dan Thorp-Lancaster/Windows Central
There are a lot of webcams out there that work great for streamers and content creators, but there aren’t many that focus exclusively on this crowd. We’ve seen the Razer Kiyo enter the space with a dedicated ring light, but it’s somewhat bulky and limited to 30 frames per second (fps) at 1080p. Now, Logitech has spiced things up with the StreamCam, which, while lacking a ring light, manages to do a lot right when combined with a dedicated software experience aimed at content creators and streamers.
With the StreamCam, Logitech promises a webcam that packs a suite of software tools and features that appeal to creators who are just getting started. For the most part, it delivers on that promise handily, with some caveats. Let’s take a look.
Easy streaming
Logitech StreamCam
Bottom line: The Logitech StreamCam packs plenty of great features for content creators, especially if you’re just getting started.
Pros
- Crisp picture
- 1080p at 60fps, Stabilization, auto-framing, and smart focus
- Portrait and landscape orientations
- Multiple mounting options
- Great software experience
Cons
- Expensive
- Exposure dips at 60fps
- No Windows Hello
What you’ll like about the Logitech StreamCam
Source: Dan Thorp-Lancaster/Windows Central
The StreamCam is made of a plastic shell that feels pretty durable. On the front, you’ll find a weaved fabric finish around the lens of the camera, with a Logi logo and a little light in one corner that lets you know when the camera is on. The StreamCam comes out of the box attached to a mount meant to fit behind a display, but there’s also an alternative tripod mount that you can use to get different angles.
The StreamCam uses USB-C “to ensure maximum video transfer speed and quality,” Logitech says. I’m a big advocate for the whole industry moving to USB-C, so this was a good thing to see. It also ensures Logitech can focus on tightly tuning the camera’s performance for one connection type.
Category | Spec |
---|---|
Max video resolution | 1080p/60 fps in MJPEG |
Supported Resolutions | 1920×1080, 1280×720, 960×540, 848×480, 640×360, 320×240 |
Supported frame rate | MJPEG: 60 fps, 30 fps, 24 fps, 20 fps, 15 fps, 10 fps, 7.5 fps, 5 fps YUY2, NV12: 30 fps, 24 fps, 20 fps, 15 fps, 10 fps, 7.5 fps, 5 fps |
Lens | Full HD Glass lens f/2.0 -focal length 3.7mm 78° (diagonal) Field of View |
Focus | Autofocus (10cm to infinity) / face based autofocus with Logitech Capture |
Built-in audio | Dual omnidirectional mic with noise reduction filter Stereo or dual mono channel |
Live indicator lights | White LED |
Mounting | Universal monitor mount Tripod mount |
With its base specs, the StreamCam is a reliable webcam, but the software experience is where it starts to get good. For this review, I used a beta version of the Logitech Capture software with special features built for StreamCam. However, the experience felt polished with plenty of cool features for streamers.
When paired with Logitech Capture, the StreamCam is a content creation machine. The software brings smart auto-focus and exposure, along with auto-framing, using a bit of AI to keep your face looking good and centered automatically. There’s also electronic image stabilization, which can kill minor camera shakes if you happen to bump your desk while recording or streaming.
One of my favorite features is full support for 1080p vertical video. The camera can be easily rotated on its mount to flip to a vertical orientation, and Logitech Capture automatically recognizes this and adjusts. This is great if you’re producing dedicated content for Instagram or Facebook stories, where it’s mainly consumed on phones. This worked great in my testing, and I can see it becoming a huge deal for anyone who has a social media following.
Good looks and thoughtful features make StreamCam an alluring package for creators.
There are too many features in Logitech Capture to cover, but there’s plenty for content creators to like. You can access plenty of different filters, adjust framerates anywhere from 24fps to 60fps, and save profiles to access later. You also have manual controls for things like exposure and focus, along with scene transition effects, custom text overlays, and more.
Overall, Logitech has done a lot of work here to make getting started with streaming or general content creation much easier. The Logitech Capture software is easy to use, and it’s clear what every setting does. Moreover, it lowers the barrier for anyone who wants to learn how to use things like picture-in-picture and text overlays. Combined with support in OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) and XSplit, the StreamCam is a solid pick for anyone getting started with streaming.
What you’ll dislike about the Logitech StreamCam
Source: Dan Thorp-Lancaster/Windows Central
Thankfully, there is and option in Logitech Capture to prioritize exposure over framerate. If you set the camera to 60fps at 1080p, then enable this option, the exposure rebounds to normal levels.
Another area that could use some tuning is with the mic. I don’t expect webcam microphones to be amazing, and it’s nice that Logitech included support for stereo and dual-mono sound here. However, you’ll probably want to invest in a quality headset or more professional mic setup if you’re looking to produce high-quality content.
Though this is a camera primarily intended for streamers, one notable omission is Windows Hello. It’s a feature that’s present on the pricier 4K Logitech Brio, but it’s missing here. Given the form factor of the StreamCam, it’s easy to see how an additional IR camera would have cramped its style, but it would have been a nice feature to have.
Finally, there’s the cost of the StreamCam to consider. After spending time with it, I think it’s worth the cost, but $170 is a lot of money. If you’re serious about getting started with producing content for YouTube, of kicking off your streaming career, then all of the bells and whistles you get with the StreamCam are worth the money.
Should you buy the Logitech StreamCam?
Source: Dan Thorp-Lancaster/Windows Central
Good looks and excellent software make StreamCam an alluring package for creators. As someone who has flirted with the idea of streaming, the StreamCam feels like the push that may get me to take the leap. If you’re in the same boat, the Logitech StreamCam is definitely worth a look.
Lookin’ good
Logitech StreamCam
Calling all streamers.
The Logitech StreamCam brings a combination of good looks, thoughtful features, and excellent software that make it an excellent choice for creators. It’s a bit expensive, but worth every penny if you’re looking to kick off a streaming career.
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