The world of webcams just got a new king. Today, Elgato launched Facecam Pro. It’s the first webcam that shoots in 4K resolution and 60 frames-per-second (FPS). This means that professional streamers don’t need to choose between having an ultra-high-definition image and a smooth-motion video.
But picture resolution and frame rate aren’t the only thing Facecam Pro offers. The new device also comes equipped with a 1/1.8-inch Sony Starvis sensor, the biggest sensor ever included in a webcam. This sensor provides increased dynamic range and better noise performance, leading to much clearer images for your videos.
Eglagto’s premium AF lens allows you to enable autofocus (so you can move around while recording) or set it to manual control for more static shots. The ability to do this means that you can potentially use Facecam Pro for shots that require you to stand further away from the camera.
One of the more useful features for video makers is the ability to stream in 1080p (platforms like Twitch and Zoom cap out at that resolution) and record in 4K simultaneously. This is possible because Facecam Pro downscales 4K to 1080p at the hardware level. This allows greater versatility when you’re editing highlight videos of streams or just having a UHD backup of your content for future use.
Facecam Pro also includes digital PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) controls and Stream Deck support. All this adds up to the most options possible for content creators to record and stream their content. But it comes at a premium price tag–$300.
While all this is great, it’s not the only high-quality option out there. DSLR cameras are often overlooked as a webcam option. And while they’re more expensive than the Facecam Pro, and major manufacturers aren’t developing them anymore, they’re still available now, (plus you may already own one) and you can take them with you for non-webcam purposes.
