Geek Review: Logitech StreamCam

In a world where remote working has been normalised, workers are trading power suits for powerful cameras, or rather, high-end performance webcams for video conferencing. After all, if you can spend thousands on branded clothes to make a good impression, shouldn’t the same consideration be had for the many conference calls we’re all participating in?

This is where the laptop’s built-in camera won’t do, and if you invest in a dedicated webcam, it can also double as an invaluable addition to your streaming or content creation setup. Such is the Logitech StreamCam, the latest webcam from one of the leading makers of accessories that does admirably well against the competition, even if it does have some quirks about it.

Instead of trying to offer 4K resolution at a subpar 30 FPS, the StreamCam goes all in on 1080p, at a smooth 60 FPS. Whether it’s for presenting yourself in high definition clarity, or to show off the latest games on Twitch, this webcam carries out the job with little fuss.

If you’re on calls, the visual clarity is amazing. When you start streaming, the raw footage captured is excellent, with good colour balance as well as a useful autofocus that works without the need to tweak things. With a proper light source, you are able to reduce any semblance of background noise, especially in the background. That is, if you are broadcasting in full-screen and at a high quality. For other uses like conference calling, it is unlikely to be noticeable to your audience.

As for the automatic white balance, it works quite well even in low light conditions, although again, you may see a little background noise here and there, but there is nothing game-breaking so to speak. However, the auto-focus does tend to be in overdrive with a lack of light, so take that into consideration if you are planning to rely on it without the use of more light sources.

For those looking to stream using the Logitech StreamCam, it is absolutely simple to set it up, and use with the usual broadcasting applications including OBS and Xspilt. It can be used as a native source, or if you prefer the bells and whistles of the companion Logitech Capture application, that can be tapped as a source too.

For the latter, it provides a suite of options that can be configured to your liking. Choose between prioritising framerate or exposure, enabling backlight correction and image stabilisation, or tweak the auto framing, focus, and white balance to your liking. Video resolution can also be adjusted to 360p,720p or 1080p, and at different frame brates of 24, 25, 30, 50, and 60 FPS. There is much to work with here, but it is also fine just to leave it as it is if you are not the type to dive into the details.

When compared to the Razer Kiyo Pro though, the Logitech StreamCam lacks some of the more advanced features, including HDR or a variable field of view. That is obviously offset by its lower asking price of $209, but it is still disappointing to find these features missing from a webcam that is likely to be considered by streamers. 

On the design front, the Logitech StreamCam shows off more of its quirks, both positively and negatively. The unique cubic design will add more character to your surroundings, and it has its functional use as well. Using the included mount, the webcam can be mounted both horizontally and vertically, although the latter is not exactly the most useful.

On the side of the webcam are grooves that help secure it to the mount, which makes rotation an easier task to find the right angle for yourself. There is also an additional desktop tripod that can be purchased for other arrangements, and its compatibility with standard-sized tripods is a plus as well.

Even so, the limited movement of the webcam might pose a problem for some. With just an up-and-down motion coupled with the swivel, having a ball-joint design might have worked better to give users more flexibility. The design tunnel vision also extends to the USB-C connection for the Logitech StreamCam, which is wired into the back of the device itself and not removable. Not all devices can support a USC-C connection, and even so, you might need to find an adapter just to fit the other connections that you may already have. 

That said, the Logitech StreamCam is definitely worth considering if you are looking for fantastic video quality at a smooth 60 FPS, and its stylish design will help spice up your desk setup easily. Yet, the lack of leading features found in the webcam space can be a dealbreaker, and unless you are planning to utilise it often, the price may not be a good investment.

Nevertheless, Logitech has created an intriguing proposition with the Logitech StreamCam for its family of webcam offerings. This is especially so for those looking to enter the streaming space, but less so for the everyday remote worker.

The Logitech StreamCam is available now on Amazon, Lazada and Shopee at S$209.