Elgato just introduced the Facecam 4K, a powerful $200 webcam with a unique interchangeable lens filter system. It may be an interesting option for those who want a “DSLR-like” webcam experience, at least in terms of form factor or customizability.
TheFacecam 4Kis a sequel to Elgato’sFacecam Pro, which sells for $300. And, if you glance at Elgato’s handycomparison sheet, you’ll see that these two products are fairly similar. Both support 4K 60FPS video and offer a 90-degree FOV. They use 1/4" tripod mounting systems, they work with Elgato’s Camera Hub software, and they’ve got onboard memory to store your settings.
But the Facecam 4K also packs some exclusive features, including HDR recording and an interchangeable lens filter system. I don’t have much to say about the HDR thing (it’s limited to 4K 30FPS), though the interchangeable lens filter system is pretty neat. You can attach any 49mm lens filter (or lens cap) to the Facecam 4K, meaning that you can use creative filters to achieve in-camera cinematic effectsoruse corrective polarizing filters toreduce glare, correct your skin tone, or increase the camera’s contrast. Elgato plans to sell some custom lens filters, but any 49mm filter you can find at Amazon, a camera store, or an antique store will work.
That said, the old Facecam Pro still offers a better image quality than the Facecam 4K. Its wide f/2.0 aperture and variable focus system are more effective than the Facecam 4K’s narrower f/4.0 aperture and fixed-focus system, particularly in low-light environments. And I’m not just theorizing here, Elgato says the same thing on itscomparison page. The company even takes the time to explain that while Facecam 4K features adjustable noise reduction, “Facecam Pro doesn’t include noise reduction because it simply doesn’t need it; its larger sensor and f/2.0 lens naturally deliver a clean, low-noise image.”
Judging by the specs alone, Elgato’s Facecam 4K is probably on par with other webcams in this price range. It nearly matches the specs of theLogitech MX Brio Ultra, for example, though it has a higher maximum frame rate and a narrower maximum aperture. The interchangeable lens filter system is the real selling point here, though I should point out that there are some pretty good aftermarket DSLRs in the $200 range. If you want DSLR-level customization, maybe you should just buy a DSLR.
TheElgato Facecam 4Kis available for $200 at the Elgato web store. Third-party retailers like Amazon or Best Buy will also sell the webcam, though there don’t appear to be any listings on their storefronts at the time of publication.
Elgato Facecam 4K
Elgato’s Facecam 4K is the first and only webcam to support interchangeable 49mm lens filters. Packed with a 4K 60FPS-capable sensor, it looks like an excellent option for anyone who wants to combine the creative or corrective possibilities of lens filters with a sharp, high-quality image.
