Webcams have changed a lot in the last five years. First, they got higher resolution sensors, getting us full 4K webcams. Then, they put in more advanced settings found in traditional cameras. Then, they got plenty of AI tech to improve both framing and image quality. The Elgato Facecam 4K takes things up a notch again by adding a built-in lens filter thread.
That’s right, Elgato’s new streaming webcam can take standard 49mm filters, allowing users to introduce creative effects at the hardware level. No need to play around with the settings to make the image softer, add a distinct cinematic look, or create any sort of effect that can be easily achieved using add-on filters – just slap a corresponding filter on and you’re set.
The Elgato Facecam 4K is equipped with a Sony Starvis 2 CMOS sensor and a custom Elgato 21mm-equivalent prime lens f/4. This allows it to capture 4K footage up to 60 fps with a 90-degree field of view, all while keeping the subject perfectly focused from as close as a foot to as far as 3.93 feet away. It’s designed to work with the outfit’s Camera Hub app (PC and Mac), which offers plenty of pro-grade adjustments to let you dial in any look you’re trying to achieve. From the app, you can change all sorts of settings (e.g. ISO, shutter speed, contrast), engage digital pan, tilt, and zoom controls, blur the background, add color grading, and more. There’s also an HDR option, although maximum framerate is limited to 30fps when that’s activated.
It’s the first webcam to get native support for 49mm lens filters, allowing you to add DSLR-style effects without having to fiddle with the software. Whether you’re looking to use a circular polarizer, a color filter, or any of the different types of diffusion filters out there, this thing lets you do that using standard accessories that are currently available in the market. And yes, Elgato is selling their own compatible filters, if you don’t currently own any.
The Elgato Facecam 4K is designed to send uncompressed video directly to the attached computer to ensure the best image quality possible. As such, it requires a USB 3.0 connection. When connected to an older port, the webcam will only transmit in 1080p at 60 fps, since it can’t handle the larger data transmission that 4K requires, so you need to make sure you have a newer 3.0 port available.
The webcam works with the outfit’s Prompter, a compact teleprompter designed for streamers, although using it requires you to purchase a different backplate (the default one is designed for mounting on a monitor). It’s also compatible with the Switch 2, allowing you to plug in the webcam directly to the console. Other features include built-in settings storage so it reverts to your desired settings each time you use it (even on a different computer), a removable privacy shutter, Stream Deck integration, a 1/4-inch tripod mount, and a built-in LED indicator. Do note, there’s no built-in mic, so you’ll need to use a separate USB mic for audio.
