Streaming is an excellent way to produce content and gain a following when it comes to gaming. There are multiple things to consider when first starting to stream and even if you have been streaming for a while. Audio, types of games and streaming style are all important when it comes to being a successful streamer. A trend that has grown exponentially is the use of facecams. This is where you overlay your face over your stream so that your viewers can watch you as you play. This helps them feel that they have a deeper connection to you. To set up a facecam, you will need to use a webcam. There are numerous options out there for webcams so it can be overwhelming to select the best one. Below you can find some of the best options for webcams out there.
Anker PowerConf C300
The Anker PowerConf C300 may be designed for the workplace, but it is an excellent camera for streaming as well. It offers HD recording at 1080p and 60FPS with true-to-life colors. This webcam has an adjustable field of view that can be set for anywhere between 78 degrees or 115 degrees. This allows you to focus the camera on yourself or fit a friend into the camera if you're streaming together. It also has an AI-powered low-light correction to ensure that the lighting is consistently good. With its auto-focus system, you won't have to worry about adjusting the camera as it will focus within 0.35 seconds. The Anker PowerConf C300 also excels at picking up audio thanks to the ultra-sensitive dual microphones. Lastly, for when you want to ensure the camera is off there is a physical shutter that you can simply cover the camera eye with for privacy. This webcam is available for $129.99 making it relatively expensive compared to some other options.
Elgato Facecam
Elgato has long been providing streamers with technology to make their life easier and the Elgato Facecam is another example of this. It records at an uncompressed 1080p and 60FPS making its video quality outstanding. Its amazing video quality is thanks to its Sony STARVIS CMOS sensor which captures extraordinary detail. To further increase its video quality, you can use the Elgato Facecam's Camera Hub to adjust your video settings even while using the camera. It also features an auto mode if you don't wish to mess with settings and simply want to start recording. It has an 82-degree field of view and is capable of saving all your settings to the camera itself. This lets you travel with it and get back to streaming instantly from any PC. The only downside of the Elgato Facecam is its price tag of $199.99 which is rather expensive for a webcam, but it certainly justifies the cost for all of its features.
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Logitech C922 HD Pro
Logitech typically dominates the webcam market and one of its best products is the Logitech C922 HD Pro. It features 1080p true-to-life recording at 30FPS and a wide field of view. It can also record at 60FPS but this must be done at 720p resolution. Powerful autofocus ensures that your camera quality looks great even when you are moving around. The Logitech C922 HD Pro allows you to live stream without any lag or distortion for high-quality streams. You'll also find that its fine-tuning will ensure that your lighting looks good even in dim rooms. Two microphones positioned on either side of the camera capture more realistic sound from every angle. This allows your voice to come through sounding natural. The Logitech C922 HD Pro is available for $99.99 but frequently goes on sale making it the best budget option for a great webcam.
Logitech Streamcam
The Logitech Streamcam is a webcam that was created specifically for streaming as its name implies. This webcam is capable of recording at 100p and 60FPS for sharp video and smooth motion. It features auto-focus to ensure that it captures true-to-life image quality even while moving. It also has auto-framing that constantly keeps you in the center of the shot as well as intelligent exposure that keeps you looking good no matter the lighting conditions. The Logitech Streamcam has been optimized to pair with all the popular streaming software. You can mount this webcam to your PC or a standard tripod for multiple filming styles. You can further customize your recordings with Logitech's Capture software. This webcam is available for $169.99 but goes on sale often.
Razer Kiyo Pro
The Razer Kiyo Pro is a high-performance webcam that can record at 1080p and 60FPS. It features an ultra-sensitive CMOS with STARVIS technology that adapts to any lighting and ensures you are always capturing high-quality footage. It also has lifelike quality HDR which will make your colors pop. The HDR can be used but it will cause your recording to be 30FPS. These features will make your stream stand out from other streamers. It has a wide-angle lens with an adjustable field of view so you can find the perfect angle and space to stream from. The Razer Kiyo Pro has flexible mounting options allowing you to mount it to your PC or a tripod. When you need to turn the camera off, it includes a privacy cover that you can put on or take off easily. This webcam is compatible with Razer Synapse and is available for $199.99 which can be expensive compared to other webcams on the market.
When it comes to picking the best webcam for you, you will need to consider what video quality you want as well as your budget. Getting the best webcam on the market can cost a pretty penny, but there are lots of options that are still great while being kinder to your budget. If you have the budget to afford it, the Elgato Facecam is an excellent webcam for streaming and comes full of features. If budget is a concern for you, the Logitech C922 HD Pro produces great quality footage while still being budget-friendly. If you are patient, you can also snag it on a sale.
For more information on hardware, check out 2021’s Best Budget Wireless Gaming Mouse | 5 Budget Wireless Mice and 2021’s 5 Best Gaming TVs for Nintendo Switch on Pro Game Guides.
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Published: Sep 4, 2021 10:07 am