Elgato Facecam Mk2 Review

The Elgato Facecam Mk2 solidifies its position as a top-tier webcam for content creators, offering significant improvements over its predecessor, particularly in its enhanced low-light performance and expanded resolution options up to 1440p at 60fps.

If you’re serious about your stream or video calls and demand crisp, color-accurate visuals without the hassle of a DSLR setup, this camera is a strong contender.

It’s built for convenience and quality, making it a reliable plug-and-play solution that truly delivers on its promise of professional-grade video, even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions, thanks to its larger Sony STARVIS sensor and optimized optics.

This latest iteration addresses many of the minor gripes users had with the original Facecam, providing a more versatile and robust tool for anyone looking to elevate their on-camera presence.

While it might come at a premium, the investment is justified by its superior image quality, thoughtful design, and seamless integration with Elgato’s ecosystem, making it an excellent choice for streamers, remote workers, and anyone who needs consistently high-quality video without fiddling with complex camera settings.

It effectively bridges the gap between consumer-grade webcams and more expensive mirrorless camera setups, offering a streamlined, powerful alternative that just works.

Product Name	Resolution/Frame Rate	Key Features	Price Range	Target User
Elgato Facecam Mk2	1080p60, 1440p60	Enhanced low-light, Sony STARVIS sensor, fixed focus, Elgato ecosystem	High	Serious streamers, content creators
Logitech C920S	1080p30	Auto-focus, dual mics, privacy shutter	Low-Mid	General users, basic streaming
Razer Kiyo Pro	1080p60 uncompressed	Adaptive Light Sensor, wide-angle lens, uncompressed video	High	Gaming streamers, pro users
Logitech StreamCam	1080p60	Vertical video support, auto-framing, USB-C	Mid	Social media creators, casual streamers
OBSBOT Tiny 2	4K30, 1080p60	AI tracking, auto-zoom, gesture control	High	Presenters, educators, dynamic content
Dell UltraSharp Webcam	4K30, 1080p60	Auto-framing, HDR, large sensor	High	Business professionals, high-end users
AnkerWork C310	4K30, 1080p60	AI features, wide field of view, privacy shutter	Mid	Hybrid workers, value-focused professionals

Elgato Facecam Mk2: The Evolution of Stream Quality

When you’re looking to step up your game in the content creation arena, whether it’s streaming on Twitch, producing YouTube videos, or nailing those professional virtual meetings, your webcam is often the first bottleneck.

The original Elgato Facecam made waves by stripping away the unnecessary features of typical webcams and focusing purely on image quality.

The Elgato Facecam Mk2 takes that philosophy and refines it, proving that sometimes, less truly is more, especially when that “less” is highly optimized and perfectly integrated.

What’s New in the Mk2?

The Mk2 isn’t just a minor refresh.

It’s a strategic upgrade that addresses key areas of improvement identified from user feedback and advancements in sensor technology.

• 1440p Resolution at 60fps: This is a big one. While 1080p is still the standard for many streaming platforms, having the option for 1440p provides a significant leap in detail and future-proofs your setup. For platforms like YouTube where higher resolutions are more common, this is a distinct advantage.
• Enhanced Low-Light Performance: Elgato has clearly focused on improving how the camera handles challenging lighting conditions. The original Facecam was good, but the Mk2 aims to be great, especially in dimly lit streaming environments. This is crucial for creators who might not have a full lighting rig.
• Larger Sony STARVIS Sensor: At the heart of the low-light improvements is a new, larger Sony STARVIS sensor. This sensor is renowned for its excellent sensitivity and ability to capture detail even with minimal light, directly translating to less noisy, more vibrant images in typical streaming setups.
• Optimized Optics: Beyond the sensor, the lens array itself has been tweaked. This means better light gathering and sharper images from edge to edge, reducing distortions that can plague lesser webcams.

Why Resolution Matters Beyond the Numbers

It’s not just about bumping up a number.

Higher resolution translates to more detailed images, which can be critical for certain types of content.

• Crisper Details: For close-ups, product demonstrations, or even just showing off your personality, more pixels mean more clarity in your facial features, clothing, and background.
• Cropping Flexibility: If you need to zoom in or crop your footage in post-production, having a higher native resolution gives you more leeway without introducing pixelation or blur. This is a huge win for video editors.
• Future-Proofing: As displays and streaming platforms evolve, having the capability for higher resolutions ensures your content remains visually appealing and competitive for years to come.

Design and Build Quality: Functional Elegance

Elgato’s design philosophy for its Facecam line has always leaned towards understated practicality, and the Mk2 is no exception.

It’s a device built to be seen on camera, but not necessarily to stand out in your physical setup.

The focus is on robust construction and ease of use, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of daily streaming and adjustments. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 Review

Materials and Aesthetics

The Facecam Mk2 continues with a minimalist, all-black aesthetic.

• Robust Construction: The camera feels solid in hand, eschewing flimsy plastics for a more durable, premium feel. This is essential for a device that might be frequently adjusted or moved.
• Subtle Branding: Elgato’s branding is discreet, which is a welcome change from some peripherals that scream their identity. This allows the camera to blend into various setups without being a distraction.
• Heat Dissipation: A critical aspect of any high-performance camera is thermal management. While specific details on the Mk2’s new cooling are often proprietary, Elgato’s previous designs have incorporated efficient heat sinks to prevent performance degradation during long streaming sessions.

The Mount: Stability and Versatility

A webcam is only as good as its mount.

Elgato understood this with the original, and they’ve maintained a highly functional design.

• Robust Clamp: The included clamp is designed to firmly grip most monitor thicknesses without wobbling. It’s stable, reliable, and features rubberized pads to protect your monitor’s finish.
• ¼-inch Thread: Crucially, the mount includes a standard ¼-inch thread. This allows you to attach the Facecam Mk2 to virtually any tripod, light stand, or articulating arm like Elgato’s own Multi Mount, offering immense flexibility in positioning. This is a must for creative shots and optimal eye-lines.
• Tilt and Swivel: The camera itself can tilt up and down and swivel left and right on the mount, giving you fine control over your framing.

USB-C Connectivity

Elgato continues its commitment to modern connectivity with USB-C.

• Detachable USB-C Cable: The camera uses a detachable USB-C to USB-A cable, providing flexibility. If you need a longer cable, or if the original gets damaged, it’s easily replaceable.
• Reliable Data Transfer: USB-C offers stable and high-bandwidth data transfer, essential for uncompressed or high-resolution video streams, minimizing latency and dropped frames.

Image Quality: A Deep Dive into Visual Fidelity

This is where the rubber meets the road for any webcam review.

The Elgato Facecam Mk2 promises exceptional image quality, and it largely delivers, especially when compared to its peers and even many entry-level DSLR/mirrorless setups used as webcams.

Its strength lies in its ability to produce a clean, natural-looking image without excessive processing.

Sensor and Lens Synergy

The combination of the new Sony STARVIS sensor and Elgato’s custom optics is the core of the Mk2’s visual prowess.

• Sony STARVIS Sensor: Known for its back-illuminated pixel technology, STARVIS sensors excel in low-light conditions by maximizing light collection. This translates to:
  • Reduced Noise: Fewer grainy artifacts in shadows.
  • Improved Dynamic Range: Better retention of detail in both bright highlights and deep shadows.
  • More Accurate Colors: Colors remain vibrant and true-to-life even when light is scarce.
• Fixed Focus Lens: Elgato maintains its fixed-focus design, optimized for the typical webcam distance roughly 12-36 inches.
  • Consistent Sharpness: No hunting for focus, meaning your image is always sharp where it needs to be.
  • Wider Aperture: Fixed focus allows for a wider aperture, letting in more light and contributing to that desirable shallow depth of field blurred background, sharp subject when positioned correctly.
• Glass Lens Elements: High-quality glass elements minimize chromatic aberration color fringing and ensure edge-to-edge sharpness, which is a common failing of cheaper webcams that use plastic lenses.

Low-Light Performance: A Game Changer

If you stream in a basement, a bedroom, or just don’t want to invest in a massive lighting rig, the Mk2’s low-light performance is a standout feature. Oystervpn Review

• Less Digital Noise: Images remain remarkably clean even in dimly lit rooms, preventing that blotchy, distorted look.
• Retained Color Accuracy: Colors don’t wash out or become desaturated when light levels drop, a common issue with lesser sensors.
• Reduced Need for Excessive Lighting: While good lighting is always recommended for professional results, the Mk2 makes it less critical, providing a solid foundation even with basic room lighting.

Color Reproduction and White Balance

Elgato’s approach to color is about accuracy and naturalness.

• True-to-Life Colors: The Facecam Mk2 aims for realistic color reproduction, avoiding overly saturated or artificial-looking images. This is essential for professional broadcasts.
• Intelligent White Balance: The camera’s automatic white balance does an excellent job of adapting to different lighting temperatures warm incandescent, cool LED, natural daylight without producing distracting color shifts. This means less time fiddling with settings and more time creating.

Software Integration and User Experience: Plug and Play, Pro Control

One of Elgato’s biggest strengths isn’t just their hardware, but how seamlessly it integrates into a creator’s workflow.

The Facecam Mk2 leverages the powerful Camera Hub software, providing granular control without overwhelming the user.

Elgato Camera Hub: Your Control Center

This dedicated software is where the magic happens, transforming the Facecam Mk2 from a simple webcam into a professional imaging tool.

• Intuitive Interface: Camera Hub is clean, well-organized, and easy to navigate. You won’t get lost in a labyrinth of menus.
• Deep Customization:
  • Exposure Controls: Manual control over ISO, shutter speed, and exposure compensation for precise brightness.
  • White Balance: Auto, manual Kelvin temperature, and pre-set options to fine-tune color accuracy.
  • Picture Adjustments: Saturation, contrast, sharpness, and hue sliders to dial in your preferred look.
  • Field of View FOV: Adjust the focal length digitally to get tighter or wider shots without moving the camera. This is incredibly useful for framing.
  • Noise Reduction: Fine-tune how much digital noise reduction is applied.
  • Anti-Flicker: Essential for eliminating light flicker from AC-powered lights.
• Scene Profiles: Save different configurations for various scenarios e.g., “Day Stream,” “Night Meeting,” “Product Shot”. This allows for quick switching, saving valuable setup time.
• Firmware Updates: Camera Hub also manages firmware updates, ensuring your Facecam Mk2 always has the latest features and performance enhancements.

Stream Deck Integration: The Ultimate Workflow Accelerator

If you’re already in the Elgato ecosystem, the Facecam Mk2’s integration with the Elgato Stream Deck is a major selling point.

• One-Touch Control: Assign Camera Hub functions directly to Stream Deck keys. Imagine:
  • Switching between saved camera profiles instantly.
  • Toggling noise reduction on/off.
  • Adjusting brightness with a single tap.
  • Changing FOV with dedicated buttons.
• Enhanced Efficiency: This level of control means you spend less time alt-tabbing or fumbling with software and more time focusing on your content or conversation. It’s a professional advantage.

Plug and Play Simplicity

Despite the deep customization, the Facecam Mk2 remains incredibly user-friendly right out of the box.

• No Driver Installation Generally: For most operating systems Windows, macOS, the camera is immediately recognized as a standard UVC USB Video Class device, meaning it works with virtually any video conferencing or streaming software without additional driver downloads.
• Universal Compatibility: It integrates seamlessly with popular applications like OBS Studio, Streamlabs Desktop, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Discord, and Google Meet.

Performance and Reliability: Built for the Long Haul

A great webcam isn’t just about initial image quality.

It’s about consistent performance over extended periods and reliable operation under pressure.

The Elgato Facecam Mk2, like its predecessor, is engineered with durability and sustained performance in mind. Tcl Q Series 85 Inch Tv 85Qm851G Review

Sustained Video Quality

Unlike some webcams that might degrade in quality or suffer from dropped frames after prolonged use, the Mk2 is designed for consistent output.

• Thermal Management: Efficient heat dissipation is crucial for a camera processing high-resolution, high-frame-rate video. Elgato’s design prevents overheating, which can lead to image quality degradation, freezing, or even hardware damage. This ensures your 1440p60 stream looks as good at hour six as it did at minute one.
• Stable Frame Rates: Whether you’re running at 1080p60 or 1440p60, the Facecam Mk2 aims to deliver locked, consistent frame rates, preventing choppy or laggy video that can ruin a viewer’s experience.

Low Latency

In live streaming, latency is the enemy.

The delay between what happens in front of the camera and what viewers see can impact interactivity and responsiveness.

• Optimized Signal Path: Elgato designs its hardware and software to minimize internal processing delays, resulting in very low latency. This is crucial for:
  • Real-time Interaction: When you react to chat, your viewers see it almost instantly.
  • Synchronized Audio/Video: Reduces the chances of your voice being out of sync with your lips.

Durability and Longevity

Investment in streaming gear is significant, and you want it to last.

• Robust Construction: The materials and build quality discussed earlier contribute directly to the camera’s longevity, resisting wear and tear from adjustments and daily use.
• Firmware Support: Elgato has a track record of providing firmware updates that not only fix bugs but also introduce new features and improve performance over time, extending the useful life of their products. This commitment to post-purchase support adds significant value.

Comparison to Competitors: Where the Mk2 Stands Out

In a crowded webcam market, understanding how the Elgato Facecam Mk2 stacks up against its rivals is key.

While many webcams claim “HD” or “4K,” the nuances of sensor quality, optics, and software make a huge difference.

vs. Logitech C920S / C922 / StreamCam

These are often the go-to choices for entry-level and mid-range users.

• Logitech C920S/C922:
  • Price: Significantly cheaper.
  • Resolution: 1080p30 C920S, 1080p60 C922.
  • Advantage Facecam Mk2: Superior low-light performance due to larger sensor, 1440p60 option, more precise manual controls via Camera Hub, better fixed-focus optimization for streaming distances, and generally cleaner image.
  • Where Logitech Wins: Price, auto-focus if you need it for varying distances, often includes privacy shutter.
• Logitech StreamCam:
  • Price: Closer to the Mk2.
  • Resolution: 1080p60.
  • Advantage Facecam Mk2: Better low-light, 1440p option, more robust build, potentially less reliance on software processing for image quality.
  • Where StreamCam Wins: Vertical video support great for TikTok/Shorts creators, auto-framing.

vs. Razer Kiyo Pro

A direct competitor in the high-end streaming webcam space.

• Price: Comparable.
• Resolution: 1080p60 uncompressed, 4K30.
• Advantage Facecam Mk2: Potentially more natural color science subjective, slightly more compact design.
• Where Kiyo Pro Wins: Adaptive Light Sensor strong low-light, wider field of view options, uncompressed video stream if your system can handle it, and higher resolution 4K option. The Kiyo Pro is a very strong contender, and the choice often comes down to specific feature preference and ecosystem.

vs. OBSBOT Tiny 2 / Dell UltraSharp Webcam

These represent webcams with specialized features.

• OBSBOT Tiny 2:
  • Price: Often higher.
  • Resolution: Up to 4K.
  • Advantage Facecam Mk2: Simpler, dedicated streaming camera. less prone to AI tracking quirks.
  • Where Tiny 2 Wins: AI-powered auto-tracking, auto-zoom, gesture control – excellent for presenters who move around.
• Dell UltraSharp Webcam:
  • Price: High.
  • Advantage Facecam Mk2: Potentially better low-light at equivalent resolutions, more streamlined for “just a facecam.”
  • Where Dell Wins: Auto-framing, HDR, large sensor, often aimed at business users.

Is the Elgato Facecam Mk2 Right for You? The Verdict

Deciding if the Elgato Facecam Mk2 is worth the investment comes down to your specific needs, budget, and commitment to content creation or professional communication. Jabra Evolve2 55 Review

It’s not the cheapest webcam on the market, but its value is in its focused excellence.

Who Should Buy It?

• Serious Streamers: If you’re building a professional stream, the Mk2 provides exceptional image quality that elevates your on-camera presence. The low-light performance means you don’t have to break the bank on lighting initially.
• YouTube Content Creators: For videos where your face is a primary focus, the crisp 1440p60 footage offers a professional look that stands out.
• Remote Professionals / Educators: If you spend a significant amount of time on video calls and want to project a clear, professional image, especially in varying home lighting conditions, this is a major upgrade from built-in laptop cameras or cheaper alternatives.
• Elgato Ecosystem Users: If you already own a Stream Deck, Key Light, or other Elgato gear, the seamless integration provides an unmatched user experience and workflow efficiency.
• Those Who Value Simplicity and Quality: If you want a camera that “just works” out of the box with minimal fuss but still offers professional-grade results, the Facecam Mk2 is a strong contender.

Who Might Look Elsewhere?

• Budget-Conscious Users: If you just need a basic webcam for occasional video calls and don’t care about high fidelity, there are much cheaper options like the Logitech C920S.
• Users Needing Auto-Focus: If your primary use case involves constantly changing distances from the camera e.g., showing objects very close up, then your face from far away, a fixed-focus lens might be limiting. However, for most streaming, a fixed focus is often preferred for consistency.
• Those Who Absolutely Need 4K: While 1440p60 is excellent, if 4K is a non-negotiable requirement for your specific workflow, you’d need to look at options like the OBSBOT Tiny 2 or Dell UltraSharp Webcam, but be prepared for higher price points and potentially different performance characteristics.
• Users Without Dedicated Lighting: While the Mk2 excels in low-light, any camera benefits immensely from good lighting. If you rely solely on ambient room light, you might still see some limitations, though fewer than with competitors.

Maximizing Your Elgato Facecam Mk2 Experience

Having the best gear is only half the battle.

Knowing how to optimize it for your specific environment and content is crucial.

The Elgato Facecam Mk2, with its powerful Camera Hub software, offers a lot of levers to pull.

Lighting is King Even for the Mk2

While the Facecam Mk2 shines in low light, adding dedicated lighting will always dramatically improve your image.

• Key Light: Position a soft, diffused light source directly in front of you e.g., Elgato Key Light or a ring light. This eliminates harsh shadows and brightens your face.
• Fill Light: A secondary, less intense light on the opposite side can soften remaining shadows.
• Backlight: A subtle backlight Elgato Light Strip or a colored LED strip can separate you from the background and add depth.
• Avoid Overhead Lighting: Direct overhead lighting often creates unflattering shadows under your eyes and nose.
• Natural Light: If using natural light from a window, position yourself facing the window for even illumination, avoiding backlighting that can silhouette you.

Optimize Camera Hub Settings

Don’t just plug and play. Dive into Camera Hub to fine-tune your image.

• Exposure:
  • ISO: Keep this as low as possible e.g., 100-400 to minimize noise. Only increase it if your lighting is truly insufficient.
  • Shutter Speed: For 60fps video, aim for a shutter speed of 1/60th or 1/120th. Faster speeds will look choppier but better for fast motion. slower speeds introduce motion blur.
  • Exposure Compensation: Use this for subtle brightness adjustments without changing ISO or shutter speed.
• White Balance:
  • Start with Auto, then switch to Manual Kelvin if you notice color casts. Adjust the Kelvin temperature until skin tones look natural.
  • Match your lighting: Warmer lights incandescent might need higher Kelvin values around 3200K-4500K. cooler lights daylight, some LEDs might need lower values 5000K-6500K.
• Picture Adjustments:
  • Sharpness: Don’t crank this too high, as it can introduce artifacts. Start around 50% and adjust slightly.
  • Contrast/Saturation: Adjust to your preference, aiming for a natural look that pops without being overdone.
  • Noise Reduction: Use sparingly. While it cleans up noise, too much can make your image look overly smooth or “plasticky.”

Background and Framing

Your background is just as important as your face.

• Declutter: A clean, organized background prevents distractions.
• Depth: Position yourself a bit away from the wall to create a sense of depth and a natural background blur.
• Framing: Use the Camera Hub’s FOV adjustment to ensure you’re well-framed. Aim for your head and shoulders, with a bit of headroom, but don’t cut off your forehead.
• Virtual Backgrounds: If using virtual backgrounds e.g., Zoom, ensure you have good, even lighting, and ideally, a green screen for the best results.

Audio: Don’t Forget It!

The Facecam Mk2, like its predecessor, does not have a built-in microphone. This is intentional, as Elgato expects serious creators to use a dedicated microphone for superior audio quality. Tcl Q Series 75 Inch Tv 75Qm851G Review

• Invest in a Dedicated Microphone: A USB microphone like the Rode NT-USB+ or Blue Yeti or an XLR microphone with an audio interface Elgato Wave XLR will dramatically improve your sound.
• Microphone Placement: Position your microphone close to your mouth, but out of frame, for the clearest audio.

By paying attention to these details, you can unlock the full potential of your Elgato Facecam Mk2 and truly elevate your on-camera presence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Elgato Facecam Mk2?

The Elgato Facecam Mk2 is a premium, dedicated webcam designed primarily for content creators, streamers, and professionals seeking high-quality video for live streams, video calls, and recorded content, offering up to 1440p at 60 frames per second.

What are the main improvements of the Facecam Mk2 over the original Facecam?

The main improvements include support for 1440p resolution at 60fps, a larger and more sensitive Sony STARVIS sensor for enhanced low-light performance, and optimized optics for better image quality.

Does the Elgato Facecam Mk2 have a built-in microphone?

No, the Elgato Facecam Mk2 does not have a built-in microphone.

It is designed for users who will utilize a dedicated external microphone for superior audio quality, as is standard practice for serious content creation.

What resolutions and frame rates does the Facecam Mk2 support?

The Facecam Mk2 supports resolutions up to 1440p at 60 frames per second fps, as well as 1080p at 60fps and 720p at 60fps.

Is the Elgato Facecam Mk2 good for low-light conditions?

Yes, the Elgato Facecam Mk2 is specifically designed to excel in low-light conditions, thanks to its larger Sony STARVIS sensor, which allows it to capture more light and produce cleaner, less noisy images compared to many other webcams.

Does the Facecam Mk2 have autofocus?

No, the Elgato Facecam Mk2 features a fixed-focus lens, optimized for typical webcam distances approximately 12-36 inches. This design ensures consistent sharpness and avoids focus hunting, which can be distracting during streams or calls.

What is Elgato Camera Hub software used for?

Elgato Camera Hub is the companion software for the Facecam Mk2, providing granular control over camera settings such as exposure, white balance, ISO, shutter speed, contrast, saturation, and field of view, allowing users to fine-tune their image quality.

Can I mount the Facecam Mk2 on a tripod?

Yes, the included monitor mount for the Facecam Mk2 features a standard ¼-inch thread, allowing you to easily attach it to any compatible tripod, light stand, or articulating arm like the Elgato Multi Mount.

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Is the Facecam Mk2 compatible with Mac and Windows?

Yes, the Elgato Facecam Mk2 is compatible with both Windows PC and macOS operating systems, functioning as a UVC USB Video Class device that generally requires no additional driver installation.

Does the Elgato Facecam Mk2 work with OBS Studio?

Yes, the Elgato Facecam Mk2 integrates seamlessly with popular streaming software like OBS Studio, Streamlabs Desktop, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet.

How does the Facecam Mk2 compare to the Logitech C920S?

The Facecam Mk2 offers superior image quality, especially in low light, higher resolution/frame rate options up to 1440p60, and more advanced manual controls via Camera Hub, while the Logitech C920S is a more budget-friendly 1080p30 option with autofocus.

What kind of USB connection does the Facecam Mk2 use?

The Facecam Mk2 uses a detachable USB-C to USB-A cable for connection to your computer.

Can I adjust the field of view FOV on the Facecam Mk2?

Yes, you can digitally adjust the field of view zoom of the Facecam Mk2 using the Elgato Camera Hub software, allowing you to get a tighter or wider shot without physically moving the camera.

Is the Facecam Mk2 good for professional video conferencing?

Yes, the Facecam Mk2 is excellent for professional video conferencing due to its high image quality, accurate color reproduction, and reliable performance, ensuring you project a clear and professional image.

What is the advantage of a fixed-focus lens like on the Facecam Mk2?

The advantage of a fixed-focus lens is consistent sharpness at a set distance, eliminating focus hunting that can occur with autofocus lenses, and allowing for a wider aperture to gather more light.

Does the Facecam Mk2 require external power?

No, the Elgato Facecam Mk2 is powered directly via its USB connection to your computer.

Can I use the Facecam Mk2 with an Elgato Stream Deck?

Yes, the Elgato Facecam Mk2 fully integrates with the Elgato Stream Deck, allowing you to assign camera settings and profiles to hotkeys for instant, one-touch control. Captions Review

How much does the Elgato Facecam Mk2 cost?

The price of the Elgato Facecam Mk2 typically falls into the higher end of the webcam market, similar to other premium streaming webcams, but it can vary by retailer and region.

Does the Facecam Mk2 come with a privacy shutter?

No, the Elgato Facecam Mk2 does not include a physical privacy shutter.

Users typically rely on software controls to turn off the camera or disconnect it when not in use.

What kind of sensor does the Facecam Mk2 use?

The Elgato Facecam Mk2 uses a large, high-quality Sony STARVIS CMOS sensor, which is known for its excellent performance in various lighting conditions, especially low light.

Is the Facecam Mk2 suitable for beginners?

Yes, while offering advanced controls, the Facecam Mk2 is also very user-friendly for beginners.

It works well right out of the box, and the Camera Hub software is intuitive enough for new users to quickly grasp.

Can I record video directly from the Facecam Mk2?

The Facecam Mk2 outputs video, which can then be recorded using various software applications like OBS Studio, Streamlabs Desktop, or dedicated recording software on your computer. It does not have onboard recording capabilities.

What is the optimal lighting setup for the Facecam Mk2?

For optimal results, even with the Mk2’s low-light capabilities, a dedicated key light positioned in front of you is highly recommended.

Supplementary fill lights and backlights can further enhance image quality and depth.

How long is the USB cable included with the Facecam Mk2?

The length of the included USB-C to USB-A cable is typically around 6.5 feet 2 meters, offering sufficient reach for most desktop setups. Hp Color Laserjet Pro Mfp 3301Fdw Review

Does the Facecam Mk2 have an IR emitter for Windows Hello?

No, the Elgato Facecam Mk2 does not feature an IR emitter or support Windows Hello for facial recognition logins. It is purely focused on high-quality video output.

Is there any distortion with the fixed-focus lens?

Elgato’s fixed-focus lens is designed with optimized glass elements to minimize optical distortion and aberrations, ensuring a sharp and natural image at the intended focal range.

Can the Facecam Mk2 be used for vertical video?

While the Facecam Mk2 outputs standard horizontal video, you can rotate the camera physically on its mount.

However, specialized webcams like the Logitech StreamCam are designed for easier vertical video workflows.

Does the Facecam Mk2 need specific drivers?

No, the Facecam Mk2 uses the standard UVC USB Video Class protocol, meaning it is generally plug-and-play and does not require specific driver installations on most modern operating systems.

What is the warranty for the Elgato Facecam Mk2?

Elgato typically offers a one-year limited warranty on its hardware products, including the Facecam Mk2. It’s always best to check the specific warranty terms provided by Elgato or your retailer.

Can I use multiple Elgato Facecam Mk2 cameras simultaneously?

Yes, it is generally possible to use multiple Elgato Facecam Mk2 cameras on a single computer, provided your system has enough USB bandwidth and processing power to handle multiple high-resolution video streams.