Elgato Facecam Neo Webcam Review (10WAE9901): Is It Worth the Hype?

Elgato Facecam Neo Webcam Review (10WAE9901): Is It Worth the Hype?

The Elgato Facecam Neo is a compact, high-quality webcam that promises to deliver excellent image quality and performance. But is it worth the investment? After putting it through the paces, I’m here to share my honest thoughts and help you decide if it’s the right webcam for you.

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Elgato Facecam Neo is designed for streamers, content creators, and anyone looking for a high-quality webcam that can deliver sharp images and smooth video. It boasts a 1/2.9″ CMOS sensor, Elgato AF Lens (autofocus) optics, and a wide field of view, all packed into a compact and stylish design. But does it live up to its promises?

Features

The Elgato Facecam Neo packs a punch in terms of features. Here are some key highlights:

  • 1080p60fps Video: Capture smooth and detailed video at 1080p resolution with a 60fps frame rate.
  • Autofocus Lens: The Elgato AF Lens (autofocus) ensures your face is always in sharp focus, even if you move around.
  • 77° Field of View: The wide field of view lets you capture more of your surroundings, perfect for group calls or showing off your setup.
  • USB Type C Connection: The webcam uses a USB Type C connection for fast and reliable data transfer.
  • Compact and Stylish Design: The Facecam Neo is small and sleek, making it easy to mount on your monitor or tripod.

Performance

In real-world usage, the Elgato Facecam Neo delivered excellent performance. The image quality was consistently sharp and detailed, even in low-light conditions. The autofocus system worked flawlessly, keeping my face in focus even when I moved around. The wide field of view captured everything I needed for my streaming setup, including my desk and background.

The webcam also performed well in various lighting conditions. The auto exposure system did a great job of adjusting to different lighting levels, producing well-balanced images. The 60fps frame rate made video look incredibly smooth, even when I was moving quickly.

Pros & Cons

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the Elgato Facecam Neo:

Pros:

  • Excellent image quality and detail
  • Fast and reliable autofocus
  • Wide field of view for versatile use
  • Smooth 60fps video recording
  • Compact and stylish design
  • Easy setup and use

Cons:

  • No built-in microphone
  • Can be slightly more expensive than some competing webcams

Final Verdict

The Elgato Facecam Neo is a high-quality webcam that delivers excellent image quality and performance. It’s a solid choice for streamers, content creators, and anyone looking for a reliable webcam for video calls, online meetings, or live streaming. While it does lack a built-in microphone, its overall performance and features make it a strong contender in the webcam market.

I highly recommend the Elgato Facecam Neo if you’re looking for a webcam that can capture sharp and detailed images and smooth video. It’s a bit pricey, but the quality and features are worth it for those who need the best possible video experience.

Specifications

Specification Value
Supported resolutions (MJPG) 1080p60, 1080p30, 720p60, 720p30, 540p60, 540p30
Focus range 30 cm / 12 in – ∞
Focal length 26 mm (full-frame equivalent)
Sensor CMOS sensor 1/2.9″
Mounting point 1/4″ thread
Dimensions (WDH) 88 x 32 x 40 mm / 3.5 x 1.3 x 1.6 in (without mount)
Optics Elgato AF Lens (auto focus)
Aperture f/2.0
Field of view 77°
Connection USB Type C (fixed)
USB video class UVC standard v1.5
Weight 80 g / 0.18 lb (without mount)