Great build quality with built-in privacy shutter.
Highly adjustable with a universal screw socket for mounting.
Improved software with NVIDIA integrations and powerful HDR.
In the box you’ll find the camera, a detachable monitor clamp, a braided USB-C to USB-A cable, and a quick start guide.
Not Windows Hello compatible.
Lens is fixed focus only.
Say hi to theElgato Facecam MK.2, which runs at $149.99 from retailers like Amazon.
But if you want to go to the next level, you may need to spend a bit extra.
Should you buy it, though?
This review was made possible with a review sample provided by Elgato.
The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.
Elgato Facecam MK.2 Review: Pricing and Specs
Price:$149.99 at Amazon.
Optics:Sony Starvis CMOS 1/2.5".
The universal monitor clamp works well on practically any display I’ve tried, even my Samsung TV.
Resolutions:1080p60, 1080p30, 720p120, 720p60, 720p30, 540p120, 540p60, 540p30.
Camera spec:24mm (full-frame) focal length, 84 degrees FOV, f/2.4 aperture.
Dimensions:84 x 38 x 61 mm.
The monitor clamp can also be used as a stand for flat surfaces, but you can remove it completely and use the universal screw to attach other more traditional mounts.
Perhaps the most notable thing about the Elgato Facecam MK.2 at a glance is its price point.
Yes, it’s more expensive than other 1080p60 webcams out there, but it also doesa lotmore.
Where it diverges a bit from its predecessor is its height and width.
With auto HDR enabled on high, in challenging lighting conditions.(Image credit: Windows Central | Jez Corden)
Overall, the Facecam MK.2 represents functional and sleek design conventions, with some welcome refinements over its predecessor.
But webcams are less about the physical presence, and more about your virtual presence.
How’s the camera sensor?
My natural lighting set up, with HDR turned down.(Image credit: Windows Central | Jez Corden)
It has become very stable, and also has mountains of features to elevate your webcam experience.
Elgato addressed many of my concerns about the Camera Hub from my previous review.
The default field of view is incredibly generous.
(Image credit: Windows Central | Jez Corden)
You may prefer to zoom in a bit, though.
Elgato could include some easing animation there to make it look a little less jerky, perhaps.
It’s a minor gripe, though.
(Image credit: Windows Central | Jez Corden)
The app also has plenty of standard options, such as contrast and saturation adjustments.
As such, it’s often very dark in my office.
It has denoising smoothing as well, which is decent as well if you’re in a darker room.
The build quality is solid overall, with a sleek profile.
I am incredibly satisfied.
Elgato Facecam MK.2 Review: Competition
Perhaps the most obvious competition here is theRazer Kiyo Pro.
There’s also theLogitech Streamcamas well, which comes in a bit cheaper.
The action on the privacy shutter is a bit iffy, but it’s usable, and hardly a deal breaker.
I think the Razer Kiyo Pro has an edge when it comes to brightness in challenging conditions, however.
It boils down to price ultimately.
Elgato Facecam MK.2 Review: Final thoughts
My gripes with the Elgato Facecam MK.2 are relatively minor.
Elgato addressed many of my previous complaints with the MK.1 version.
You’re already in the Elgato ecosystem for streaming.
Just confirm you actually need it, though.
