The camera has a raw video capture system, that is, without compression. This allows the image to be sent directly to the PC without delays or loss of quality, thus always achieving a perfect image. In addition, it also has a memory chip inside, where we can save all the settings directly in the camera and not depend on any configuration program.
Finally, as final details, it should be noted that it uses a USB-C connection port, it has a stand to mount it on any monitor and adjust the angle, it is certified to be used with the main video calling programs (Slack, Meet, Zoom, Teams, etc.), and has a physical privacy cover to cover the lens when we are not using it.
Differences with the previous Facecam
Broadly speaking, this MK.2 is a revision of the first model. But, if we go into detail, we can find several interesting differences that can make this model worth it compared to the previous one, especially considering that the price is the same: 149.99 euros.
The new MK.2 model stands out for having the ability to record video in HDR, in addition to capturing the image at 120 Hz when we use a resolution of 720p. This model also has PTZ controls that will allow us to move it horizontally, vertically, or zoom from its own program, and, finally, it has a privacy cover that will allow us to cover it when we do not want to be recorded.
Otherwise, both models are the same: same resolution, same sensor, same focus range, aperture, etc.
Unboxing and external analysis
This new webcam comes in a blue cardboard box. On the front we find a photo of the camera, the model, and the Elgato logo.
On the sides of the box we find the main specifications of the camera, as well as a list of all the contents that the package has to make sure that we are not missing anything.
And on the back we will have a little more detail about all the features and specifications of the camera.
Once the box is opened, the first thing we find is two documents. The first of them is installation and assembly, which will teach us how to place our camera correctly, and the second is the typical security one.
We also find the USB cable. This cable has a USB-A port on one end to connect it to the computer, and on the other a USB-C port to connect it to the camera itself. The cable has a rubber finish that makes it resistant.
And finally, we find the webcam itself. This comes in a protective bag and is sealed with an Elgato sticker.
Once opened, we can now see the camera in question. This webcam is black, with rounded edges, and, to be honest, much larger than other cameras we can find on the market.
The front part is typical. On the one hand, we have the lens itself, which has a cover to prevent people from spying on us when we are not going to use it, and we also find an LED that will be in charge of notifying us when the camera image is being recorded.
On the back we find some openings, which will be used to dissipate any heat generated during use, and the USB-C port to connect it.
On the sides we find, on one side, the Facecam brand, and on the other nothing.
At the top we find only the Elgato logo, the same as at the bottom, on the camera support, which is mounted as standard.
The stand can be adjusted in many ways. We can use it to keep the camera standing on a surface (although not recommended, since it is not very stable this way), and we can adjust it so that it holds perfectly, and at the angle we want, on top of our screen.
The stand can be removed, so if we want to use any other stand we have, buy it, we can use it. The anchoring of this is standard, the same as that of video cameras.
At the bottom of the camera we find, in addition to the support anchor, all the technical and manufacturing details of the webcam itself.
And finally, we also have the lens cover that, with a tab, we can open when we need it, and close it when we no longer need it so that they don’t spy on us.
How the Elgato Facecam MK.2 works
Starting this webcam has no mystery. The first thing we did was download the Elgato Camera Hub software to configure and use the camera with it. Once the program is installed on the PC, we connect the camera, and Windows will recognize it and install it automatically without us having to do anything.
Every time we open the program, it will look for new versions of the camera firmware to install. These new versions are important as they help fix minor malfunctions and also improve the overall quality and performance of the device.
Once the program is opened, we can see an interface similar to the following.
On the right side of the screen we can see, in real time, what the camera is recording. And, on the left side, all the other settings and configurations that we can apply to the camera, such as:
- Framing: Adjust the zoom or activate options such as panning, panning, or face tracking.
- Image: we adjust the contrast, saturation and sharpness of the image.
- Exposure: allows us to adjust the brightness, shutter, dynamic range or metering system. We can adjust it by hand, or let the system adjust it automatically.
- White balance: we can adjust the whites, either automatically or manually.
- Processing: from here we can adjust the type of noise reduction and the Hz of the image to avoid flickering.
With all these values adjusted, we only have to click on the “Save” button that we find at the top of the settings list. In this way, the settings will be saved in the camera’s memory, and we can use the camera, with these settings, in any other program, such as Teams or Google Meet.
In the “Effects” section we will also be able to apply various effects to the image that we recorded with the webcam. We can adjust the image, change the background and much more so that our work meetings have a much more professional appearance. Of course, we can only use them if we have an NVIDIA RTX 2060 or higher graphics card.
And the Elgato program doesn’t offer us much more. Once we have configured our camera, we can use it in any other program. For example, if we are going to make a WhatsApp, Teams, or Google Meet call, we can select it as a webcam.
The same applies, for example, if we are going to stream on YouTube or Twitch, or if we are going to record a video using any other capture program, such as the well-known OBS. The only thing is that, when we want to change the settings, we will have to go to the Camera Hub to adjust the desired values again.
Conclusion: is it worth it?
The truth is that Elgato already had one of the best models on the market for streaming, the Facecam. And the decision to release a revision of this to improve its main limitations, instead of releasing a totally new model, has been more than correct.
This camera offers us Full HD resolution with 60 Hz recording, perfect for streaming over the Internet or having video conferences at work. It is a camera that has a large sensor, a high-quality processing chip, and, in short, spectacular performance, even in low-light situations.
If we had to talk about the bad, the truth is that it is difficult to find handicaps. We can say, for example, that we miss biometric systems that allow us to use the camera with Windows Hello, or a higher quality, 4K, even if it were at 30 FPS. Despite this, it is a very high quality product, and with a more than reasonable price.
For all these reasons, we have decided to give this Elgato Facecam MK.2 our gold award, especially highlighting its performance.