Logitech StreamCam webcam review

Logitech’s newest webcam is the StreamCam. It will be positioned above the old C920 in Logitech’s lineup but below the 4K-enabled Brio. It has a sleek design, AI-powered automated framing, stereo mics, and shoots high-resolution Full HD video at 60 frames per second.

While the name suggests that this is a camera for streamers, we believe it is a decent alternative for remote workers who want to improve their appearance (and sound quality) without spending too much money on a 4K webcam that will be wasted on HD-only video conferencing platforms.

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Logitech StreamCam webcam Specifications

Resolution: 1080p Full HD
Frame rate: 60 fps
Digital zoom: 
Microphone: Yes, stereo
Autofocus: Yes
Privacy cover: No
Connection: USB-C (fixed)

Logitech StreamCam webcam Key features

Logitech is keen to persuade you that this is a fantastic camera for streaming. The StreamCam’s box even claims that this is “the ultimate experience for streamers,” but don’t be fooled by that. Unfortunately, Logitech’s marketing department got in the way, because the StreamCam, while a nice camera, is nothing special, at least for people looking to earn a living from online streaming.

The ability to spin the StreamCam 90 degrees and capture HD video in Instagram story-friendly portrait mode is said to be a crucial feature. However, because an Instagram story cannot be live-streamed via a webcam (only a smartphone), this function is best for content makers, such as YouTubers, who prefer to shoot portrait-orientation tales rather than stream live at that aspect ratio.

A decent autofocus mechanism and an automated framing feature that cuts in slightly then utilizes AI to pan and zoom to maintain your face in the shot while you move around are two more handy features. We’re not sure which streamers like to walk around their room rather than sit at their workstation, but we shouldn’t keep pulling on that linguistic thread.

Other features include the free Logi Capture app, which allows you to tweak camera settings, create a colored border, and even add text and lower-thirds to your movies before sending them to your preferred video calling, recording, or streaming app. It’s a wonderful mix of simple tools that will surely come in handy for inexperienced content creators.

Logitech StreamCam webcam Build and handling

The StreamCam is one of the more appealing webcams (at least in our opinion) and is larger than it appears. But this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as larger image sensors and more lens components usually imply a better camera. The cloth front is appealing, and the universal monitor mount works well, offering horizontal and vertical adjustment as well as a tripod mount.

Because the StreamCam’s lens is slightly higher than most, you’ll appear to be staring down more in video chats than with other webcams. It’s a minor thing, but it’s worth mentioning for anyone who works in front of a huge monitor, which magnifies such a shift of attention.

The StreamCam comes with a 1.5-metre USB-C cable for futureproofing, but it’s connected to the camera, so you’ll need to buy an adaptor if your computer doesn’t have one. When the camera is in its typical landscape configuration, the Logi logo is written sideways, which is a little annoying. The branding is where it should be when you rotate it to portrait (which is easy to do because the mount accommodates the webcam either way), implying that Logitech really wants the StreamCam to be used for shooting all those vertical Instagram stories that you can’t actually stream.

Logitech StreamCam webcam performance

We admit that we’ve been harsh on the StreamCam so far, but that’s largely due to Logitech’s name and marketing strategy for what is otherwise a fantastic webcam. It creates film that is clear, smooth, and well balanced, with good exposure and white balance control, especially in challenging lighting settings such as with a window full of sunlight behind us.

The focusing technology wasn’t always as swift as we’d like it to be, and our faces were occasionally slightly out of focus. The image was incredibly crisp once it locked on, and anyone upgrading from their integrated laptop webcam would notice a significant improvement. The dual-mic stereo arrangement also improves sound quality.

But for anyone who really wants to stream with the StreamCam…

Unless you’re just getting started, we recommend starting with a less expensive webcam, such as the outdated but still perfectly fine Logitech C920, and then upgrading to a ring light and a dedicated USB microphone. Better lighting and sound will go a long way toward elevating your streaming cam beyond the StreamCam.

While the 78-degree field-of-view is absolutely sufficient for video conversations, it isn’t very wide when it comes to streaming, where the audience normally wants to see more of the presenter’s background.

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Logitech StreamCam webcam Pros

• Good HD video quality
• Nice design
• Free Logitech software is useful

Logitech StreamCam webcam Cons

• Vertical video cannot be streamed, only recorded
• Expensive (when not heavily reduced)
• Hardwired USB-C cable will be annoying for many

Our Verdict 

Having said that, the StreamCam is now available with a significant discount in some places, bringing the price down to a much more manageable $95 or £65. It’s worth it at this price, but at the regular price of $170/£140, we wouldn’t recommend it as a camera for streamers (much less term it their “ultimate experience”). We wish Logitech had dropped the price and removed capabilities like vertical recording and image stabilization (for all those times you walk around with a webcam).

The StreamCam is an excellent webcam, and it can also capture footage for a YouTube channel for content creators who don’t yet have a dedicated camera. However, Logitech falls short of delivering on the camera’s claim of providing the “ideal experience for streamers.”