Elgato enjoys a strong reputation among streamers. From Stream Deck control panels to USB microphones, content creators vouch that the brand’s stuff works. In 2021, it expanded its catalog further with the Elgato Facecam, a high-quality webcam that doesn’t cost a grand.
Logitech targets a broader demographic with its computer peripherals. Its lineup includes some of the best webcams for business. One of them is the Logitech Brio, which ranks high among pros, thanks to its functionality and 4K capability.
While they have different markets, how do these top webcams fare against each other? Below, we take a look at their features to help you decide.
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Elgato Facecam vs Logitech Brio Comparison Chart
Design
While their designs aren’t revolutionary, the Logitech Brio looks sleeker than the Elgato Facecam.
Appearance-wise, nothing is striking about the Elgato Facecam or the Logitech Brio. They aren’t as quirky as the Owl Labs Original 360º nor as versatile as the Logitech StreamCam. But both look the part — well-built, professionally-designed webcams with discreet profiles.
Elgato’s Facecam is bulkier and, when mounted on a desktop, feels top-heavy. Its case is made of plastic, which feels cheap given the price tag. Still, its ability to tilt and swivel makes up for its otherwise generic aesthetic. And if you’re not confident mounting it on your computer, the Facecam has a tripod screw as an alternative.
On the other hand, the Logitech Brio is a much sleeker device. Sporting an extended oval shape, the webcam tucks its lens and sensors seamlessly into the unit. The Brio’s mounting clip can also be removed if you want to thread a tripod.
Without the clip, Logitech’s 4K webcam is considerably lighter than Elgato’s. Put on the mount, and it’s only a gram heavier than a mount-less Facecam. Neither has built-in privacy shutters, but the accessory can be installed optionally.
Camera
Logitech’s Brio has the edge of 4K recording over Elgato’s Facecam.
Elgato’s Facecam can record up to 1080p at 60 fps. In normal conditions, the webcam performs well, delivering crisp images and fluid recordings. It also captures a ton of detail, thanks to a Sony STARVIS CMOS sensor. Now, the Facecam’s 82º field-of-view isn’t the widest, nor is it adjustable. But it does an excellent job of keeping you centered without resulting in a fish-eye effect.
In contrast, the Logitech Brio has an adjustable field of view across three levels: 90°, 78°, and 65°. It’s also one of the few webcams that support 4K video recording. At this level, the video quality is noticeable for its superb color and quality. If you’re not interested in 4K, the 1080p at either 30 or 60 fps still offers a huge upgrade in clarity and smoothness from regular webcams.
The Logitech Brio owes its crispness to a 13MP sensor. It comes with autofocus and 5x digital zoom. Elgato ditches autofocus on the Facecam, instead relying on what it calls optimized fixed focus. It’s not as versatile as autofocus, but it’s faster at making subjects come clear. Just sit in front of the webcam, and you’re at the center of attention.
If you create product reviews, the Logitech Brio is better at focusing on objects you hold, even just inches away from the camera. But for gamers who stream in low-light conditions, the Elgato Facecam’s STARVIS sensor delivers better low-light performance.
Sound Quality
The Logitech Brio comes with dual omnidirectional mics with noise-canceling technology. Elgato’s Facecam, on the other hand, lacks a built-in mic.
When it comes to audio quality, you can’t say anything about the Elgato Facecam. The webcam doesn’t have any built-in microphone. Since it’s marketed toward streamers, the assumption is that most of these customers already own a separate mic. At the same time, you could make a case for Elgato pushing for its Wave microphones.
If you want an all-in-one unit, the Logitech Brio is better. The webcam features two omnidirectional mics designed to capture audio up to a meter away. It also has noise-canceling technology, a plus for professionals who need a quiet space for their online meetings. It’s not going to challenge standalone microphones but the audio quality never sounds canned or hollow.
Software
Both the Elgato Facecam and Logitech Brio have accompanying software for customizations.
Today’s webcams can do more, thanks to software. Elgato’s Camera Hub, for instance, allows you to adjust settings like zoom, saturation, and contrast. The DSLR-like controls oversee shutter speed and ISO, allowing you to fine-tune image quality. But while the software can customize your camera output, you can only take photos with it. If you need to shoot a video, you’d have to use a different app.
Fortunately, Elgato makes things more convenient if you switch devices often. Through Elgato Flash Memory, customized settings are saved directly to the Facecam and ready to apply on any computer or laptop.
Meanwhile, Logitech relies on the new Logi Tune Desktop App for customizations on the Brio. Busy professionals in a virtual meeting will appreciate how the program can pop up in a mini window. This allows you to make changes on the fly without an entire window obstructing your view. You can tune your audio and integrate your calendar schedule into the program as well.
The staples are also present on the Tune Desktop. Users can zoom in or out, adjust color, choose the field of view, or set manual focus. It also comes with color presets for quick changes.
Verdict
If you’re a streamer deep into Elgato’s ecosystem, the Facecam will be a nice addition to your suite. However, most people will benefit more from the Logitech Brio.
The Elgato Facecam delivers impressive image quality even though it lacks HDR or 4K. It owes this performance to a Sony STARVIS sensor and solid image processing. Elgato’s Camera Hub software also offers DSLR-like settings — like shutter speed and ISO controls — even if overall customizations are limited.
It’s clear, however, that the Facecam is made for streamers, with niche features like settings being saved on the camera itself. This is useful if you switch devices often. The Facecam’s lack of a built-in mic also assumes you have a separate one already, maybe even Elgato’s.
For most professionals, the Logitech Brio will be a better purchase. It’s not the cheapest model from Logitech, with budget webcams available, but is a solid choice for those who want to look better in a Zoom meeting or video recording — that’s 4K for you.
Logitech’s software offers plenty of customizations, and you can make these adjustments without getting distracted during a meeting. And yes, the Brio has built-in microphones with noise-canceling technology. For some people, that’s all that matters in a webcam.
FAQs
The Elgato Facecam’s USB-A to USB-C cable is 78.7 inches long.
The Logitech Brio comes with a 3-year limited hardware warranty.
Yes, Elgato’s Facecam comes with a privacy cap but it’s a separate component and not built into the webcam.
Yes, the Logitech Brio works with USB-C, but only if you have a third-party adapter.