Logitech C920 vs Microsoft LifeCam Studio (2021): Which Webcam Suits You Better?

Webcams have quickly become a necessity, given the world’s current situation. Where people would hold face-to-face meetings under normal circumstances, video conferencing apps and other video calling platforms have taken their place. While most laptops nowadays have serviceable webcams, a separate dedicated external webcam is still a worthy investment to make.

Two of the most well-known companies in tech accessories (and tech in general), Microsoft and Logitech, have a ton of webcam options to choose from. In this comparison, we’ll take a look at the Microsoft LifeCam Studio and the Logitech C920. Keep reading to find out how they stack up in terms of audio quality, image quality, and more.

Logitech C920 vs Microsoft LifeCam Studio Comparison Chart

Image Quality

The two cameras are similar in terms of image quality.

Between the two webcams being compared, neither hold a significant advantage over their competitor. Both the C920 and the LifeCam Studio have a maximum resolution of 1080p, and neither of the webcams are capable of streaming at 60fps. The two webcams are also both capable of autofocus, so you won’t have to worry about your video being out of focus. Microsoft’s website says that the LifeCam Studio’s autofocus starts at a distance of four inches away from the camera, so keep that in mind if ever you buy one of these.

There are some minute differences between the two, though. For one, the LifeCam Studio has a built-in flash. If ever you use your webcam for taking still images in an area with low light, the LifeCam Studio will serve you better. If ever you’ll need to zoom in, though, the C920 has stronger zoom capabilities. It can magnify up to 4 times, compared to the LifeCam Studio (which can only go up to 3x zoom). That’s about it for the differences, though; these webcams are more similar than they are different. Both cameras have light correction capabilities, making the image it generates clearer and the colors more vibrant.

Audio Quality

Only the C920 can provide noise reduction.

When it comes to audio quality, the two are still quite close. However, the ability to reduce noise gives the C920 a slight advantage over its competitor. A feature like this will be particularly useful in settings like a home office, which might be shared between two or more people. If ever you’re in a meeting within a setting like this, ambient noises like keyboard clacking can be minimized, reducing distractions for both you and other people in the meeting. Aside from this, though, there’s not much difference between the two webcams. Their built-in microphones are serviceable enough, but are not necessarily of top-tier quality.

The C920 is equipped with two stereo microphones, which can be found on either side of the lens. This allows for a natural, realistic sound that works really well in meetings. You’ll sound like you’re right there with the other people in the conference room. On the other hand, the LifeCam Studio has one wideband microphone that’s on top of the lens (near the blue indicator). Wideband microphones are also known for delivering natural-sounding and detailed high-definition audio, since their frequency range suits the human voice more closely than conventional “toll quality” phone audio.

Design

Both are designed to be mounted on screens.

Both the C920 and the LifeCam Studio are equipped with a universal clip. This means that it’s well-suited to mounting on your screen, a shelf, or any other nearby surface that can provide you the best angle that you want. The clips can also be folded and made to function as a stand, meaning that you have more options. If you still can’t get the angle that you want with either option and happen to have an unused tripod, you can use one with either webcam too. There’s a ton of choices when it comes to viewing angles for both models.

One design advantage that the LifeCam Studio does have, though, is that it’s fully rotatable. This means that it can rotate a full 360 degrees, getting anyone in the room in the same call in frame, wherever they are. The C920 can’t offer the same kind of flexibility. However, in terms of lens quality, they’re pretty much the same. The C920 uses Full HD glass, through which light disperses in a way that makes clearer images than with conventional glass. Meanwhile, the LifeCam Studio similarly uses what Microsoft calls high-precision glass, which provides sharper image quality much like the C920’s Full HD glass does.

Ease of Use

Windows users can choose from either model.

Both the C920 and the LifeCam Studio are quite easy to use if your computer runs Windows. Logitech’s webcams generally work with PCs that run Windows 7 and newer. The LifeCam Studio is a bit more restrictive, since it only works with Windows 8 and newer. However, the C920’s advantages pop up when it comes to a wider compatibility range. It works with macOS 10.10 or later, ChromeOS, and Android 5.0 and newer. On the other hand, the LifeCam Studio can only guarantee limited compatibility with Macs running 10.7 or newer.

In terms of warranty, the LifeCam Studio has a slight advantage. Its coverage is a full year longer than the C920’s. This means that you’ll be protected by Microsoft’s quality customer service for a year longer, which could be a deal breaker especially if you’re expecting your webcam to see a lot of wear and tear within a short period of time.

Verdict

Either choice is great (as long as you’re running Windows).

The Microsoft LifeCam Studio is a great choice for anyone who’s looking for a compact camera from a trusted company. It provides full HD video, has decent audio, and has enough additional capabilities (like full 360 degree rotation) to make it a good buy. However, you can only really take full advantage of its features if you use a Windows PC (which is understandable, given its manufacturer).

For people using other operating systems (even niche ones like Chrome OS), go for the Logitech C920 instead. It offers all the same basic features as the LifeCam Studio, and also a few improvements like the inclusion of noise reduction capabilities. If that’s not enough to convince you, it’s also generally more affordable than the LifeCam Studio: prices are listed at around 40 bucks cheaper for the C920.

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