Logitech StreamCam vs C920 (2022): Should You Go For The Basic Or Pro Webcam?

Webcam sales have gone up drastically in 2020 and it’s no mystery why. Now that the traditional office setup has been replaced by the work-from-home life, everyone needs a quality webcam for their virtual meetings. If you’re still using your laptop’s unreliable camera and would like to upgrade, two Logitech models you can look into are the StreamCam and the C920, both of which are quality options. To help you decide between the two, here’s an in-depth comparison, taking their design, image and sound quality, and software into consideration.

Logitech StreamCam vs C920 Comparison Chart

Design

The Logitech StreamCam has a more modern and innovative design while the C920 keeps things basic.

The Logitech StreamCam has a hip and modern vibe to it, ditching the typical webcam look for a square silhouette. It’s pretty compact, too, measuring in at 2.6 x 2.3 x 1.9 inches, so it’s a good choice for those who aren’t into clunky devices. To boot, it comes in two colors, namely graphite and white, instead of just boring old black.

The best part about the StreamCam’s design, however, would have to be its versatility. You can mount it vertically or horizontally, rotate in multiple directions, and even do a full 90-degree downward tilt with it. As expected from Logitech, the StreamCam comes with a sturdy mounting hardware so it’ll stay secure even as you adjust its position. You can also mount it on a tripod if that’s what you prefer. Do note though that these cool design features come with quite a hefty price tag.

As for the Logitech C920, it’s hard to tell it apart from all the other webcams out there. It doesn’t have any distinct design features nor can you mount it in a variety of ways like the StreamCam. All it can really boast of design-wise is its solid mounting hardware that keeps it from wobbling even as you move around. That said, if you don’t care so much for looks and all you want is a dependable, no-frills webcam, the C920 is a good option that won’t break the bank.

Image and Sound Quality

The biggest advantage that the Logitech StreamCam has over the C920 is its wide F/2.0 aperture.

The Logitech StreamCam isn’t just about good looks. It delivers in the image quality department, too, allowing you to stream at a maximum resolution of 1080p at 60fps. Also, you don’t have to worry if you’re not the techy type because it pretty much does everything for you. It has AI-enabled facial tracking which makes sure that you’re always in focus even as you shift around within the frame. In addition, it has auto-exposure so that you always look good no matter the lighting condition. But what’s really impressive about the StreamCam is its wide maximum aperture of F/2.0. So even if you’re in a poorly-lit corner of the house, it should still be able to produce bright images.

While the Logitech C920’s maximum resolution is slightly lower at 1080p at 30fps, you shouldn’t let that fool you because it’s a capable webcam in its own right. Equipped with a five-element, Full HD glass lens, you can expect it to take images that are clear, crisp, and vibrant. Don’t be surprised if even the little details in the background show up in your streams. Also, it has autofocus and an automatic HD light-correcting feature so you can be sure that your photos and videos will always be sharp and bright even if the lighting condition isn’t the most ideal.

When it comes to audio quality, the Logitech StreamCam again has the slight upper hand. It gives you the option to use its built-in microphone either in stereo or dual mono mode, a feature that’s missing on the C920. Also, the StreamCam has a noise reduction filter so you don’t have to worry so much about background sounds.

Software

Both the Logitech StreamCam and C920 can be used in tandem with a Logitech software.

Using the Logitech C920 along with Logitech’s Webcam Software for Windows will give you access to more settings and allow you to perform more actions. You can, for example, adjust the brightness, color saturation, and white balance as well as pan and zoom. If you’d like to keep a close eye on the valuables on your desk, you can even turn the C920 into a security camera via the software’s motion detection feature.

As for the StreamCam, it can be used in tandem with Logitech’s Capture Software and, by doing so, you can dive into more advanced settings such as pixel quality, FPS, and video aspect ratio. And because the StreamCam is designed primarily for streamers, the software opens you up to a wide selection of streaming layouts (eg: split-screen and corner box) as well as text overlays and filters. The software also comes in handy for those who use a green screen as it allows you to blend seamlessly into the background.

Verdict

The Logitech C920 is basic and dependable while the StreamCam is more advanced and versatile.

The Logitech C920 is a great pick for those who want a simple, affordable, yet dependable everyday webcam. It’s definitely more than enough for Zoom meetings and Skype calls. If, however, you want to take things a step further (and are willing to pay a heftier sum), the Logitech StreamCam is the advanced webcam you’re looking for. Its design, which lets you mount the webcam in several different ways, is ingenious. To boot, its specs are impressive as well, most especially the wide F/2.0 aperture. It’s also a lot more versatile because it can be used for both online meetings as well as streaming.

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