Logitech Computer Cameras
Jenette Bregantini
Webcams are usually marketed with resolution (720p, 1080p, 4K, etc) and framerates because this is the most important factor for most people when buying a product, but there are many other considerations that make a webcam 'good' or 'bad'.
The first thing to consider is what you need your webcam for. For working professionals or office staff, most conference calling software such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams will restrict your broadcast quality to 1080p resolution and 30fps to preserve bandwidth. Google meets goes a step further and restricts your quality to 720p as this is the standard resolution on most built-in laptop cameras.
If you're planning on using a webcam purely for these work-related calls then there isn't any point in buying a powerful 4k model as you simply won't see the benefit. The light and color detection will vary for each model though, so you'll still see a variance in recording quality depending on what webcam you buy.
For content creators such as YouTubers or Streamers, there is a range of powerful webcams available, with some reaching 4K resolution and 60fps for buttery smooth video. These webcams are overkill for occasional use, but with features like a variable field of view (or FOV) and adjustable resolution or and zoom, the extra cash could be a worthy investment in your hobby.
Even the most expensive webcam can look terrible if you don't take your environment into consideration. Lighting can make a cheap 720p webcam look almost HD, and this doesn't have to make a dent in your wallet.
You can also replicate this using studio lights if you work in darker environments away from a window. You can also use cheap desk lamps in a pinch by directing them against a wall to reduce the harshing lighting and create a diffused appearance.
Always make sure your background looks nice. This doesn't mean you need to do anything fancy (unless you're a streamer and have the budget for some fancy LED lights and gamer swag), but you need to make sure you're the focus of the broadcast. Tidy up any mess, don't sit behind an open door and make sure you don't sit behind any other light sources. This will usually throw off the light sensors in your webcam and reduce your film quality.
Don't get us wrong; many models still boast powerful sensors and drivers as well as solid build quality and nifty features while keeping the price reasonable. But Logitech seems to have quality control issues with their newer models, and competition has gotten tougher with new brands joining the fray.
With webcams now being a crucial part of people's daily lives, whether it's for work, school or personal use, it's vital that you're getting your money's worth. So we are here to help. We've tested and reviewed quite a few of Logitech's webcams, which makes us the right people to ask if you're hoping to get your hands on one. We know just what to recommend, whether you're looking for a cheap webcam, a pricier 4K model, or a business webcam.
The Logitech C920 is a beloved favorite across the entire spectrum of streamers, content creators, and office professionals alike. And, when cost, quality, and performance are all calculated, the C920 is still the best webcam you can buy today, despite being released back almost 11 years ago.
The Logitech StreamCam is one of the best Logitech webcams for streamers and online broadcasters who want buttery smooth and high-quality video without the fuss of setting up a mirrorless camera and a capture card. That isn't to say you have to use the StreamCam for Twitch or YouTube.
However, features including auto-focusing, smart exposure, facial tracking, up to 60fps frame rate, and a flippable design so you can take photos and videos in 9:16 format certainly mean it's best utilized by content creators who can take full advantage. You can even mount it on a tripod, and it uses USB Type-C for fast and more efficient video transfer speeds.
Not that regular webcam users shouldn't get it either. It's very easy to use and to setup. Straight from plugging in, you can enjoy Logitechs latest release with minimal (if any) adjustments needed. We even use it for our daily video calls at work. But, it is also a little too pricey and feature-rich for such tasks. Get it only if you can maximize its features or if you've got the extra cash.
This means it's the perfect choice for anyone who makes video recordings (rather than live broadcasts) and doesn't want the hassle of setting up a Camcorder or DSLR. And, it's terrific for business calls and meetings when it's crucial to have impeccable, high-res picture quality.
Video calls in 4K may be overkill for most people, however, and it can take up a chunk of your PC's resources, so we wouldn't recommend it for everyone, even if you can afford its lofty price. Only really invest if you need that UltraHD resolution.
The Logitech C925e Business Webcam is a solid choice for anyone that needs to make calls in an environment where bandwidth is shared. The H.264 with Scalable Video Coding can help minimize dependence on computer and network resources, giving you smooth streams during those important calls.
Given you can't usually set up a professional lighting sig at your office desk, the C925e also has RightLight 2 technology to help you get the most out of any lighting situation. Meanwhile, the 1080p/30 fps video shooting resolution is just what most office professionals need for their daily meetings with colleagues and clients.
However, know that the fixed 78 field of view means that it's best-suited for individuals rather than teams. And, its 30fps frame rate makes it less-suited for streaming and content creation. For most everything else though, including online classes, it's a great mid-range Logitech webcam.
The Logitech C930e is the younger, beefier brother of the C920. Most webcams depend on the PC for all the heavy-lifting, but this 1080p Logitech webcam does the video encoding itself using H.264 with Scalable Video Coding, which should result in better video quality if you're fighting over a shared bandwidth.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, know that there are cheaper 1080p webcams to choose from. However, if staying on budget isn't top priority, and you're using it for work, then it's a terrific Logitech webcam.
It's a bit of a stretch to put this in your home office, but for small conference or meeting rooms its the perfect choice. The Logitech MeetUp is a professional webcam with an integrated full-range speaker system for great playback clarity and uses Logitechs RightSound technology to effectively capture speech around the room while suppressing unwanted background noise.
The 4K camera can automatically track movement and adjust to find the perfect room framing regardless how many people like to move around. There's even a 5x HD zoom to make sure the setup is also well suited for smaller groups or single users.
It's a pricey product, so even if you're a professional, there might be better value options for you on this list. However, for a business that needs to make frequent group broadcasts, the investment should prove itself worthy of such an expense.
TechRadar doesn't use any computer programs to benchmark a Logitech webcam as their quality is visually noticeable. Instead, models will be stacked up against products with similar specifications and MSRP to see how they compare, and ran through a few scenarios.
We keep lighting levels consistent and test for well-lit and low-light conditions to put the webcam sensor through its paces. We make note of how accurate the colors are in any recorded footage and the overall clarity of video and photographs taken on the webcam.
We also compare features like field-of-view (often abbreviated to FOV), frame rate and resolution, as well as any software that ships with the product. Operating systems like Windows 10 have a camera application capable of making minimal adjustments to contrast and hue. The hardware itself will also be checked for mounting options and available movement, such as a swivel ball joint or fixed positioning. Finally, any onboard microphone will be checked for clarity and its ability to filter out background noise.
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