Facecam 4K gives Mac users DSLR-style webcam video with real filters
Elgato's new Facecam 4K resembles a professional camera, offering 4K video at 60 fps, full manual controls, and support for standard 49-mm lens filters to Mac users.
Elgato unveils Facecam 4K
The company announced the camera on July 29. It's the first consumer webcam to support screw-on lens filters, a feature more common in photography and film.
It also includes a larger sensor, real-time image processing, and uncompressed video output over USB 3.0. Elgato says the goal is to give content creators more control over image quality without requiring a full studio setup.
The Facecam 4K uses a Sony Starvis 2 sensor, sized at 1/1.8 inches. That's larger than what most webcams use and helps with low-light performance and color accuracy.
A custom lens provides a 90-degree field of view and maintains focus up to 1.2 meters. Video is processed on-device before being sent over USB 3.0 without compression, at up to 2160p30.
The result is a cleaner image with less latency compared to typical webcams, especially those using compression to handle 4K resolution. Elgato's Camera Hub software provides access to manual controls like ISO and shutter speed.
The Facecam 4K uses a Sony Starvis 2 sensor. Image credit: Elgato
There's also digital pan, tilt, and zoom, along with support for HDR and LUTs. Users with Nvidia RTX cards can apply background blur effects during live capture.
Physical filters in a webcam
The Facecam 4K has a threaded mount for standard 49-mm lens filters. This allows attachment of photography filters like CPL to reduce glare, diffusion for softening, or stylized options like starburst effects.
A CPL filter is included with orders placed through Elgato's store. Additional filters can be reused from existing camera setups or bought separately.
Until now, these kinds of image adjustments were limited to mirrorless or DSLR cameras. Facecam 4K adds them to a webcam for the first time.
The Facecam 4K has a threaded mount for standard 49-mm lens filters. Image credit: Elgato
It doesn't require external lighting or complex gear to get started. The camera works as a plug-and-play device, with options for adjusting image settings through software when needed.
Elgato Facecam 4K availability
Facecam 4K is available now from Elgato's website and through Corsair's global retail partners. It's priced at $199.99, placing it well below the cost of a typical DSLR or mirrorless camera setup.
The webcam is a solid option for Mac users who need high-quality video for streaming, recording, or video calls. Elgato's Camera Hub software runs natively on macOS, including Apple Silicon machines, and supports features like manual controls, LUTs, and background blur.
Facecam 4K connects over USB 3.0, so it's plug-and-play with most modern Macs.
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