Introduction
Both streaming and videoconferencing have grown massively during the past few years and technology has advanced significantly through this time. But while many are fine with their phones and laptop cameras, there are certain professions that benefit more from having a larger camera.
Sure, content creators and streamers are a primary thought but professionally, remote learning and remote work are also a market segment that will benefit from better quality webcams. But for the longest time, 4K webcams have soared in pricing led by mainstream brands like Logitech who has kept a tight grip on streaming webcams but with more companies entering the streaming market, that has changed. Streamplify is offering competitive products for a more reasonable price and we have a string of reviews featuring their product right here starting with the CAM PRO 4K webcam. Read on to find out more!
Features & Specification
- High definition 4K/30fps capture and 8.5M pixel sensor for superior image quality
- Rotating shutter cover with mute function enables quick adjustment and privacy protection
- 105° wide screen view with no image distortion
- Simple button toggles 5x digital zoom in under 720p resolution
- Magnetic foot stand fits various mounting applications
| Model | CAM PRO |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Image resolution | 8.5 megapixels, SONY CMOS Sensor |
| Image format | YUV2 and MJPEG |
| Frame rate | (3840 x 2160) 30fps, (1920 x 1080) 60 fps, (1280 x 720) 60fps, (640 x 480) 60fps in MJPEG |
| Viewing angle | 105° |
| Zoom type | 5x Digital Zoom with 720p resolution |
| Focus type | Auto focus |
| Mic. Phone number | Built-in dual omnidirectional mics |
| Magnetic stand | Yes |
| Rotate to mute | Yes |
| Brightness enhancement | Yes |
| Power required | 5V, < 400mA |
| Plug & Play | Yes, standard UVC & UVA protocol |
| Connection Type | USB C ; Compatible with type 3.0 connector |
| Cable length | 200 cm |
| Tripod compatible | Support standard ¼ inch head |
Official product page – Streamplify CAM PRO
Closer Look
As you’ll see in all our Streamplify product reviews, the company has a color coding they follow with their product boxes. With the CAM PRO, they have a bright blue box with full color printing. A hero produt of the CAM PRO on the front with bullets to show the features. The Streamplify CAM which is the 1080p-only verrsion has an black body and that is shown on the cover so please take note when receving your item on the different of the version’s packaging.
Inside the package is the CAM PRO webcam, a 2-meter USB-C to USB-A cable, a manual, a mini tripod and metal replacement privacy cover.
The included USB cable is fairly firm and is easily one my pet peeves form this product. It works with no issue but given the length, a softer cable could’ve worked miracles for cable management.
Focusing on the CAM PRO webcam itself, out of the box the privacy cover is made of plastic. The replacement metal cover can be slipped on easily as we’ll see later. The design of the CAM PRO is a tube mounted on a ball joint that rocks freely on a flat mount. Its relatively larger webcam than most standard 1080p cameras but the body isn’t obtrusive nor obnoxiously large.
The camera cover I mentioned can be easily pulled of as nothing is holding it down. Its purely cosmetic although as you can see, there is sensor on the main body tube that allows the Streamplify CAM PRO to know when the shutter is down, disabling the built-in mic.
The built-in front-facing microphone are the tiny slits on the front of the camera. Don’t cover them or pick out the hole if you intended to use the built-in mic.
The main unit of the Streamplify CAM PRO can freely rock a few degrees side to side but its main function is it can rotate a full 360-degrees.
I’ve not seen a webcam with magnetic feet before but its not a unique feature with MagSafe becoming a thing, its about time someone uses magnet for mounting especially for those that have their cases on the side with solid side panels. Other than that, there’s traditional clip mounting and a threaded mount for compatible camera mounting gear like a gooseneck or a GorillaPod.
Now the actual camera in use.
Sample Footage
This footage is recorded in an LED flourescent lamp-lit room with no sound treatment. The footage is recorded directly on Windows Camera app with no post-processing done.
Conclusion
While a lot of folks would be able to appreciate the looks of a 4K webcam, the actual usecase is more important. Content creators and streamers aside, the Streamplify CAM PRO’s video quality is decent enough to even pass for a main camera for making talking heads not just for Youtube but corporate presentations, initimate talks and other needs that require a more clearer image for presentation.
At around PHP5.5K, its half the price of Logitech’s 4K webcam offering even less from Elgato’s 4K camera. Sure, those other options feature a host of features but as a camera, all of them are functionally the same with minor differences but unless you’re a pixel peeper or demand 4K60, there’s nothing holding back the Streamplify CAM PRO and its an easy recommendation if you need a large resolution webcam for your presentation needs.
Streamplify products are available now in the Philippines. Check out what’s available at https://ecommerce.datablitz.com.ph/collections/streamplify.
Warranty varies so please check with your local distributor for actual duration.
